UNITED NATIONS GIRLS EDUCATION INITIATIVE

In July 2009, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah, was also appointed Honorary Global Chair of UNGEI in recognition of her efforts to promote access, quality, and innovation in education both in Jordan and across the globe. In her capacity as Honorary Chair, Queen Rania advocates on behalf of girls who are denied an education, supporting UNGEI’s commitment to realizing a world where all girls and boys are empowered through quality education.

Queen Rania has long been an active supporter of UNICEF and its programmes in Jordan and around the world.  Her Majesty, an ardent and outspoken advocate for the world’s children, was appointed UNICEF’s first Eminent Advocate for Children in January 2007. She has accompanied UNICEF to earthquake zones in Pakistan, to learning centres in India, and to schools in Argentina, Brazil and Morocco to emphasize the importance of providing all children – especially girls – with quality education.

When international crises threaten the safety of children, Queen Rania is known for speaking out publicly – and passionately - as she did during the 2008 conflict in Gaza. Her Majesty warned that “our humanity is incomplete when children, irrespective of nationality, are victims of military operations.”

In Jordan, the Queen has embarked on a personal mission to enhance the quality of life for children. As president of the National Council for Family Affairs, she championed the National Plan of Action for Children (NPA), which aims at enhancing the quality of life for children by ensuring healthcare, basic education and protection from abuse, exploitation and violence.

Also at home, she has put a special premium on broadening education opportunities for children. In 2007, she launched “Madrasati”, which brings together public, private and non-profit partners in grassroots initiative to renovate public schools in urgent need of repair.  The initiative enriches learning environments, and enhances opportunities for school children in Jordan and the Arab world.

In addition, the Jordan Education Initiative (JEI), launched in 2003 and supported by Queen Rania, is an innovative e-learning program that enhances the quality of education through effective use of technology. The initiative has been adopted in other Middle-eastern countries.

Activity highlights from unicef.org

Queen Rania was born in Kuwait to a notable Jordanian family of Palestinian origin. After completing her studies at the American University in Cairo, Queen Rania returned to Jordan and pursued a career in banking, followed by a brief career in the field of information technology.

His Majesty King Abdullah bin Al-Hussein (then Prince) married Queen Rania on June 10, 1993.  They have four children.