Under the Patronage of Her Majesty Queen Noor Al-Hussein The National Center for Culture & Performing Arts / King Hussein Foundation The 28th International Arab Children Congress "Quality Education is key" 14th-20th of July 2008 Amman - Jordan Their Majesties King Abdullah II & Queen Rania Al Abdullah Her Majesty Queen Noor Al Hussein On behalf of the preparatory committee of the International Arab Children Congress and The National Center for Culture and Performing Arts (PAC) / King Hussein Foundation, I am delighted to warmly welcome all the delegations and our guests of honor, the renowned Iraqi singer Mr. Majed Al-Muhandes, the Lebanese singer Mr. Moeen Charif & the stars of Star Academy Mr. Bashar Ghazawi & Ms. Salma Ghazali and the Jordanian singer Amer Al-Khufash. The International Arab Children Congress (IACC) was initiated by Her Majesty Queen Noor Al Hussein following the 1980 Arab Summit Conference in Amman. Her Majesty wanted to give children & youth the same opportunity as nations’ leaders to express their needs and aspirations and to be heard by decision makers around the world. The congress is recognized in the Arab countries as a unique and valuable event of excellence, sustainability, and creativity. In 1997 the Higher Council for Children in the United Arab Emirates awarded the congress the First Prize for Unique Distinguished Services Offered to Arab Children. For the past 28 years, the IACC has been held regularly in July under the patronage and care of Her Majesty Queen Noor Al Hussein bringing together children and youth from throughout the Arab world in a program of visiting, learning, and cultural interaction in Jordan. Since 2004, the congress started to host young people from around the world thus becoming an international event especially designed to promote peace, understanding, tolerance & creativity. This year’s congress carries the title “Quality Education is Key” where important issues related to education will be discussed by the participants such as art, gender equality, cultural diversity, human rights and economy based education. This year's congress will provide a platform to bridge cultures and empower the participating youth from various countries to advocate for peace and cross cultural understanding thus reflecting the vision of His Majesty King Abdullah II. Our sincere gratitude to all the sponsors of the 28th International Arab Children Congress, the preparatory committee, cultural attachés,the public and private sectors and individuals who have continuously supported the congress. We wish you a pleasant stay in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Lina Attel Director General The National Center for Culture and Performing Arts (PAC) The International Arab Children Congress Administrative Committee Lina Attel Muhammad Badran Reem Arida Ghandi Saber Rania Kamhawi Muhannad Nawaflah Randa Fakhoury The Objectives Of The Arab Children Congress Spread awareness about children’s rights through the congress activities and the media. Bring together children & youth from different countries to promote dialogue and exchange of ideas, thus forging bonds of friendship between them, favoring peace, cross cultural understanding, solidarity and tolerance. Shed light on common problems facing children and youth to call for social protection measures from exploitation, labor, social protection and the effects of war. Mobilize support from different sectors of society and encourage broad participation in initiatives for children’s rights, with emphasis on child abuse. Promote and encourage children and youth’s talents to develop their creativity in the artistic and cultural fields such as story writing, poetry, music, drama, dance, filming & visual arts. Provide decision-makers with the recommendations and aspirations of children & youth. Guest of Honor Majed Al-Muhandes Guests of Honor to the Opening Ceremony Bashar Ghazawi & Salma Ghazali The Opening Ceremony Monday 14th of July 2008 at 8:30 PM The Palace of Culture - Al Hussein Youth city National Anthem Verses from the Holly Qur'an Speech by H.E. Senator Laila Sharaf Presentation of the dance performance "Think… Learn… Create " by the PAC Dance Troupe Presentation of songs by the stars of