Amman, Thursday, 14^th January 2010- Her Majesty Queen Noor joined the King Hussein Foundation's Jubilee School in celebrating Arbor Day and planted olive trees in the school playgrounds along with the school's board members, student council, teachers and staff.

Queen Noor welcomed the students' participation in Arbor Day as a reflection of their civic responsibility towards their community and environment.

During her visit to t he school, Queen Noor also toured the newly completed Jubilee Theater, built through a grant by the Arab Fund for Social and Economic Development in Kuwait in cooperation with the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation.

Queen Noor was briefed on the state of the art theater, the auditorium's 500 seating capacity and high-tech audio-visual and lighting technologies. In addition to assisting the school in discovering students' talents, the theater will serve as a new addition to Jordan's modern multi-purpose venues, setting the stage for public cultural events, exhibitions, film screening and conferences.

On Thursday 21^st January, the theater opens its doors to host Robert Williams, President of the International Astronomical Union, and Jeffery Hoffman, a former NASA astronaut and Professor, for a lecture and open discussion with the students on new opportunities for future Jordanian astronauts. The two astronauts' visit to Jordan is organized by the Arab Union for Astronomy and Spaces Sciences.

Her Majesty Queen Noor chaired on 19^th December Tamweelcom's annual Board of Directors' meeting, and honored the outgoing chairman and two board members.

The meeting reviewed strategic options and legal framework enabling the Jordan Microcredit Company to expand its portfolio, and transfer its expertise to neighboring countries, having been ranked this year by the Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX) Global as the top performing company in the MENA region.

During the meeting, Queen Noor honored former Tamweelcom Chairman, His Highness Al-Sharif Shaker Bin Zaid, and former board members, Amer al-Salti and H.E. Rateb Al-Wazani for their distinguished efforts and continued support to the company over the past years. The board had earlier elected Imad Ayoub as the new chairman.

Queen Noor commended the company's outstanding performance over the past year, noting that through its international recognition, Tamweelcom is translating the late King Hussein's vision for Jordan as a center of innovation and model for best international practices in the region, as well as an exporter of expertise.

Tamweelcom Executive Director, Ziad Al-Rifai said the company's ability to provide its clients with marketing channels has significantly contributed to increasing sales for small enterprise owners, who previously suffered marketing setbacks and low revenue. In addition to its financial services, Tamweelcom offers clients a number of non-financial services, including capacity building, project management training, and the provision of education loans to school and university students.

During the past year, Tamweelcom received three awards; the Middle East Regional Social Entrepreneurship Award from Schwab Foundation, the King Abdullah Award for Excellence, and the Performance Award from Sanabel Microfinance Network of Arab countries. Since it was established in 1999, Tamweelcom has so far disbursed over 37.000 loans to the value of JD64 million, 95% of which benefited women in various sectors.

Dubai, 13^th December 2009 - Her Majesty Queen Noor delivered a keynote speech at the Sixth Dubai International Film Festival during the Cultural Bridge Panel, following the gala film screening of Budrus, a documentary film directed by Palestinian Julia Bacha on the Palestinian Israeli conflict.

Queen Noor introduced the film Budrus as an example of the humanizing power of films, and emphasized the importance of the responsibilities and opportunities of today’s media industry to enhance understanding rather than reinforce divisions and preconceptions.

 

At a panel discussion following the film, Queen Noor was joined by the film's director, as well as Hollywood producer Mike Medavoy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Rebecca Saxe and Shamil Idriss, CEO of Soliya, an NGO dedicated to empowering young people to use media to advance social change which Queen Noor helped launch at an event earlier in the evening..

"This is a story which needs to be told and I believe healthy dialogue through film is the only way we will ever solve these problems," said the film's director, Julia Bacha.

Jordan Business interview with H.M. Queen Noor

September 2009 Issue

Q: This year, the King Hussein Foundation (KHF) is celebrating the ten-year anniversary since its establishment. What do you feel have been some of the organization’s most important accomplishments over the past decade?

A: After the passing away of King Hussein in 1999, a Royal Decree was issued to establish the King Hussein Foundation (KHF) as an enduring commitment to his humanitarian vision and legacy. That same year, we founded the King Hussein Foundation International, as a non-profit, non-governmental organization to support KHF’s regional and international programs.

"A foundation that embodies and fulfills Al-Hussein's vision and the religious, ethical and social values that he believed in and was keen to preserve", said King Abdullah on issuing the Decree, and I deeply value his patronage and continued support of the Foundation.

During the course of King Hussein’s 47-year reign, Jordan evolved into a regional model for progress in education, healthcare, socio-economic development and political liberalization. Despite its limited resources, Jordan has managed to achieve some of the highest human development indicators in the developing world, and in some cases, on par with developed countries. These accomplishments continue to reflect King Hussein's passionate belief in the power and potential of each Jordanian citizen to significantly contribute to national development.

