Something Sort of Neat

[Josh]

Anyways I was doing my homework for Social Studies and I found something pretty cool. A letter written by King Hussein Bin Talal. And "no" he is NOT Suddam Hussein. This letter was written a while ago, but I just thought it was really interesting.

AS WRITTEN

ADDRESS BY HIS MAJESTY KING HUSSEIN BIN TALAL THE FIRST
OF THE HASHEMITE KINGDOM OF JORDAN

TO THE WORLD SUMMIT FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
COPENHAGEN 11 -12 MARCH 1995


DELIVERED BY H.E. MRS. SALWA DAMEN AL-MASRI
MINISTER FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
SUNDAY 12 MARCH 1995


Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen

It is a great honor to address this distinguished conference today. We
come together at the invitation of the United Nations, in the first
conference ever convened at summit level, to discuss the vital question of
social development.

The call for this meeting could not have been more timely. As we approach
the twenty first century, we take stock of the monumental political,
technological, and economic changes that have taken place in the world.
They present us with a precious opportunity to construct a new global
society, marked by more orderly relations between states and between human
beings.

The enormous resources that were devoted to armament, in order to maintain
military parity, can now be utilized to improve socioeconomic conditions,
to promote democratization, and to intensify the global efforts to protect
human dignity, equity, and well being. But we must not be carried away by
our optimism to disregard the challenges which globalization entails. We
must speak out against the counter current that manifests itself in
national, ethnic, or sectarian strife.

In the period before the end of the Cold War, my country, Jordan, had to
face great dangers and challenges, not least among them were the
constraints of small size and scarce natural resources. Despite these
factors, or, perhaps because of them, Jordan has always been particularly
attentive to the need for international cooperation at all levels, as a way
of fulfilling the sacred trust of any government to secure for its citizens
a dignified life free from injustice, fear and want, and at the same time,
to play a constructive role as a member of the international society. One
of the most hopeful signs of the future is the realization, at world level,
that these two objectives complement and reinforce each other.

In Jordan, we have sought to fulfill our duty to our citizens by a dual
approach that aims at democratization, and economic and social development.
In a multi-ethnic, multi-confessional society like ours, political
pluralism, popular participation, and accountable government are the best
protection for the rights and dignity of the citizen. We have also worked
diligently to build a better life for our future generations --where each
may have an equal opportunity to fulfill his or her potential, regardless
of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Our accomplishments in these fields
stand scrutiny.

One key to social development is education and this philosophy has been
reflected in our heavy investment in that field, with a full 50% of our
students all the way through to university level being women. A second
major entry point to social development is to ensure the inclusion of all
the poor and disadvantaged sectors of society. Our society is built on the
principle of solidarity. We are happy to say that, in this context, there
is active collaboration between the public sector and civil society in
Jordan. Our non governmental organizations bring together men and women,
volunteers and professionals. They are well organized and their
contributions are a source of pride for us.

We have made great strides in social development, but the road before us
is still long and arduous. One of the major problems we face is
unemployment. We have a tremendous pool of talent in Jordan, but we must
find ways to secure full employment to fulfill the potential of all our men
and women. We have come up with some solutions to this challenge and we
look to this summit for an exchange of experience which will assist all
countries South and North.

At the same time, Jordan spared no effort to reach a comprehensive, just,
and lasting peaceful settlement to the conflict that plagued our region for
decades. We are prepared to cooperate with all in the region and beyond, to
promote respect for Hunan rights, tolerance, and social and economic
development. For too long, the Middle East made the news chiefly in the
context of conflict and strife. In the future, we hope to be talked about
in the context of stability, cooperation, and progress.

The cause of peace faces determined resistance from all groups in all
countries of the region. Where these forces gain strength, they do so
partly because radicalism finds a fertile soil in discontent and
hopelessness. Our fight against them is our fight against poverty,
unemployment, and social exclusion. Not only in our region, but in the
whole world, the ultimate triumph of peace will be the triumph of hope over
despair.

The challenges that face the world are global in nature, and so must be
the solutions. But globalization must not be confused with standardization.
There is no stock answer that meets every question, no strategy that meets
every contingency. Therefore, understanding each country's circumstances
and basic needs ought to be paramount when seeking responses to the needs
of the world. Among nations, as well as among individuals, we must respect
our diversity so that we can cooperate constructively.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

The United Nations was established in the wake of one of the fiercest
conflicts in history, in order to preserve world peace and defend the
principles of the universal declaration of human rights. As this august
body approaches its fiftieth anniversary, let us make a solemn commitment
to work together to promote social development and social justice
throughout the world. God created all people equal. It is our solemn duty
to work for a dawn when all human beings are truly equal in their rights
and in their opportunities to lead a satisfactory life, and to make a
contribution to the well being of their families, their communities, and
humankind. Let this conference be the formal initiation of a new era of
peace, human rights, and human dignity.

Anyways, I posted it here so I could hear what you guys think about the letter. ^.^

[The Snake God]

Hmm.........I have only read half way through for now but so far I am highly interested. I find his veiw and words odd but interesting.