Queen Rania's Taped Message for PeaceTech Video Dialogue 2006 - Philippines

Bismillah Al Rahman Al Rahim.  

Warm greetings to everyone from Jordan!  I wanted to wish you my very best as you launch your video conference.  I know that sometimes, young people feel their opinions are not taken seriously.  I want you to know that what you think matters… and your voices are being heard – not only by one another, by your government, and by the media… but by international organizations and countries around the world.  

I also want to applaud you for taking part in this Peace Tech dialogue – for reaching out, across boundaries of geography and background, to build greater trust… compassion… and acceptance… at a time when our world is lacking all three.  

I do believe most people are more alike than we are different.  Yet, too often, in our day to day lives, we are not forced to listen and learn from one another… to try to put ourselves in each other’s shoes, or to understand how others see the world.

With Peace Tech, you are using the power of technology to build those strong connections – and at the same time, to amplify your voices in shaping your society.

I hope that model can be extended more widely throughout our world.  We need closer contact with one another.  We need better mutual understanding.  And we need young people’s energy and engagement to build a brighter future for us all.

So thank you, Peace Tech, for leading the way.  I wish you every success.