🇯🇴 Jordan - King Addresses United Nations General Debate, 78th Session | #UNGA

Summary

King Abdullah II of Jordan addresses the UN General Assembly, highlighting the plight of over 345 million people facing food insecurity and 108 million refugees, including 40% children. He emphasizes Jordan's efforts to support refugees, the urgent need for international solidarity, and the necessity of resolving the Syrian crisis and Palestinian-Israeli conflict for regional stability. The King calls for sustainable funding for UNRWA and a political solution to prevent a lost generation.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The global food insecurity crisis affects over 345 million people, with 108 million being refugees.
• 👶 40% of refugees are children, who are among the most vulnerable and defenseless.
• 🏠 Refugees are looking to countries for help to end the crises that have displaced them.
• 📉 Funding shortfalls have forced UN agencies to cut support to refugees.
• 🇯🇴 In Jordan, over one-third of the population are refugees, with significant impacts from funding cuts.
• 💧 Jordan, already water-poor, is sharing its limited resources to support refugees.
• 🌍 The humanitarian crisis is a global issue, not confined to one country or region.
• 🔄 The ongoing Syrian crisis is causing more people to leave the country, straining host countries like Jordan.
• 🏛️ A political solution to the Syrian crisis is needed, following UN Security Council resolution 2254.
• 🕋️ The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a central issue in the Middle East that needs resolution for regional stability.
• 🏢 The two-state solution is essential for lasting peace, with an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Q & A

Who is addressing the assembly in the transcript?

His Majesty King Abdullah II bin al-Hussein, the second, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

What is the main issue discussed by King Abdullah II in his address?

The main issue discussed is the global refugee crisis, particularly focusing on the plight of refugees and the challenges faced by countries like Jordan in hosting them.

How many people are estimated to face food insecurity, daily hunger, or starvation worldwide according to the transcript?

According to the transcript, over 345 million people face food insecurity, daily hunger, or starvation.

What percentage of the refugees mentioned are children?

40 percent of the refugees mentioned are children.

What is the demographic composition of the refugees in Jordan as stated by King Abdullah II?

In Jordan, refugees make up over one-third of the 11 million population, and nearly half of the almost 1.4 million Syrians hosted are under 18 years of age.

What is the impact of the shortfall in international funds on refugee support as mentioned in the address?

The shortfall in international funds has forced multiple U.N. agencies to cut support, leading to uncertainty and hardship for hundreds of thousands of refugees.

What is the role of Jordan in addressing the refugee crisis as described by King Abdullah II?

Jordan has been providing a dignified life for refugees, sharing its precious resources to help them meet basic needs such as food, energy, and water, despite being among the water-poorest countries in the world.

What additional crisis is affecting Jordan and the region according to the transcript?

Climate change, with its destructive heat waves, drought, and flooding, is an additional crisis affecting Jordan and the region.

What is the proposed solution by Jordan for the Syrian refugee crisis as mentioned in the address?

The proposed solution by Jordan is a step-by-step approach that offers a path forward, engaging with the Syrian government and coordinated with the UN, setting a roadmap to incrementally resolve the crisis.

What is the central issue in the Middle East according to King Abdullah II?

The central issue in the Middle East, according to King Abdullah II, is the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

What is the importance of education for Palestinian refugees as highlighted in the address?

Education is highlighted as crucial for protecting families, keeping communities stable, and preparing young Palestinians for productive lives, preventing them from falling prey to extremists.