This year, we celebrate 10 years since the establishment of KHF, but through its affiliation with Noor Al-Hussein Foundation (NHF), which I founded in 1985, it became the umbrella that encompasses a broad range of projects, some of which have existed long before. Those include the Jubilee Institute, which provides innovative programs to enhance national and regional educational opportunities; the National Center for Culture and Performing Arts and the National Music Conservatory, through which we promote cross cultural discourse and understanding, and the Information and Research Center, which conducts research to feed policy makers and advocacy groups on key development issues, with focus on women and children.

Additionally, we have NHF's Institute for Family Health, which provides integrated health care and psychosocial services to family members, and the Community Development Program, which also encompasses five programs that serve local and less privileged communities in such areas as capacity building, business development, and improved quality of life.

Amman, 16th November, 2009. The National Music Conservatory of the King Hussein Foundation held a music recital by beneficiaries of Music Therapy, a project that is part of psychosocial services provided by the Noor Al-Hussein Foundation's institutions in cooperation with UNHCR to Iraqis residing in Jordan.

The project serves to help Iraqi children and their families overcome their traumatizing experiences, lead healthy family life and integrate into the host society.

A total of 44 children and adults, aged between two to 21 years, engaged in individual and group performances, featuring music and song as the most effective tool of communication and healing when other means of self expression fail.

Initiated in 2007, clinical music therapy aims to address the emotional health of traumatized Iraqi individuals through participation in music experience that helps promote positive relationships, and enhance self expression. Board-certified music therapists (MT-BC) conduct individual and group sessions with the participants, taking into account the specific needs of each individual and documenting improvements over the course of the treatment. During a session with the music therapist, individuals would improvise music, recreate music, listen, or compose their own pieces and engage in group activity.

The program involves two sessions per week, one individual and one group, and is usually preceded by music courses on various instruments. It started with 20 participants and has since expanded to benefit more than 200 cases.

2 October 2009, Amman – The King Hussein Foundation's Information and Research Center (IRC) has completed the first stage of a European Commission-funded project entitled Removing 'Honor' from ‘Crimes of Honor': A Project to Change the Jordanian Mindset by launching the findings of a study in a plenary conference last Thursday. This initiative for women's empowerment forms an integral part of King Hussein Foundation's social and economic development programs.

The study found that 66% of the criminal perpetrators were economically disadvantaged males and 73% of victims were economically disadvantaged females.

'Given that the poor in Jordan represent 30% of the population, the percentage of poor victims should have been 30%, not 73%', stated Yusuf Mansur who presented the economic component of the study. This shows a high correlation between so-called honor crimes and poverty,’ Dr. Mansur said.

The study also found a strong association between economic growth and decreased incidents of so-called honor crimes, and the same trend in reverse.

Nermeen Murad, director of the IRC, emphasized the need for civil society to speak up and to put an end to the crime’s association with honor. ‘These crimes are a reflection of societal and economic ills that need to be determined and addressed,’ she said.

Among the audience were members of community-based organisations, community leaders, Senators, parliamentarians, judges, lawyers, social workers, members of the police force and students from King Hussein Foundation’s Jubilee School.

The launch of the study was followed by a heated discussion of its implications among the audience.

Among some of the study’s recommendations were the modification of legislation to make penalties for this crime harsher, the provision of support for institutions that deal with the crime, and improving economic, legal and social welfare of underprivileged communities, especially women. All findings of the study will be posted on the website http://www.mathlouma.com.

The second stage of the EC-funded project will focus on carrying out the awareness-raising component of the project targeting university and school students nationally through specially designed lectures and dialogue sessions. The project will also conduct a series of awareness campaigns utilizing television and radio to rally society to join in the effort towards the eradication of the crime’s perceived link to honor in the common psyche.

Amman, Jordan (12 July 2009) - The 29th International Arab Children's Congress (IAAC) took place from 5-11 July under the theme "The Right to Protection ... Whose Responsibility?" under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Noor. Nearly 140 teenagers aged 14-16 from seventeen countries convened in Amman to discuss the well-being of children in light of risks such as war, pollution and the global financial crisis. This year's guests of honor were Lebanese singer Najwa Karam and Jordanian actor Zuhair Nobani.

The young IACC participants drew up a list of recommendations to be sent to the UN, UNICEF and the Arab League. Their recommendations included calls for the establishment of protection centers for orphans and homeless children, the utilization of clean and renewable energy, the reduction of factories and the planting of trees, the establishment of educational institutions away from polluted areas, the provision of free elementary and high school quality education for all children, and the use of space exploration for the research and development of medicines.

Seeking to increase enrolment in schools, the youths also suggested a 'School Backpack' program to distribute school supplies worldwide in order to encourage underprivileged children to attend schools.

