Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan
UNICEF Eminent Advocate since 2007
“For the millions of children whose voices are not being heard, let us commit to take a stand, and take a step, and make real strides for child survival and education.”
Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, an ardent and outspoken advocate for the world’s children, was appointed UNICEF’s first Eminent Advocate for Children in 2007.
Queen Rania has long been an active supporter of UNICEF and its programmes in Jordan and around the world. 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 when she 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, which ensures children receive health care, 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 unites public, private and non-profit partners in a grassroots initiative to renovate public schools in urgent need of repair. She has also supported the Jordan Education Initiative, an innovative e-learning programme.
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.
She married His Majesty King Abdullah bin Al Hussein (then Prince) in 1993. They have four children.
Queen Rania's activity with UNICEF
2009
- Queen Rania, in her capacity as honorary Global Chair of the United Nations Girls' Education Initiative, visited The Young Women’s Leadership School in New York City to recognize the importance of girls' education as central for sustainable development.
- Queen Rania travelled to South Africa and met with young teenagers in Soweto, highlighting the importance of education.
- In Jordan, Queen Rania attended a UNICEF-organized press conference to appeal for international coordination alleviating the suffering of children impacted by the conflict in Gaza.
2008
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In Jordan, Queen Rania issued a statement marking the World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse.
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In Brazil, Queen Rania visited the UNICEF-supported Aprendiz City-School, a non-governmental organization located in the Vila Madalena district of São Paulo.
2007
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In Morocco, Queen Rania, along with Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem of Morocco, made an official visit to two UNICEF-supported projects to highlight the country’s efforts to combat child labour and promote education for all.
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In Jordan, Queen Rania launched UNICEF’s worldwide call to action to aid Iraqi children.
2006
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In New York, Queen Rania participated in the Symposium on Child Survival, organized by UNICEF, The Lancet health journal and the Government of Norway, which brought together experts and policymakers.
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In India, Queen Rania met with children at the Ritinjali Learning Centre – one of over 3,000 alternative schools in India dedicated to teaching out-of-school children while integrating them in the formal education system.
2005
- In Pakistan, Queen Rania met with children and families affected by the devastating South Asia earthquake. She brought with her a planeload of relief supplies to help generate international support to save the lives of thousands of children affected by the earthquake.