Today, Queen Rania of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan celebrates her 37th birthday. The elegant Rania Al-Yassin was born on August 31, 1970 in Kuwait, Lebanon. She and Abdullah, son of King Hussein and Princess Muna, were married on June 10, 1993. The couple's four children are Prince Hussein, Princess Iman, Princess Salma and Prince Hashem.
Rania is a dedicated leader devoted to many causes in Jordan and internationally.Some notable contributions include her work with UNICEF's Global Leadership Initiative for Children, World Economic Forum Foundation Board, WHO Patron for Violence Prevention in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Global Ambassador for Women for Women International, United Nations Foundation Board of Directors, Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, FINCA, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region ambassador of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, International Youth Foundation, Jordan Education Society and the Jordan River Foundation. In January 2007, she was named UNICEF's first Eminent Advocate for Children.
By royal degree, Queen Rania holds the honorary rank of colonel in the Jordanian Armed Forces. She was conferred this honor in June 2004.
Rania summed up her role as queen to the Jordanian people in the following quote."Many people are awestruck by the title of “Queen”, but for me, it is a job that incorporates several roles. Primarily, my duty is to partner His Majesty in his efforts to improve the standard of living of all Jordanians. While respecting our traditions, we are determined to build Jordan into a modern civil society and model for the region by ensuring sustainable levels of economic growth and social development. In addition, I work in areas related to child protection and family safety, women’s empowerment, the creation of opportunities for youth, and culture and tourism. Daunting? Yes. Impossible? No. In fact, such challenges energize me."
For more information on her initiatives, interviews and speeches, visit Queen Rania's official website.
Photo: Petra