Queen Noor of Jordan to keynote Judson University's World Leaders Forum
Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan will keynote Judson University’s sixth-annual World Leaders Forum on April 18, school officials announced.
According to the school “Noor is a world-renowned advocate for cross-cultural understanding and conflict prevention and recovery issues such as refugees, missing persons, poverty, climate change, and disarmament.”
She will speak about her work to support humanitarianism at two events during the visit — a community event at Judson University and a VIP reception in Chicago later that night.
“At a time when we are reminded of worldwide conflicts on a daily basis, the perspective of a global human rights leader like Queen Noor is needed more than ever,” said Judson University President Gene Crume.
Born to an Arab-American family, Queen Noor received a Bachelor of Arts degree in architecture and urban planning from Princeton University. She married His Majesty King Hussein bin Talal of Jordan in 1978. Her work in Jordan and the Arab world has focused on national and regional human security in the areas of education, sustainable development, human rights, and cross-cultural understanding. She founded and chairs the Noor Al Hussein and the King Hussein foundations, which have advanced thinking in the Middle East through pioneering best practice programs in the fields of poverty eradication, women’s empowerment, microfinance, health, and arts as a medium for social development and cross-cultural exchange.
“Queen Noor’s visit will be the first time that our city has hosted royalty,” said Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain. “This underscores how important the World Leaders Forum is for our community. We can’t wait to welcome another global icon to Elgin.”
The World Leaders Forum has been keynoted by former heads of state including President George W. Bush, Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev, UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Mexican President Felipe Calderón; as well as former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The goal of this annual event is to offer Judson students and area professionals an opportunity to be inspired by significant thought leaders with a global perspective.
The 2016 World Leaders Forum will feature a community event at 2 p.m. at the Judson University Herrick Chapel, and a VIP reception later that evening at 5 p.m. At both events, Queen Noor’s presentations will be followed by question-and-answer sessions. VIP event sponsors will also have a photo opportunity with Queen Noor.
Tickets to the VIP event are available to the public. With limited seating available for the community event, Judson students, faculty, staff and alumni will be given first priority until Oct. 30, when the general public will be able to purchase tickets. For ticketing and sponsorship information, visit www.WorldLeadersForum.info.
Source: www.chicagotribune.com