Star Academy Bashar Ghazawi & Salma Ghazali Speech by the International Arab Children Congress Director Presentation by IACC participants from the early 90's Speech by Mr. Majed Al-Muhandes’ guest of honor to the congress Delegations will proceed to the stage accompanied by their traditional music played by the Orchestra of the Jordanian Armed Forces conducted by Major Ibrahim Jaber Her Majesty Queen Noor Al Hussein will proceed to the stage to present the congress plaque to the guests of honor, the main sponsor, the Housing Bank for Trade and Finance and the National Educational Center for Robotics The delegations will sing the congress song "One Nation" National Anthem MC: Rana Sultan Think …Learn…Create Choreographer: Rania Kamhawi Assistant Choreographer: Severtlana Tahboub Costumes: Hind Dajani Music: International Musical Excerpts Set Design & Construction: Tawfik Abu Al Sheikh Light & Sound: Trans Jordan for Light & Sound Performed by The PAC Dance Troupe: Ruba Abu Sabha, Lana Abu Khader, Sareen Hairabedian, Serine Nabulsi, Tamara Haddad, Tala Dajani, Zeina Saad Dean, Haya Bustami, Haneen Suleiman, Lama Masri, Mousa Al-Satari, Afnan Dahduli, Rama Khalifeh, Farah Nasraween, Laya Burgan, Sara Nowar, Sara Taweel, Zein Bustami, Tala Nafa'a. The International Night Function Friday July 18th 2008 at 7:30 PM At the National Center for Culture & Performing Arts Playgrounds Guest of Honor Amer Al-Khufash Closing Ceremony Sunday 20th of July 2008 at 8:00 PM Al Hussein Cultural Center – Ras Al Ein Guest of Honor Moeen Charif Art & Book Exhibitions of all participating delegations Speech by the Congress Director Presentation of the congress recommendations Presentation of the drama workshop Presentation of the music workshop Song by the guest of honor Moeen Charif Distribution of plaques to the guest of honor and sponsors Group photo Preparatory Committee Ministry of Education Ministry of Culture Ministry of Social Development Ministry of Interior Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Municipality of Greater Amman Municipality of Greater Amman /Cultural Dept. Higher Council for Youth Ministry of Foreign Affairs Zaha Cultural Center Public Security Directorate- Public Relations Jordanian Armed Forces – Civil Defense Jordan Radio and Television Corporation Royal Jordanian Airlines Civil Association Authority and Amman Airports Jordan Hashemite Fund Jordan News Agency/ Petra Abdel Hameed Shoman Foundation UNESCO Visual Artist Al Rai Newspaper Al Ghad Newspaper Addustour Newspaper Alarab Alyawm Newspaper Jordan Times 7 Stars Amin FM Muna Aldmour Rowayda Alezza Khitam Jaber Bassam Al Fayez Ansam Malkawi Ibrahim Khereis Samira Awad Ahmad Raji Bayan Ateyat Nabila Jamous Lieutenant Hani Nayef Lieutenant Colonel Hassan Njadat Melad Khoury, Rand Gharaybeh Mai Obaidat Fadwa Al Tal Hanan Gammoh Majida Ashour, Hazem Al Khalidi Maisa' Al Khayyat Dr. Lina Khamis Samia Zaru Jamal Ayyad Kawkab Hanahneh Talat Shana'a Heba Zuhdi Hana Namrouqa Hussein Al- Abed Lieutenant Mohammad Sharif The Administrative Committee of the National Center For Culture & Performing Arts of King Hussein Foundation Themes Across The Years 1989 “For a Better Culture for the Arab Child” 1990 “Children & Youth of Today Can Build the Future” 1991 “ Environment and Human Rights” 1992 “The 21st Century: Science & Technology” 1994 “The Role of Family in Promoting the Arabic Culture” 1995 “Unity and Forbearance in the Arabic Culture” 1998 “Arab Children’s Rights” 1999 “Noble Leadership and Humanitarian Principles Al Hussein: A Life of Dedication and Distinction” 2000 “20 Years of Solidarity: Enhancing and Developing Education Technology in the Arab World” 2002 “Intergenerational Dialogue” 2003 “The Right to a Dignified Life” 2004 “My Culture … My Identity” 2005 “ Celebrating 25 Years of Communication & Creativity “ 2006 "Communication …. Knowledge & Understanding" 2007 " Security & Development" Recommendations put forward by participants of the congress in previous years: 1 Compelling Arab governments to adhere to the ‘Convention on the Rights of the Child’. [16th Congress] 2 Request the Arab League to establish an Arab Fund specifically for children affected by war and sanctions who are unable to meet their educational and