News
February 2010
Members of One World 2011 meet with President Gul.
Turkey: Geopolitical Powerhouse Aligns with One World 2011
A One World 2011 delegation made up of representatives from the USA and board members from Jordan, Turkey, and the Republic of Georgia just wrapped up a monumental, power-packed trip to the pivotal nation of Turkey. The team swept through Ankara and Istanbul, attending high-level meetings in both government and private sectors. This was all possible due to the influence wielded by One World's key supporters in Turkey: board member Nursuna Memecan, a member of the Turkish parliament; Nuri Colakoglu, a very successful and highly respected business leader; and board member/chief advisor/head cheerleader Nezir Kirdar, all of Istanbul. They opened doors and helped facilitate invaluable introductions to various dignitaries--including Turkey's President Abdullah Gül. The President warmly welcomed the delegation to his offices, listening intently as the One World team outlined upcoming events planned for Seattle in 2011. President Gül described the One World 2011 mission as "a wonderful idea." He agreed that a "good recipe for peace is exchanges that create friendships for life."
Later that same day, we got an exciting bonus when we were told that Turkey's First Lady had set aside some time to meet with us. Mrs. Hayrünnisa Gül and staff hosted us in her lovely home. Over tea and cookies, we discussed a number of issues common to all of us including youth exchanges, education, women's issues and more. On the president's official website it states, "Mrs. Gül believes that women have a powerful role in the shaping of families and societies, and because of this, she is involved in many projects that help to empower women."
Another lively discussion was held at the US Embassy with the US Ambassador to Turkey, James Jeffery. Jeffery was happy to provide a wealth of background information about Turkey and said he is "very supportive of the One World group which is reaching out and encouraging Turkish support for a project that builds lasting relationships between all peoples."
During our whirlwind week, the delegation met up again with Sharon Wiener, the US Consul General in Istanbul, and sat with representatives from the Prime Minister's office, the Foreign Ministry, and the Office of the Mayor of Istanbul. We talked with Chairmen and CEO's of the most successful and important businesses in the region as well as leaders in education, medicine, and other top professions. To formally introduce our project to the Turkish media, One World 2011 held a successful press conference at Istanbul's sparkling Intercontinental Ceylan Hotel. With simultaneous translation available in English and Turkish, no one missed a word as our panelists outlined the One World peace initiative. Speakers included One World CEO Bob Walsh, founder of CNN-Turk Nuri Colakoglu, and board members Nursuna Memecan, Soraya Salti, and Tedo Japaridze.
Soon after, One World 2011 was making positive headlines in publications and media outlets all over the country.
Walsh sums it up this way, "It was a week that showed us, once again, that good people believe in the mission of One World 2011. Turkey is uniquely qualified to host One World 2013. The country and leadership are highly respected throughout the region and the world. It is one of the top tourist destinations on the planet. The Turks are unquestionably in a unique position to act as the liaison to bring people from many different cultures together."
We are forever grateful to the many generous people of Turkey who made this trip possible.Your hospitality was overwhelming. We thank you sincerely for your time, your advice, for hosting us to lavish luncheons and dinners, for lending your energy to the cause, and for sharing our dream that peace is possible.
January 2010
Many Good Omens
One World 2011 visits Jordan – Turkey
by Penny LeGate
Splat! It’s 2:00 AM and Bob Walsh and I are just arriving in Amman, Jordan, exhausted and jet-lagged. A sleepy pigeon on a rafter above decides to drop the remnants of its dinner on my arm. Reacting in disgust, I am immediately assured by a taxi driver, “Oh, that is a very good omen.” Indeed, he turns out to be quite right.
Our three-day sweep through Jordan is a whirlwind of meetings and greetings. Checking in at the One World 2011 offices in Amman, we have an opportunity to get acquainted with several new staff members who are making important contributions to the One World 2011 project. From graphics to market research, their individual talents are already helping to promote our message and mission. You can meet them yourself on our website: www.oneworld2011.org.
