News
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!
September 2009
One World 2011 Launches in Jordan
After years of dreaming and planning, the project was unveiled in the Middle East, starting with the Kingdom of Jordan. At a press conference in Amman, members of the One World 2011 team shared their vision with media representatives from various television, radio, and print outlets. The skeptics dished out some tough questions but they were deftly handled by panelists Kristin Hayden, Ehab Shanti, Bob Walsh, Alexander Kozlovsky and Sandy Melzer. (as seen from left to right in the above photo.) At one point, Kozlovsky, a high ranking official from the Russian Federation, made it clear that although the seeds for One World 2011 were sown in the USA, this event will be on a global scale. He personally vouched for the Russian government's enthusiastic support of the One World 2011 project.
Later that same evening, a crowd of dignitaries arrived at the Grand Hyatt Amman for a glittering candlelight reception. Traditional Jordanian music floated out across the patio as the illuminati heard inspirational details of the One World 2011 program through a PowerPoint presentation and video. While munching on tasty hors d'eouvres, leaders from all walks of life mingled and offered to get involved. Over the next few days, newspaper headlines crowed positively about the project.
After those formal gatherings, team members swept through Amman and surrounding areas meeting local leaders and listening to their input. Dr. Sandy Melzer of Seattle Children's Hospital, engaged in many fruitful discussions with doctors and health care workers regarding the One World 2011 medical conference. He was even invited back to Amman in November to speak at a prestigious medical seminar. Among the other highlights of our trip:
Walsh addressed a distinguished group of former ministers who later issued a communique announcing their enthusiastic endorsement of One World 2011.
We secured a partnership with the Jordan River Foundation - a favorite outreach of Jordan's Queen Rania. This impressive organization is dedicated to helping Jordan's impoverished women and children. JRF administrators enthusiastically agreed to work with One World 2011 on youth exchanges and the women's conference and explore other collaborations.
Upon successfully maneuvering the security gauntlet at the US Embassy, a productive gathering was held at the US AID offices. Mission Director Jay Knott and staff graciously gave their time to hear about our citizen-led initiative. They were pleased to learn that our mission overlaps upon a number of themes that are fundamental to US AID's work in Jordan: health care, education, youth programs, and providing outreach to the disadvantaged.
A journey through the back roads of Jordan took us to the colorful and historic town of Jerash where that city's mayor hosted us to a delicious luncheon of Arabic food.
This ancient Sea may be Dead but not the ideas. More valuable networking happened at the Dead Sea's fabulous Kempinske Hotel Ishtar.
The One World 2011 team was further dazzled by Jordan's rich history and culture after taking a whirlwind trip to the wondrous ancient city of Petra.
Last but not least, we dropped by a bustling school in Amman's suburbs. Some two dozen college kids gather here every week to share their volunteer experiences. All come from disadvantaged homes but earn college scholarships by donating time to community service. After remarks from Bob and Kristin, the students jumped at the chance to ask a few questions. One of the most memorable moments was when one young man pointedly asked, "Why in western cultures does Arab Muslim equal Terrorist?" He went on to say, "I hurt for myself and for others who do not understand what is going on." These words poignantly summarize exactly what One World 2011 seeks to change: stereotypes and fear.
We cannot thank the people of Jordan enough for their hospitality, support, enthusiasm and collaboration. Now onward to the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Turkey!