The Arab Children's Congress was instigated by Her Majesty Queen following the 1980 Arab Summit Conference in Amman. The purpose was to give youth aged 14-16 the same opportunity as national leaders, to express their needs and aspirations and to be heard by decision makers in the Arab world.

In 2004, the congress began to host participants from European and Asian countries, becoming an international event that helps bridge cultures, abolishes stereotypes and raises awareness on democratic principles and human rights.

Delegations from the US, Italy, France, Pakistan, Russia and Indonesia participated in this year’s event, along with their Arab peers.

“This year’s ceremony holds special significance as we commemorate the Tenth Anniversary of the King Hussein Foundation,” remarked Her Majesty Queen Noor. “These bright, talented students graduating today embody His Majesty’s steadfast belief in the promise of Jordan’s young people, and his vision for the Jubilee School’s role in preparing students from throughout the Kingdom to actively contribute to Jordan’s development.”

“I am also pleased that the Jubilee School continues to fulfill His Majesty’s goal of ensuring equal opportunity to a quality education by providing full or partial scholarships to nearly all of our students,” Queen Noor added.

Amman, Jordan (8 July 2009) -- Under the patronage of Their Majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania Al Abdullah, Her Majesty Queen Noor Al Hussein hosted a gala concert on 7 July to celebrate the Tenth Anniversary of the Accession of His Majesty King Abdullah II to the Throne and the Tenth Anniversary of the establishment of the King Hussein Foundation.

Funds raised by the gala concert-dinner will support the National Music Conservatory's initiatives to reach out to local communities. The funds will support the Amman Symphony Orchestra, established by the Conservatory in partnership with the Greater Amman Municipality. The Amman Symphony Orchestra will have a permanent home in the planned Darat King Abdullah II for Culture and Arts in Ras Al Ain, a project initiated by the Greater Amman Municipality.

ASO is Amman's premier national orchestra and today forms an integral part of the nation's cultural scene. It was established by the NMC in partnership with the Greater Amman Municipality and performed its inaugural concert in January 2007.

To increase the momentum of music activities in Jordan, five different ensembles, Amman Sinfonietta, Amman String Quartet, Amman Wind Quintet, and Amman Brass Quartet are expected to emanate from the Amman Symphony Orchestra in the 2009-2010 cultural season.

Her Majesty also hosted a special recognition ceremony for the 90 staff members who have served the Foundation for a decade or longer.

Over the past ten years, the King Hussein Foundation has developed several national institutions and programs in areas that include poverty eradication, family health, policy research, women's empowerment and microfinance, and arts as a medium for social development and cross-cultural exchange. The Foundation regularly shares best practices of its pioneering programs with the region, including in Syria, Bahrain, Yemen, Qatar, Palestine and Saudi Arabia.

The Community Development Program (CDP) is a leading national program for poverty alleviation and capacity building of community-based organizations across Jordan, providing skills training, business development services, loans and grants, and creating job opportunities at the grassroots level. The CDP is strengthening the capacity of men and women Municipal Councilors across the Kingdom. Recently, it opened a second micro business incubator in Aqaba based on the success of its Beni Kinanah incubator in northern Jordan, and created new technical and market linkages with Syria and Italy for women microentrepreneurs.

Tamweelcom, which also celebrates its tenth anniversary, is recognized as the regional leader and the eighth best performing microfinance institute in the world by the MIX Market. Tamweelcom has provided nearly 120,000 loans and helped to establish over 75,000 micro enterprises throughout Jordan, assisting Tamweelcom’s clients, mostly women, in raising their family’s living standards. Along with marketing assistance and capacity building of entrepreneurs’ skills, as well as loan insurance and school education grants for children of clients, Tamweelcom now offers solar energy technology loans to entrepreneurs.

The Institute for Family Health (IFH) provides underprivileged Jordanians with integrated family healthcare services ranging from medical, social and psychological counseling to legal advice and dentistry, as well as training for health professionals and caretakers. The IFH operates a specialized women’s health counseling center, and recently opened Jordan’s first specialized treatment center for victims of trauma in Jordan and from neighboring areas of conflict. This month the IFH will launch a practical guide for private health providers on caring for victims of violence against women.

The Information and Research Center (IRC) conducts multidisciplinary, objective research and analysis to guide policymakers in improving the well being of children, youth and women. The IRC has recently completed new studies on honor crimes and children at risk. It has also developed play therapy kits to educate and engage parents in children’s development, and to assist child victims of trauma. Currently, the trauma kit is being used to assist Iraqi children in Jordan.

The National Music Conservatory (NMC) is Jordan's leading institution for the development of local musicians and the promotion of music appreciation in Jordan. The Conservatory currently provides music training for children from Ministry of Development orphanages, SOS Children’s Villages and Palestinian refugee camps in Amman, with the aim of establishing a local youth orchestra. The NMC is introducing clinical music therapy for children and families at the King Hussein Cancer Center, as well as for victims of violence in Jordan.