The One World 2011 Arts and Culture pillar gets a huge boost when Dr. Kifah Fakhouri enthusiastically pledges his support. As director of Jordan’s famed National Music Conservatory, this highly esteemed individual offers his help from facilitating introductions to suggesting musical talent to perform in Seattle.
We are also thrilled to announce that OW2011 gains the full support of Paolo Lembo, Director of UNDP-IRAQ (United Nations Development Programme). Paolo graciously carves out time in his busy schedule to hear details about One World 2011’s plans. Conversations are underway now about how to best involve Iraq in upcoming events.
More productive meetings are held with officials at Arab Bank, UNICEF, and Jordan’s USAID team (special thanks to Dana Mansuri, Kathryn Stevens, and Kenana Amin).
A high point of our trip is sitting down with Soraya Salti, regional director of an organization called Injaz.
Injaz promotes youth entrepreneurship in 13 nations across the Middle East and Gulf. Soraya is passionate about educating and empowering young people, knowing that is the solution to averting extremism. She recognizes the great need to reach the region’s 100 million youth ages 12 to 24 and believes a partnership with One World 2011 will be immensely beneficial.
Another highlight is getting to interview several Jordanian youths, all participants in a landmark education program called Ruwwad. Ruwwad is led by the dynamic Samar Dudin. The program provides scholarships to college-age students from disenfranchised backgrounds. The students speak boldly from their hearts. They are insightful, eloquent and passionate.
Our one spare hour is spent admiring Amman’s skyline from the Citadel. Commanding a sweeping 360-degree view of the sprawling city, this strategic outpost has served as “headquarters” for succeeding ancient cultures. Here, you can stroll through ancient Roman ruins or browse artifacts at the museum which features fragments from the famous Dead Sea Scrolls. Just another reason to fall in love with this magical country.
Next: TURKEY!
Istanbul is a magical city. An overwhelming urban melting pot of 16 million people. A highly strategic city that straddles the bridge between the continents of Europe and Asia.
Although it is dark and rainy in this bustling metropolis, our day is brightened substantially when we meet ebullient One World 2011 board member Nezir Kirdar. Joining our group now is Tedo Japaridze, an experienced diplomat from the Republic of Georgia, now stationed in Athens, Greece. While sipping tea at his lovely home, Nezir explains to all of us how he fled his native Iraq many years ago during the regime of Saddam Hussein. Nezir is savvy, well connected, highly intelligent, warm, welcoming. He is a key member of the One World 2011 team and is helping us establish a new office in Turkey. Nezir seems to know everyone who is anyone. We get acquainted, strategize, eat, talk, meet some of Nezir’s close friends, eat more fine food, and learn more about how Turkey could play a prominent role in One World 2011, both now and in the future.
No one agrees more with Turkey’s significance than U.S. Consular General, Sharon Wiener. She ushers us into her inner office in the fortress-like U.S. Consulate with a warm smile. Ms. Wiener declares that “all the (OW2011) pillars are right in line with core issues we’re focusing on here.” Ms. Wiener explains that youth understanding and empowerment of women are among their key missions. Her advice on Turkey’s strategic importance is invaluable. We come away with her enthusiastic support plus the assurance that there are a lot of Turkish individuals and organizations who would be interested in participating and/or supporting One World 2011.
Our time is short in Istanbul but we manage to squeeze in quick visits to the ancient Hagia Sophia, the famous Blue Mosque, the mind-boggling Underground Market, and the Topkapi Palace which houses some of the world’s most dazzling treasures and artifacts, including an 86-carat diamond!
One of the most charming aspects of visiting Istanbul’s historic sites are the many plump, friendly cats that meander about. When Bob sits down on a bench to better admire the Blue Mosque, a lovely little gray and white kitty boldly climbs into his lap. They both look quite content.
Another good omen, we say!
