Queen Máxima Visits Senegal

Queen Máxima's Keynote Address For UK Fintech Week

Queen Rania Reads “The Sandwich Swap” at UN Headquarters

Queen Rania of Jordan was joined by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday at the United Nations Headquarters Bookshop as she promoted her children’s book “The Sandwich Swap.” Children from the United Nations International School were entertained with her storytelling whilst Ban Ki-moon praised the queen for her approach to cross-cultural dialogue by saying, "tolerance and peaceful coexistence are core United Nations values and essential to progress in the twenty-first century. I commend Her Majesty Queen Rania for her longstanding commitment to raising awareness about the importance of mutual respect and cross-cultural understanding."

Below is Queen Rania’s appearance at the UN Headquarters Bookshop.

Queen Rania Supports In My Name

Whilst attending the In My Name: MDG Call to Action event on Saturday, Queen Rania of Jordan asked world leaders for a renewed commitment to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and fulfill the promises by 2015.

Queen Rania’s speech from the In My Name: MDG Call to Action event can be read here.

Below is a YouTube video clip featuring Queen Rania of Jordan for the In My Name: MDG Call to Action event.

Former British Prime Minister Confers with Jordan’s King

Former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, was in Jordan as Envoy of the Quartet Committee to discuss the Middle East peace process with King Abdullah II of Jordan. The king voiced his aspiration “of keeping the momentum provided by the Annapolis peace meeting.” Mr. Blair apprised the monarch of the committee’s efficacity to support the Palestinian government and Palestinian national institutions. The quartet is comprised of the United States, Russia, European Union and the United Nations.

Photo: Associated Press/Yousef Allan, Jordanian Royal Palace, HO

Prince of Orange Delivers Speech in Bogotá

On November 16th, the Prince of Orange delivered a speech at the 9th Meeting of the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation Inter-American Dialogue in Bogotá, Colombia. He advised shareholders of the Inter-American Development Bank and South American representatives to work toward the millennium development goals of the United Nations and said, “July 1, 2007 marked the half way point in our pursuit of the MDGs. Over seven and a half years have passed since 2000 when countries committed themselves to improving the lives of so many still in need. That means we have less than 7 and a half years to go. Our Board is dedicated to doing everything in our power to reach the water and sanitation targets. But, of course, we can only make progress if we work in concert with you.”

The Prince of Orange’s entire speech from the 9th Meeting of the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation Inter-American Dialogue in Bogotá, Colombia can be read here.

Princess Máxima Addresses VI National Conference in Moscow

As a member of the United Nations Advisors Group on Inclusive Financial Sectors, Princess Máxima of the Netherlands attended the VI National Conference “Microfinance in Russia: Building an All-Inclusive Financial System” in Moscow yesterday. The conference encompassed the goal to “promote the role of microfinance in improving access to financial services in Russia, fostering better standards of living and regional development through consolidating the efforts of all market participants and facilitating their dialogue with government.”

Some highlights from her address are below:

"Ladies and gentlemen, as an economist and former banker myself, I am convinced that a sound financial sector is an essential part of the development process. By now, research has convincingly shown that financial development and improving access to finance not only accelerates economic growth, but also reduces poverty and income inequality."

"Access to a wide variety of financial services and products, such as loans, savings, insurance products and remittances can be a powerful tool to generate income, build capital and protect people against risk. However, world financial systems are not inclusive today: well over two billion people do not have access to basic financial services."

Princess Máxima's entire speech from the VI National Conference in Moscow can be read here.

Honorary President Appointment for Naruhito of Japan

The United Nations Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation announced the honorary president appointment in a press release yesterday. Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan was appointed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. The prince will serve his term until 2010.

The Prince of Orange is the chairman of the advisory board and he has proven to be a capable and assiduous member striving to bring to the forefront the global plight for those lacking adequate sanitation and drinking water capabilities. For Prince Willem-Alexander, having another crown prince on board will strengthen the influence of the advisory committee.

Dutch Prince Champions Water and Sanitation Causes

Water and sanitation is a well-versed subject for the Prince of Orange. He recently addressed the World Toliet Summit in New Delhi, India to champion the causes for clean water and adequate sanitation. “In this campaign we will have to reinforce the global awareness of the importance of sanitation and personal hygiene to all. Policymakers are usually not faced with the horrors of lacking sanitation in their personal surroundings, so we will have to keep on reminding them what it is all about,” said the prince.

