Cape Town:Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah has urged the youth worldwide to confront global injustices and challenge double standards. She encouraged them to ensure their voices are not dismissed as overly impassioned or idealistic during her address at the One Young World Summit's opening ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa.
According to Jordan News Agency, Queen Rania emphasized that anger at injustice signifies awareness and caring deeply complements clear thinking. She highlighted that standing up for one another is not merely sentimental but a responsibility. Her remarks came after a recent terror attack in Jordan's Al Karak, which resulted in nine deaths and numerous injuries, a situation she described as alien to Jordan's values.
Addressing over 2,200 youth leaders from more than 190 countries, Queen Rania acknowledged the younger generation's approach to global challenges with intellectual rigor. She defended pro-Palestinian student protests against dismissive attitudes and recalled Nelson Mandela's stance on Palestinian freedom as integral to South Africa's own freedom journey.
The Queen condemned the neglect of international law in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, emphasizing the disregarded rules of war in Gaza and the ineffective ceasefire. She also criticized the ongoing suffering of Palestinians in the West Bank due to Israeli military actions and praised South Africa's legal proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Queen Rania rejected the notion that Palestinian freedom is unrealistic and urged youth to support Palestinian dignity and freedom. She encouraged them to substantiate their arguments with evidence and not be silenced. The One Young World Summit, a platform for young leaders, is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising, highlighting its significance in the anti-apartheid movement.
During her visit, Queen Rania also engaged with the Desmond and Lia Tutu Legacy Foundation and met with notable figures such as Graça Machel and Professor Muhammad Yunus.