The Conservatory is also developing the Amman Symphony Orchestra (ASO) in close partnership with the Greater Amman Municipality. The ASO will be an integral part of Amman’s planned Darat King Abdullah II for Culture and Arts in Ras Al Ain.

Mr. Freling, Executive Director of the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF), was chosen for the award in recognition of his visionary leadership and distinguished work with SELF to bring solar power to some of the two billion people in the world that are still living beyond the reach of an electric power grid.

Established in 1999, the King Hussein Leadership Prize is an annual international award given to individuals, groups or institutions that reflect King Hussein's visionary and courageous leadership in their efforts to promote sustainable development, human rights, tolerance, equity and peace.

Today, the Foundation is building on King Hussein’s pioneering conservation legacy through education, sustainable development, microfinance programs, and plans for a green technology park.

SELF is a nonprofit organization working to combat climate change and reduce energy poverty by bringing solar energy and wireless Internet access to remote rural villages in the developing world. Under Mr. Freling’s leadership, SELF has pioneered innovative applications of solar power such as for drip irrigation in Benin, telemedicine in the Amazon rainforest, vaccine refrigeration in Rwanda, online distance learning in South Africa, and micro-enterprise development in Nigeria.

“To be recognized by the King Hussein Foundation for my work with SELF is an extraordinary honor. This award validates our commitment to providing sustainable energy as a means of breaking the cycle of poverty and generating light and hope in some of the poorest, most marginalized parts of the world,” said Mr. Freling. “It is my belief that access to electricity, as an absolute prerequisite for development, has a vital role to play in the securing of peace, equality, and human rights for all.”

Queen Noor presented Mr. Freling with the 2008 award during a ceremony at the Aspen Institute and National Geographic Energy and Environment Forum in Aspen, Colorado.

NEW YORK, New York (March 15, 2009) — Her Majesty Queen Noor and actor Edward Norton received the 2009 Global Environmental Citizen Awards from Harvard Medical School’s Center for Health and the Global Environment today.

The Global Environmental Citizen Awards are presented annually by the Center for Health and the Global Environment to individuals who have been world leaders in protecting the global environment.

“We are proud to honor two knowledgeable and passionate environmental leaders, each striving to advance human health, well-being, and peace through their work,” said Eric Chivian, MD, who shared the 1985 Nobel Peace Prize and is director of the Center. “Both Queen Noor and Edward Norton have pioneered initiatives focused on health, sustainability, and a renewed sense of connection with the Earth, themes central to the mission of the Center.”

“Our health, our welfare, and our children’s future depends on the choices we make with respect to the environment just as much – if not more – than any other major issue we face today,” said Queen Noor. “Even though the Middle East contributes less than five percent to the causes of global warming, its effects will be disproportionately severe in this region.”

“The AFED report warns that explosive population growth and mass urbanization has put tremendous stress on the environment, contributing to dangerous pollution levels and health problems, as well as massive amounts of waste. Health problems from air pollution cost Arab countries over five billion dollars a year, while the overall cost of environmental damage is estimated at five percent of GDP,” she noted.

“Their report concludes that the Arab region's fate is inextricably tied to the state of its environment, and that environmental issues need to be urgently recognized as deserving political and economic priority on par with other major macroeconomic issues,” Queen Noor added.

In the early 1980s, Queen Noor introduced sustainable development concepts through women’s development programs integrating income generation, environmental protection and health and training.

Working with a team from the International Union for Conservation of Nature, she led a national commission that produced Jordan’s National Environmental Strategy in 1991, making Jordan the first Middle Eastern country to complete a comprehensive environmental plan.

Shortly after her marriage Queen Noor became Patron of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature which has established seven protected natural areas, more than 500 environmental school clubs, and promoted the socio-economic development of rural communities by creating job opportunities through eco-tourism, craft production, and other nature-based businesses. Over the years, RSCN programs have become models for conservation and sustainable development, and have also provided training and capacity building to institutions throughout the Middle East.

Today, the King Hussein Foundation has added an environmental focus to programs at all seven of its institutes. Most recently, the Foundation’s Qudorat program is working with communities to ensure environmentally sustainable farming practices, and later this month, the Jordan Micro Credit Company (Tamweelcom) is introducing loans to small businesses to finance the purchase of solar and other green energy technologies.

Amman, 11 February 2009 – Her Majesty Queen Noor presided over the King Hussein Foundation’s Executive Committee representing its Board of Trustees to review the Foundation’s achievements in 2008, to discuss its future work plans and distinctive initiatives for 2009. The newly developed administrative and procurement procedures and the 2009 budget were also appraised and endorsed.

Her Majesty Queen Noor and the German Ambassador to Jordan were at the Jubilee School 15 February to witness it joining the worldwide network 'Schools: Partners of the future' for the teaching and learning of the German language as one of the elective and advanced courses on offer to Jubilee students.