Besides his work with the United Nations Advisory Board of Water and Sanitation, the prince has been fulfilling his role as ambassador for his country. Before attending the summit, Willem-Alexander was in India and Bhutan for official tours to enhance diplomatic relations and economic ties.

The Prince of Orange’s entire speech at the World Toliet Summit can be read here.

Haakon of Norway Focuses on UN Millennium Development Goals in Burundi

As Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, Crown Prince Haakon of Norway visited Burundi on October 29th. Since 2003, he has completed tours in Tanzania, Cambodia, Sierra Leone and Guatemala promoting the UN’s Eight Millennium Development Goals. While forming partnerships with humanitarian organizations, the United Nations hopes to achieve the goal of resolving various social ills by 2015.

Haakon emphasized his dedication to solving issues and his partnership with the United Nations, as he declared: “I am most of all interested in meeting Burundian people and in learning more about how people live here, their hopes and dreams, their aspirations. With my hosts, I look forward on focusing on some areas where the Burundian Government and the United Nations are in partnership.”

Princess Máxima Converses with World Bank President

On September 20th, Princess Máxima of the Netherlands met with the president of the World Bank, Robert Zoellick in Washington, D.C. to discuss her work with the United Nations Advisors Group on Inclusive Financial Sectors, a group that was formed in 2006 to oversee the agenda that began with the 2005 International Year of Microcredit. Not exceeding the two year term assignment, the twenty-five advisors counsel the "United Nations system and member states on global issues relating to inclusive finance."

Rania Pleads for Peace One Day

September 21st is designated the International Day of Peace. It was ratified unanimously by the United Nations member states in 2001.

It all began with the vision of British filmmaker James Gilley to establish an annual day of peace. With his film, Peace One Day, he spoke with illustrious humanitarians and visited war-torn countries to enlighten the “consciousness of the fundamental issue to protect one another.”

Before concert goers at the Peace One Day event, Queen Rania of Jordan gave her insight on the Middle Eastern violence when her taped speech was aired at the Royal Albert Hall in London, yesterday.

“Thank you for being part of this wonderful event.”

“In my part of the world, we greet each other with “As-Salaam-Alaikum”…peace be upon you. And, although, the word ‘peace’ is part of our everyday language, the reality of peace is sadly absent from the lives of too many in the Middle East.”

“And it is particularly painful at this time of the year – the Holy month of Ramadan – a month of giving, when we share what we have, with those who do not have enough… a month of empathy, when we feel with the vulnerable, the poor and the hungry.”

“Yet too many of my people – mothers, fathers, children in Palestine and Iraq - are starved of the thing they need the most: peace.”

“Peace means our children can fall asleep to a mother’s soft voice, not screaming sirens … play with building blocks, not watch their homes destroyed… make friends not lose them…dream up big plans for the future, not wonder if they will have one.”

“Peace also means hope – and by raising your voices for peace, you are giving hope to millions around the world.”

“Thank you for supporting Peace One Day. Whatever pledge you made for peace on this day – take it forward. Make it a pledge for all your days.”

Peace One Day is a non-profit organization. The objective is “to engage all sectors of society, including governments, organisations of the United Nations system, regional and non-governmental organisations and individuals in observance of 21 September, through the practical manifestation of non-violence and ceasefire in accordance with UN GA Resolution 55/282, and encourage action on Peace Day that creates a united and sustainable world.”

To read more about Peace One Day and the man behind the vision, British filmmaker James Gilley, visit the official website.

Princess Haya Declared UN Messenger of Peace

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon has declared Princess Haya of Jordan a UN messenger for peace. The secretary-general said, "I know you make a compelling advocate for our shared goal of ending the suffering of the more than one billion people in the world who continue to live in extreme poverty."

Princess Haya is committed to her new responsibility and said, "I consider it my inherited duty to help relieve the plight of people who suffer the devastating effects of poverty".

The declaration was part of the International Day of Peace celebration that occurred on September 21st.

Queen Rania of Jordan Celebrates Her 37th Birthday

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

Shanghai Meeting for The Prince Of Orange

As chairman of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation, the Prince of Orange has been engaged in numerous meetings regarding the organization of the International Year of Sanitation 2008.