health needs. [21st Congress] 3 Utilize the Arabic numerals instead of the Hindi numerals utilized in the mathematics curriculum in the Arab world. [25th Congress] 4 Include the Performing Arts as subjects in the formal educational curricula in the Ministries of Education of the Arab world. [25th Congress] 5 Develop the educational curricula all over the world to include information about the world’s cultures, civilizations and religions in order to achieve respect of cultural diversity , eradication of racism and to build bridges of cooperation and understanding among people of the world. [26th Congress] 6 Request the Arab Summit & the Arab League to support the establishment of an Arabian TV Satellite Station broadcasting in foreign languages to portray the Arabian culture & civilization and to highlight the talents and achievements of children and youth in the Arab world. [26th Congress] 7 Request all countries to enforce the laws pertaining to child protection from violence, abuse, drugs, child labor and armed conflicts and to hold any violators of the law accountable and request the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Child & Human Rights. [27th congress]. 8 Urge countries to draw up trade agreements that encourage economic growth in order to promote better living standards for all people. [27th congress]. 9 Reduce the use of energy that causes pollution to the environment and look for alternative energy resources that are friendly to the environment and call for the cooperation between rich and poor countries to preserve the environment. [27th congress]. 10 Promote & circulate Amman Message launched by His Majesty King Abdullah II that focus on the spirit of Islam and renounces extremism and the respect for others. [27th congress]. The National Center for Culture and Performing Arts of King Hussein Foundation would like to sincerely thank all sponsors for their kind contribution to the success of the 28th International Arab Children Congress ‫ﻔﻴﺮ‬ ‫ﺴ‬ ‫ﺍﻟ‬ Main Sponsor Jordanian Armed forces - Civil Defense Al -Safir Printing Press Ministry of Social Development Challenger Team Public Security Directorate Higher Council for Youth Jordan Radio and Television Corporation The Royal Cultural Center The Palace of Culture- Al Hussein Youth City Jordan Co. for Dead Sea products (La Cure) Nestle Burger King Trans Jordan for Light and Sound Al Hussein Cultural Center Jordan Saudi Company for Entertainment Centers / Istiklal Mall Consolidated Contractors Company Ltd. (CCC) National Paints 7 Stars TASAMEEM Web and Design Solutions Jordan Express Tourist Transport ( JETT) Al-Burkan for Handcrafts Standard Chartered Bank Al Aumdan for Food & Beverages Special thanks to H.E. Mr. Amjad Adaielh, H.E. Dr. Zuhdi Al-Khatib, Bayan Attel, Tayma' Qaa'war, Firas Mniemneh, Mr.Kayed Akkawi, Najeh Abu Al Zein, Nidal Nasraween, Hani Keshik, Ayda Matlaka, Captain Thabet Nabulsi, Lana Bsharat, Ahmad Sqour, Mahmoud Al Khateeb, Mohammed Al-Araj, Alai Awwad, the Jordanian host families & parents of students participating in the opening ceremony for their cooperation. Art Workshops Drama Music Drawing Pottery Saad Abbas, Karma Al Zu’bi Ahmad Shuhadeh Tarik Arida Iraq Al Amir (Khawla Al-Muhairat, Sabah Al-Muhairat, Sarah Al-Husamai Workshop Coordinator Yusra Awadi Head of Delegations Muhammad Badran Head of Delegations Assistant Mousa Al-Satari Supervisor of the Jordanian Delegation Razan Kurde Host Families Ghandi Saber Technical Coordinator Tawfik Abu Al Sheikh Director of International Relations & Media Reem Arida Executive Secretary Randa Fakhoury Public Relations Officer Hanadi Hunaity Head of Accounting Muhammad Badran Coordination Team Fadel Al Awad Ghazi Karesli Muhannad Al-Tal Fawaz Rawashdeh Faisal Hunaiti Hamadah Showeni Murad Hammad Mahmoud Hammad Shukryeh Abdullah Firas Ermaih Media Committee: Al Rai Newspaper Al Ghad Newspaper Addustour Newspaper Alarab Alyawm Newspaper Jordan Times Jordan News Agency/ Petra Amin FM Jordan Radio and Television Corporation Al Arabiya TV 7 Stars TV BBC Radio Radio Al Balad Sawt Al Madina Jordan Media Center Reuters Al-Hayat Pan Arab International Newspaper Ghazal Magazine Kuwait News Agency Sharqeyat Magazine Mazaj FM MBC PAC Volunteers Ban Majali