Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah advised young leaders to make the most of their time in order to advance the cause of peace, describing it as a "lifelong mission" that takes "not only every ounce of our strength, but every ounce of our time."
Queen Rania delivered her words in the United Kingdom on Monday October 2nd, speaking to a crowd of nearly 2,000 youth activists and leaders at the One Young World Summit in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This year's summit marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement between the British and Irish governments in Belfast.
Her Majesty recalled how the signing of this accord prompted His Majesty the late King Hussein to remain hopeful about attaining peace in the Middle East in 1998. She also emphasised King Hussein's role in the Wye River discussions, which took place the same year he was diagnosed with cancer and began chemotherapy.
She claimed that, despite his failing health, he insisted on travelling to the United States to press for the signing of a memorandum between Palestinians and Israelis aimed at restarting the Oslo II Accord.
"He saw our time on earth for what it is: finite, fragile, and never to be taken for granted," she said. She also quoted the late King, who declared during the signing of the accord, "If I had an ounce of strength, I would have done my utmost to be here, and to help in any way I can."
"Cancer reminded King Hussein once more of how precious time is." And, once again, he opted to live in the now..."He wanted to make every moment count so that future generations could live in peace," she explained.
Her Majesty noted that, despite the finite nature of time, "hope can withstand the test of time," and that individuals can "extend the time we have by using it well."
The Queen also emphasised the gravity of the world's most pressing issues, ranging from political polarisation to mounting refugee crises, climate change, and persistent discrimination and gender inequity.
"At a time when we're talking about advanced technologies like AI, it's absurd that many people still believe that the colour of one's skin determines their worth." And it's unfortunate that gender equality remains a goal rather than a reality," she said.
Noting that the Palestinian-Israeli issue remains a notable example of an ignored emergency in need of peaceful settlement 25 years after the Wye River Memorandum, Her Majesty drew attention to the injustice and cruelty that Palestinians face on a daily basis.
Look Details:
For this event, Her Majesty wore her Dior Men's JACKET Gray Virgin Wool Twill with detachable sleeves with Dior Men's WIDE-LEG PANTS Gray Virgin Wool Twill. Paired with Gianvito Rossi Gianvito 105 Pumps in Fumo Grey Suede and Bottega Veneta Bicolor Intrecciato Nappa Flocked Velvet Olimpia Medium Shoulder Bag and Dior LILY OF THE VALLEY BROOCH Ruthenium-Finish Brass and Iridescent Freshwater Pearls
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