The Jubilee School's diverse academic and cultural exchange programs promote openness to other cultures and societies around the world. By introducing the German language as an elective course, in addition to the teaching of English, French and Spanish, the school offers opportunities for students to learn about and explore other cultures and equip them with useful skills for their future careers.

'Language is a valuable window into other cultures, and into international understanding and relationships. We hope this initiative will enhance the Jubilee School's role in serving our beloved Jordan,' Queen Noor added.

Queen Noor had earlier also paid tribute to the school's former director, Abla Zuraykat, and had welcomed its new director in the presence of the Minister of Education Dr Tayseer Nuemi, the Jubilee School's Board of Directors and some of the Alumni Club of the Jubilee School.

Her Majesty Queen Noor was interviewed for her views on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza by various international media. Select the links below to hear the interviews.

CNN Larry King Live, January 3, 2009

Video: http://video.aol.com/video-detail/humanitarian-catastrophe/1710640331

Transcript: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0901/03/lkl.01.html

CNN Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer, January 4, 2009

Video: http://edition.cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2009/01/04/sot.noor.intl.community.cnn

Transcript: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0901/04/le.01.html

MSNBC with Andrea Mitchell, January 5, 2009

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNRqXrE1-9A

KLAA Radio, Los Angeles, January 5, 2009

Audio: http://am830.net/audio/KLAA-Oxman-20090105-QueenNoor.mp3

KCBS Radio, San Francisco, January 6, 2009

Audio: http://www.kcbs.com/topic/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=3289632

MSNBC Morning Joe, January 15, 2009

Video: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036789/#28672840

MSNBC Joe Scarborough Radio, January 15, 2009

Minister of Education Tayseer Nueimi commended this educational initiative by JCEE and the NECR as one that supported both public and private schools in being incubators for innovative thinking, and analytical and scientific application.

In line with the JCEE mandate to develop and promote innovative educational applications and curricula among private and public schools in Jordan and the Arab world, the centre will hold the First FLL Arabia and the second Arab Robotic competition in March 2009 in Jordan. Over twelve Arab countries will take part. These accomplishments are made possible through major partnerships with the Ministry of Education, King Abdallah II for Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) and the King Abdullah II Fund for Development.

The national competition is part of an annual educational global challenge founded in the US in 1989, by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) and the Lego group known as FIRST Lego League (FLL).

Participants presented findings on substance abuse among Sudanese street children, anxiety and maladaptive reaction among refugee children, inter-generational trauma among long-term refugees as in the case of the Palestinians, child soldiers in Sudan, and war and its destructive impact on mental health among Iraqi children.

People who want to start up their own businesses often find the groundwork overwhelming. Where to start? How to start? What kind of business is most viable?

To stimulate and increase the number of new successful small businesses, and increase economic activity in local communities, the Noor Al Hussein Foundation's Aqaba Center launched the first Micro-Business Incubator (MBI) in Aqaba, supported by the Aqaba Community and Economic Development (ACED) program, a USAID-funded project. Last month, the MBI celebrated the graduation of twenty-two participants. This first batch of trainee entrepreneurs, mostly women, completed initial training to qualify for entry into the Aqaba Micro-Business Incubator.

The girl's head hangs in shame. But this is no ordinary shame. No temporary glitch in one's life to be overcome in time. This shame will end with the cleansing of the family honor: her death.

Written by the Jordanian playwright Jamal Abu Hamdan, the play questions the premise upon which a man kills his sister: the 'cleansing' of the family honor. Family honor is tarnished simply if a family perceives a female member as having had a relationship outside marriage. The interactive play also sheds light on the Jordanian penal code which contributes to the endurance of this practice by exempting male killers from harsh penalties if their female victims are killed in 'a fit of fury'.

'Code of Honor' depicts a scene where three men from the pre-Islamic period playfully discuss what constitutes aar (shame): a pivotal word saturated with specific values demeaning to women.

In accepting the award, Her Majesty recalled working with Save the Children 25 years earlier in Jordan to initiate two projects focused on women’s and children’s health, education, income generation and micro-credit, which became catalysts for the Noor Al Hussein Foundation’s pioneering national and regional programs to fight poverty, promote women’s economic empowerment and maternal and child health, and micro-lending at the community level. The Queen credited the original Save the Children projects with sowing the seeds that led to the creation of NHF’s Jordan Micro Credit Company (Tamweelcom), now recognized as one of the top ten microfinance institutions in the world.

Her Majesty Queen Noor celebrates her birthday today.

For the past 30 years, since her marriage to King Hussein bin Talal, Queen Noor has actively worked to contribute to the advancement of Jordan’s national development in the areas of education, sustainable development, economic empowerment, human rights and cross-cultural understanding.

