Queen Rania’s Interview with Times of India

Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan emphasises the importance of women's leadership in business and governance, and calls for inclusive education systems. She also highlights the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and urges a sustainable solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

In an exclusive interview to TOI, Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan spoke on a range of issues.
Excerpts:

What are the biggest barriers to women's leadership in business and governance, and how can they be reimagined?

Women's rise into leadership roles has been slow, but significant. In 1960, there was only one female head of state - in 2023, 60 countries were headed by female leaders, as were just over 10% of Fortune 500 companies. Every success story provides more proof of women's unique leadership qualities, such as the tendency to listen before leaping into action, and to choose cooperation over competition. Ensuring women's pathways to leadership positions is smart business. As multiple studies have shown, companies with more women on their boards outperform those without. If economies want to attract and foster talented women, they need to provide stable, flexible, family-friendly workplaces.

How can education systems be reshaped to create a more inclusive future?

An inclusive future begins with inclusive education. Unfortunately, millions of children worldwide are robbed of their right to education due to conflicts, instability, and governments failing to make it a priority. All children deserve better. Education must also be constantly adapted to keep up with our fast-paced world. It's not just about improving standardized test scores; it is about fostering creative, driven youth. Through emerging technologies, including AI, and highly-skilled educators, we must continue to reinvent education from the ground up to prepare upcoming generations for any curveballs life throws their way.

What are your thoughts on the ceasefire currently taking effect in Gaza? Do you believe it is a hopeful sign of future peace?

The ceasefire has brought some relief. The bombs have stopped, and aid is coming in. However, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic: 90% of homes, 90% of schools, and nearly every hospital is in ruins. Recovery and reconstruction will be a long, arduous process, requiring enormous levels of global support. My country Jordan has been active on this front, coordinating aid via airbridge and truck convoys.

A ceasefire is just the beginning. The ongoing targeting and displacement of Palestinians in the Occupied West Bank is proof that we need a lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. We cannot go back to the days before this war. That status quo has been broken forever, and the future needs to include respect for international law, self-determination for the Palestinian people, and mutual security for all.

Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, will be speaking at ET NOW Global Business Summit 2025, to be held on February 15 & 16 at Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi

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