Prince Hassan calls for human partnership based on universal values
(06/05/2006 – www.jordantimes.com)
HRH Prince Hassan, president of the Parliament of Cultures, addressed members of the assembly in Ankara this week.
In a statement issued to mark the group’s third meeting, the Prince urged members to promote “a human partnership based on universal values, which move beyond nation, faith and state.”
The Parliament of Cultures is a nongovernmental organisation formed two years ago to promote dialogue between cultures and communities in the greater Mediterranean region and beyond.
“In a world where globalised trade and globalised ideology guide the acts of the powerful, it is essential to assert the role of culture and the importance of diversity,” added the Prince.
Delegates at the meeting were urged to spread the message of cultural understanding and mutual respect in a troubled world, according to a statement issued by Prince Hassan’s office.
A gathering of ‘Wisemen,’ also chaired by Prince Hassan, followed the two-day meeting.
Delegates at this meeting addressed the political and economic issues affecting the Asian continent.
Turkey’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul told the participants that realistic policies were needed to close the gap between Asia and the West.
“We must give citizens a sense of ownership in the process of modernisation,” Gul said, adding that the many reasons which cause almost constant political instability in many Asian societies, prevent us all from enjoying the benefits of our resources and capabilities.
Former Turkish president Suleyman Demirel paraphrased Charles Dickens to describe the state of the world: “It looks like the best of times but also the worst; it looks like the age of wisdom, but also the age of foolishness.”
The Wisemen Meeting brought together the expertise of politicians, civil society leaders and academics from Asia and Africa to discuss options for improving the hopes of millions who feel increasingly disenfranchised in a troubled world.