Her Majesty is also actively involved with international and UN organizations that address global challenges in these fields. She plays a major role in promoting international exchange, conflict prevention and recovery issues such as refugees, missing persons, poverty and disarmament in the Middle East, the Balkans, Central and Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa.

Queen Noor chairs the Noor Al Hussein Foundation (NHF) which implements pioneering programs in poverty eradication, family health, women’s empowerment, microfinance, and the arts as a medium for social development and cross-cultural exchange.

She also chairs the King Hussein Foundation (KHF) and King Hussein Foundation International (KHFI), founded in 1999 to sustain and build on King Hussein’s lifelong commitment to peace and sustainable development through programs that promote education and leadership, community development, governance and cross-cultural understanding in Jordan and the Middle East.

Queen Noor strongly advocates the economic empowerment of women, and has guided the success of Tamweelcom, NHF's microfinance institution (MFI) which has provided over 90,000 loans to small-scale, mainly women-owned businesses across Jordan, and was rated the tenth best performing MFI worldwide for 2007.

In Aqaba, Her Majesty directed the launch of the Micro-Enterprise Incubator in June to deliver technical assistance that will help increase the success of start-up businesses in Aqaba while reducing poverty and unemployment.

The NHF Institute for Family Health (IFH) enables families to lead healthy lives by providing comprehensive health care services ranging from medical, social and psychological counseling to legal advice. This year, under Her Majesty’s direction, IFH is leading a national team implementing a pioneering program to address gender-based violence and provide psycho-social services to marginalized communities in Jordan.

In July, Queen Noor opened the 28th Annual International Arab Children Congress which she founded to promote cross-cultural understanding through dialogue, gathering 150 teenagers from around the world to Amman to discuss access to quality education as a basic human right. The event is organized annually by KHF's National Center for Culture and Performing Arts.

Also in July, Her Majesty celebrated the 12th graduation of students from the Jubilee School, a KHF institution and Jordan’s first independent, co-educational secondary school for meritorious students from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Over 1000 underpriviledged students from across the Kingdom have received scholarships to attend Jubilee School.

Queen Noor is an international humanitarian activist and an outspoken voice on issues of world peace and justice, committed to promoting Arab-Western relations and understanding of Arab and Muslim culture and politics.

Through KHFI, headquartered in the United States, Queen Noor awards the King Hussein Leadership Prize to individuals, groups or institutions that demonstrate inspiring and courageous leadership in their efforts to promote sustainable development, human rights, tolerance, equity and peace.

In 2007 and 2008, Her Majesty launched KHFI’s Media and Humanity Program during the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City to annually support film and media projects that highlight shared values, rights and aspirations across social, economic, political and cultural divides with special emphasis on the Middle East and the Muslim world.

Her Majesty also launched Cinéma Vérité during the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, a new international initiative to promote socially-conscious cinema, and co-founded The Alliance of Civilizations Media Fund, an unprecedented, not-for-profit initiative formed out of a dynamic partnership between private media, the United Nations, and global philanthropists to promote and support media content that enhances mutual understanding and respect among different societies and cultures.

Queen Noor is actively involved in a number of international organizations, including serving as President of the United World Colleges; Chair of the United Nations University International Leadership Academy; Trustee of the Aspen Institute, Refugees International, World Wildlife Fund International, and Conservation International; and Founding President and Honorary President Emeritus of BirdLife International.

Queen Noor has four children, Their Royal Highnesses Princes Hamzah and Hashem and Princesses Iman and Raiyah, and three grandchildren, Princesses Halaah bint Hashim, Haya bint Hamzah, and Raiyah bint Hashim.

A cacophony of drums, symbols, xylophones and guitars can be heard reverberating through the walls at the Institute for Family Health (IFH). This unfamiliar sound is coming from a room off the main entrance, where a group of 10 children are enthusiastically strumming and beating instruments.

They are taking part in a music therapy session, an initiative launched by the IFH in May in collaboration with the King Hussein Foundation's National Music Conservatory and Music in ME, a non-governmental organization dedicated to supporting the development of musical life in the Middle East. Some of the children in the room have behavioral problems, some are trauma victims, and others are taking part just for fun.

"Music can have a deeply emotional effect on all of us, no matter what our circumstances are," says music teacher Mounzer Sarraf. "When music is used as a therapeutic tool, it can help to improve communication between individuals and within groups, as well as build trust and self-esteem."

Sarraf teaches a unique approach to music therapy at the IFH, which he co-created six years ago with his friend Simon Corthouts. The "Groove Method", or "Grome", uses improvised music-making to form a relationship between student and therapist.

Rather than simply teaching students to play an instrument, Grome actively engages them in their own development by encouraging the use of instruments as a means of finding their own way of expressing themselves, and to develop concentration, listening, communicating and relating skills. Students are then able to transfer their musical and non-musical skills to other aspects of their life.