Faris Batayneh Nouf Majali Yazan Fakhouri Jeries Ma'louf Farah Al-Hunaiti Aya Al-Hunaiti Graphic Design: Omar Rawashdeh Saleh Kishta Hamzeh Rawashdeh Lana Masalha Alaa Barbari Nader Abu-Adas Jamal Ayyad Kawkab Hanahneh Talat Shana'a Heba Zuhdi Hana Namrouqa Majida Ashour, Hazem Al Khalidi Leutnat.Mohammad Sharif Melad Khoury, Rand Gharaybeh Ghassan Abu Louz Hussein Al- Abed Sa'ad Hattar Hazim Thalji Rawan Khalifeh Issa Abu Seer Dina Wakeel Nourma Na'mat Bothayna Al-Bakheet Mashhoor Abu Eid Khaldoun Zahran Hana Abu-Lughod Rania Nimir Reem Arida, Hanadi Hunaity, Muhannad Attel Amal Samara Hassan Doweikat Mohammad Ateyieh Khalid Hamadallah Sura Athamneh Amjad Rawajfeh Triangle Creative Design: Shadi Al-Suyyagh Nabeel Habash Ameer Al-Zabin Amjad Qatatsheh Abdulla Ibrahim Moa'th Al-Wahsh Malek Al-Masri Mais Al-Eswed The National Center for Culture and Performing Arts (PAC) / King Hussein Foundation was established in 1987 with the aim of developing an understanding and awareness of the value of the arts in the educational process and to promote social development issues in addition to enhancing the theater and dance movements in Jordan and the region. It provides professional training for children & youth in theater and dance on a regular basis accredited by The Kennedy Center for the Performing Art in Washington DC, the Jordanian Ministry of Education and the Royal Academy of Dance in Britain. PAC holds annually the International Arab Children Congress which was established by Her Majesty Queen Noor Al Hussein in 1980. PAC established the National Interactive Theater Troupe in 1989 which produces plays that deal with contemporary issues related to comprehensive socio-economic development utilizing the interactive theater methodology. The troupe tours extensively in Jordan and participates in local, regional and international festivals with productions of interactive theater, puppet shows and musicals. In 1996, PAC established the Dance Theater Troupe which comprises of 20 male & female performers who are trained in classical ballet, jazz & contemporary dance techniques, in addition to traditional Jordanian folk dance. The troupe performs in local, regional & international events, performing in various dance styles & techniques. PAC has also produced several documentaries and TV programs on issues related to youth culture, democracy & human rights for local and international organizations. Throughout the past 21 years, PAC has established a wide network with various regional and international organizations and was selected to be the Middle East regional partner by The Danish Centre for Culture and Development (DCCD) and is a full member representing Jordan in the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People (ASSITEJ). PAC is actively engaged in promoting cross cultural understanding through conducting comprehensive cultural exchange programs and co-productions in theater & dance such as the musical play "Walking the Winds: Arabian Tales" which was premiered at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Opera Abu Hassan produced in cooperation with the French Embassy in Jordan and the dance performance "Fusion" with the Finnish Mime Center. PAC is a recipient of "Al Hussein Medal for Distinction of the First Order for Distinguished Achievement in the Field of Theater", the international prize "Grozdanin Kikot" for the contribution to the development of drama education from the Mostar Youth Theater in Bosnia and Herzegovina, “The Cairo International Radio & Television Festival Silver Award” for the musical play " Madinat Assawsana". The National Center for Culture and Performing Arts (PAC) of King Hussein Foundation Arjan - Opposite the physical Education College Ibn Al- Haytham Street –building 70 P.O. Box 926687 Amman 11110 Jordan Tel: ++ 962 6 5690 292 /3 Fax: ++ 962 6 5690 291 Email: info@pac.org.jo Website: www.pac.org.jo The International Arab Children Congress website: www.arabchildrencongress.com Adventure camps, Trips Climbing ,Military Camps, Summer& winter camps & More. The challenger's team is composed of a group of qualified Captains with various skills , specialized in adventure programs, group leadership , first aid and psychological therapy. It is a