In relation to the Hashimoto Action Plan, Prince Willem-Alexander continued his discourse on water and sanitation measures at the start of the Asian Dialogue at the Eighth Meeting of the Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation and said: “Our sole raison d’être is to speed up work on the water and sanitation goals. The Hashimoto Action Plan, named in memory of my predecessor, Mr Ryutaro Hashimoto, guides us in our work. It’s our first report. And our last. It is concise – just twelve pages long, with no new mandates or proclamations. Instead, it concentrates on the targets the international community has already set itself, building on knowledge that is already out there. So our message is a simple one: no more new ideas or policies. Instead, let’s implement the ones we already have. The plan’s main function is to focus on the actions that need to be taken and to challenge the people that will be responsible for turning words into deeds – this means you.”

“So today’s Regional Dialogue on Asia and the Pacific is a critical step in achieving the goals of the Hashimoto Action Plan. The UNSGAB members strongly believe that a regional approach, uniting governments, the water sector, water users and financial institutions, presents the best prospect of success.”

The Prince of Orange’s entire speech from the Eighth Meeting of the Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation in Shanghai entitled The Power of Numbers can be read here.

Photo: UNSGAB Secretariat

Prince Willem-Alexander Goes To Washington

In preparation for the International Year of Sanitation 2008, the Prince of Orange outlined the goals of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation at a Washington D.C. meeting yesterday and said: “Today we start mapping out a course of action that will enable us to pick up the pace on water and sanitation. As far as I am concerned, this meeting will focus on one central question. What do we want to achieve by the end of 2008, and how do we achieve it? It is important that between now and November, when the International Year of Sanitation will be launched, we take the step from general objectives to measurable targets. Targets expressed in figures, percentages and money, and in concrete project plans and partnerships.”

Below is a segment of Prince of Orange’s speech from the Washington DC preparatory meeting to organize the International Year of Sanitation 2008 in New York.

"Ladies and gentlemen,"

"Welcome. As chair of UNSGAB, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation, I was thrilled last December when the General Assembly accepted our recommendation and unanimously adopted the resolution declaring 2008 the International Year of Sanitation. Today I’m delighted that we can officially start preparing to make it a success. There is an enormous amount of work to be done and I thank you in advance for your readiness to do your share."

"UNSGAB was established in 2004 to speed up progress on MDG 7, target 10, the MDG target on water and sanitation. Our own Hashimoto Action Plan summarises in just eleven pages the points requiring swift and resolute action. In short: we need more political commitment, more cross-sectoral cooperation and more money. The International Year of Sanitation is an important vehicle to achieve all this."

"Today we start mapping out a course of action that will enable us to pick up the pace on water and sanitation. As far as I am concerned, this meeting will focus on one central question. What do we want to achieve by the end of 2008, and how do we achieve it? It is important that between now and November, when the International Year of Sanitation will be launched, we take the step from general objectives to measurable targets. Targets expressed in figures, percentages and money, and in concrete project plans and partnerships."

"And that immediately brings me to the question I want to ask each and every one of you. What can you do, en route to 2015, to put achievement of the sanitation goals on the fast track? What organisational and financial sources can you tap? And how are you going to do it? I hope to hear more about that today. I can imagine that you also have questions. For instance, what role will UN DESA play as lead agency? What role will the other UN agencies play? And what can UNSGAB itself contribute through the Hashimoto Action Plan? In other words, today we have to look each other squarely in the face and say what we promise to contribute to the International Year of Sanitation 2008!"

The Prince of Orange’s entire speech from the Washington D.C. preparatory meeting to organize the International Year of Sanitation 2008 in New York can be read here.

Photos: Unicef

Princess Máxima Advises on the Use of Microfinance

At the invitation of Luis Alberto Moreno, the president of IADB, Princess Máxima of the Netherlands spoke at an assembly of the Inter American Development Bank in Amsterdam this week. She is a member of the Executive Committee on the United Nations Advisors groups on Inclusive Financial Sectors. The princess is an advocate for microfinance, but in her speech reminded the audience of the pratfalls if not managed effectively. She said that governments should not be lenders, but rather the moderators of the process. As she close her remarks, Princess Máxima reiterated that microfinance would not solve the poverty crisis readily, but it could “be a catalyst for growth.”

The full text of Princess Máxima’s speech at an assembly of the Inter American Development Bank on January 21, 2007 can be read here.