“The purpose is not to become a great musician. Musical skills will improve without a doubt, but the process of learning these skills brings about many other positive effects in the students, such as the ability to communicate their feelings, learning to be patient, following directions and making choices," Sarraf says.

The Grome sessions, which are conducted in groups and on a one-to-one basis, are assisting adults and children who face a range of problems, such as learning difficulties, post-traumatic stress disorder and physical disabilities. Sarraf and his team work alongside the IFH’s psychologists to assess students’ progress.

"Each session teaches us something different about the students. We can identify problems, improvement or worsening in behavior, their response to treatment, and more. The psychologists and my team share observations on the students to track their development," Sarraf explains.

Among the students is the Saifi family. Lujain Saifi brings her son and daughter to the sessions once a week. Her son, nine-year old Yahiya, has ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), while her daughter, eleven-year old Tala, suffers from anxiety attacks after being bullied at school.

“I’ve noticed a change in them both,” says Lujain. “Before, I couldn’t hold Yahiya’s attention for more than a minute, but I’m starting to see a real improvement in his behavior. He’s more attentive and more patient. Tala is really starting to come out of her shell, too.”

Many of the children and adults who attend the sessions are Iraqis who moved to Jordan to escape the war. “Most of these Iraqis are victims of trauma, some with very serious psychological problems,” says IFH Director, Dr. Manal Tahtamouni. “Music has huge potential to rehabilitate children and adults traumatized by conflict and greatly enhance their quality of life. Even though it is still early days, we are receiving very positive feedback from them, and are starting to see positive results.”

She adds:  “Our overall aim is that, through these sessions, our patients can learn to come to terms with their trauma and gradually overcome their suffering.”

Amman, Jordan (22 July 2008) - Participants at the 28th annual International Arab Children’s Congress (IACC) have announced their recommendations which include the establishment of IACC associations in every participating country.

National Centre for Culture and Performing Arts (PAC) Director General Lina Attel said in a ceremony late Sunday that supervisors of previous participating delegations will chair the associations, which will also consist of previous participants.

“The associations will help fund and support social and cultural projects with the aim of enhancing knowledge and experience exchange,” Attel, the conference director, said during the event’s closing ceremony, which was attended by Her Royal Highness Princess Sumaya.

The associations will also help empower IACC youth in the decision-making process in their respective countries and boost communication and networking among them.

Participants from various Arab and Islamic countries, Europe and the US took part in the week-long event, which opened on July 14, and discussed global issues affecting children and ways to promote cross-cultural dialogue.

Organised by the King Hussein Foundation’s PAC, this year’s congress was held under the theme “Quality Education is the Right of Everyone”. Lebanese singer Moeen Charif, who as a youth participated in the 1986 children’s congress, attended the closing ceremony.

Underscoring the annual event’s theme, participants also recommended launching a global awareness campaign calling for the right for quality education for all.

In their list of suggestions to be sent to the UN, UNICEF and the Arab League, the young participants also called for introducing concepts of human rights and cultural diversity to school curricula in order to promote understanding, tolerance and peace.

They also highlighted the need to raise education standards at public schools, make education mandatory and free of charge, provide foreign languages and train teachers on creative teaching methods.

Attel said previously that in many countries, including Jordan, the educational system lacks arts programmes. Therefore, introducing performing arts, such as theatre, dance and music to schools’ curricula was among the young leaders’ recommendations to promote creative thinking and develop cultural awareness.

Organized annually by the King Hussein Foundation's National Center for Culture and Performing Arts, this year's congress is held under the theme, “Quality Education is Key”.

At the opening ceremony, Senator Laila Sharaf delivered an address in which she urged young people to embrace educational opportunities available to them, adding that quality education for all is a basic human right that countries must now start making a reality.

The ceremony also featured performances by guests of honor at this year’s congress, Iraqi singer Majed Al Muhandes and former Star Academy contestants Bashar Ghazzawi and Salma Ghazali.

 

A major King Hussein Foundation institution, the Jubilee School is Jordan’s first independent, co-educational secondary school for meritorious students from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, with special emphasis on those from disadvantaged areas.

In his address, President of the Jubilee School Friends Association, His Excellency Senator Aqel Biltaji, encouraged the graduates to engage as leaders in their communities in line with His Majesty King Hussein's belief that 'Jordan's most precious asset is its people'. "King Hussein once said to me that what matters is not where one comes from, or who one is, but how one can give back to the community and contribute to our great country. This is the fundamental doctrine of the Jubilee School. Our focus must and will remain on meritocracy, so that every student knows that ability and effort – and not background – is what counts," Mr. Biltaji said.

Graduating students paid tribute to the school, highlighting the positive impact it has made on their lives. “We have been through so many experiences that have shaped our personalities, such as the Jubilee Model United Nations that we organized and participated in, the Youth Forums, the student exchange trips, the plays and the exhibitions," Haitham Al Khatib said. “Today marks the advent of a new life for each of us. We all have the ability and aptitude to accomplish our goals, and once we have, we can then impart our skills to others to give back to those that gave so much to us.”