mixture of four major aspects; Education, Training, Entertainment, Adventure and Discovery. The program is executed in different parts of Jordan, mainly: Aqaba, Petra, Ajloun, Dibeen, Wadi Rum, Wadi Mujib Reserve, Nakheel Valley and Finan Valley. The core concept for participants is communal work, communication, the ability to resolve problems, and identify life skills including: Stars skills and learning how to cook! The Challengers program aims to include all ages and peoples from different background divided into the following: Part 1 Children's program - North of Jordan: Sixth grade and lower. - South of Jordan: Seventh grade and over. - New discovery areas : Covering all areas of important areas in Jordan. Part 2 Adult program - Training : a program which aims to build the concept of time management through theoretical and pragmatic activities. - Entertainment and informative program: an annual program signed with various institutions, dedicated to introduce the employee with Jordan and a method used by institutions to maximize job performance. - Summer program : execution of various summer programs targeting all age ranges executed in numerous forms including, across Jordan, a 6-day camping trip, summer clubs and daily expeditions, in addition to trips outside Jordan including Cyprus and Sharm Sheikh in Egypt. The program also offers the travelers ADVENTURE and the LION'S adventure. General Manger Thabet Alnabulsi PROGRAM Monday 14/7/2008 08:30 AM 09:00 AM 09:30 AM 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 01:00 PM 01:30 PM 05:30 PM 08:30 PM 11:00 PM Departure to the Royal Cultural Center -Conference Hall Opening session with the Congress Director Ms. Lina Attel Session with the Housing Bank for Trade & Finance Session with H.E. Minster of Education Session with Mr. Majed Almuhandes guest of honor to the congress Departure to the Palace of Culture - Al Hussein Youth City Lunch at the hotel Departure to the Palace of Culture. Opening Ceremony Dinner at the hotel Tuesday 15/7/2008 08:30 AM 09:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 01:00 PM 03:00 PM 03:30 PM 05:30 PM 07:00 PM 08:30 PM Departure to the Martyr’s Monument A tour at the Martyr’s Monument Departure to PAC Workshops at PAC Lunch at the hotel Departure to PAC Workshops at PAC Visit by the guest of Honor Mr. Majed Al-Muhandes to the workshops at PAC Departure to the Hotel Dinner at the hotel Wednesday 16/7/2008 09:00 AM 01:00 PM 02:00 PM 03:00 PM 05:45 PM 06:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:30 PM 08:00 PM Departure to the Public Security Cavalry Lunch at the Public Security Departure to PAC Workshops at PAC Departure to the Royal Cultural Center A session by Amman Child Friendly City / Children City Council Presentation of the website of the IACC Departure to the hotel Dinner at the hotel Thursday 17/7/2008 08:00 AM 02:30 AM 05:00 PM 09:00 PM Departure to Petra Lunch at Taybet Zaman Return to Amman Dinner at the hotel Friday 18/7/2008 09:00 AM 04:00 PM 05:30 PM 07:30 PM 11:00 PM Host families Return to hotel Departure to PAC International Night Function Dinner at the hotel Saturday 19/7/2008 09:00 AM 09:30 AM 12:00 PM 01:00 PM 01:30 PM Departure to PAC Workshops at PAC Departure to the Citadel-tour in the museum Departure to Istiklal Mall lunch at Istiklal Mall 05:45 PM 06:30 PM 08:30 PM Departure to Al-Hussein Cultural Center “Captain Abu Raed” Film at Al-Hussein Cultural Center Dinner at the hotel Free Time at Istiklal Mall Sunday 20/7/2008 09:00 AM 09:30 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 02:00 PM 06:00 PM 08:00 PM 10:00 PM Departure to the Royal Cultural Center. Closing session and recommendations Session with the guest of honor Mr. Moeen Charif Departure to Al Hussein Cultural Center –preparations for the closing ceremony Lunch by Burger King at the hotel Departure to Al Hussein Cultural Center Closing Ceremony Dinner at the hotel *Breakfast begins at 6:30 am The 28th International Arab Children Congress "Quality Education is Key" 14th – 20th July 2008 Amman -The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Topics: Education and the Arts Education and Gender Equality Education and Cultural Diversity Education and Economy Education and Human Rights