Previous graduates from the Jubilee School Alumni Club, who have embarked on highly successful careers, also spoke at the ceremony. 

Among them was Shireen Dabbas, who earned a BA in Physiotherapy from the University of Jordan, but dedicated her career to working with individuals and families affected by landmines. She currently works with Landmine Survivors Network, an NGO patronized by Queen Noor that helps mine victims and their families recover. She told the graduates: “I am able to capitalize on the social service spirit that the Jubilee School nurtured in us by calling often on my peers from the Alumni Club to volunteer for this noble cause.”

Jubilee School Principal, Abla Zuraykat, recounted some of the major accomplishments of the graduates and spoke of the importance of continuing to learn and develop. “Talents are of no worth or significance unless paired with hard work, diligence and integrity,” Mrs. Zuraykat said.

At the close of the ceremony, Queen Noor presented 96 students with their graduation certificates, bringing the total number of Jubilee School graduates to 1,137.

A vocal advocate for refugee assistance, HM Queen Noor urged international donors to ensure sufficient aid to countries that host refugees, and highlighted the importance of stepping up resettlement.

HM Queen Noor also said that industrialized countries share responsibility for ensuring the well-being of Iraqi refugees. Nearly half of all displaced Iraqis live in Syria and Jordan, where they put an enormous strain on already stretched public services and fragile infrastructures.

“I have been heartened and moved by the compassion and sacrifice of my fellow Jordanians and others in our region who have reached out to help, even when struggling themselves with limited resources,” Her Majesty told nearly 350 representatives of UNHCR and its partner NGOs.

Queen Noor also highlighted the growing challenge of urban refugees struggling to survive among the underclass in cities in the developing world, including Iraqis living in Damascus and Amman. 

She said that ultimately, “We all must support the Iraqi government in providing a secure environment that will allow their citizens to voluntarily return home as soon as possible.”

HM Queen Noor works on behalf of refugees around the globe through a number of organizations, including a variety of governments, UN and international organizations, the Jordanian Red Crescent Society, and as a board member of Refugees International. She has worked with the displaced of Afghanistan in Pakistan, the Iraqis and the Palestinians in Jordan, internally displaced in Columbia, and Somalis and others seeking safe haven during the first Gulf War.

Since 1985 she has been the founder and Chairperson of the Noor Al Hussein Foundation (NHF), which has partnered with the American NGO International Relief and Development (IRD) and the Jordanian Red Crescent to implement innovative programs funded by UNHCR and the U.S. State Department, that provide primary and psycho-social healthcare screening and referral services to thousands of Iraqi children and mothers in Jordan.

UNHCR organizes annually consultations with its partner NGOs to exchange views of mutual interest on a variety of issues ranging from the protection of refugee women and children at risk to the monitoring of refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants in detention.  Also addressing the audience of NGOs, UN, donors and government officials were Virendra Dayal; Bernard Doyle, UNHCR Head Inter-Agency Unit; Craig Johnstone, Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees; Ed Schenkenberg, Coordinator, International Council of Voluntary Agencies.

Dubai, 13^th December 2009 - Her Majesty Queen Noor delivered a keynote speech at the Sixth Dubai International Film Festival during the Cultural Bridge Panel, following the gala film screening of Budrus, a documentary film directed by Palestinian Julia Bacha on the Palestinian Israeli conflict.

Queen Noor introduced the film Budrus as an example of the humanizing power of films, and emphasized the importance of the responsibilities and opportunities of today’s media industry to enhance understanding rather than reinforce divisions and preconceptions.

At a panel discussion following the film, Queen Noor was joined by the film's director, as well as Hollywood producer Mike Medavoy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Rebecca Saxe and Shamil Idriss, CEO of Soliya, an NGO dedicated to empowering young people to use media to advance social change which Queen Noor helped launch at an event earlier in the evening..

 “Working with King Hussein to try to bridge the gulf between Western and predominantly Muslim societies, I witnessed over and over the power of negative stereotypes to humiliate, provoke and set the emotional and political stage for policies that reinforce misunderstanding and conflict, said Queen Noor. She added that Budrus, which comes to us from the producers of Encounter Point and Control Room, is an inspiring example of the power of media "to touch us in profound ways, to challenge our preconceived notions, open our hearts, and maybe even our minds."

"This is a story which needs to be told and I believe healthy dialogue through film is the only way we will ever solve these problems," said the film's director, Julia Bacha.

Queen Noor also presented the findings of several years of neurology and psychology research conducted by Harvard University, MIT, and the New School for Social Research, which explored the impact of media on identity formation and cross-cultural relations.  The research has been sponsored by The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Media Fund, of which Queen Noor is a co-founder.