City of Milan honours Queen Rania for efforts to improve image of Islam

MILAN (JT) — In appreciation of her role in promoting dialogue between people and portraying an accurate image of Islam in the West, Her Majesty Queen Rania on Monday received the Ambrogino d'Oro Award, the most prestigious prize awarded by the city of Milan to prominent figures for their contribution to humanitarian and social causes.

On behalf of the city of Milan, Gabriele Albertini, mayor of Milan presented the award to Queen Rania “... in recognition of the vital work she has done over recent years aimed at fostering dialogue between peoples and cultures and, in particular, for openness, hope and reciprocal knowledge among different societies.”

The award honors Queen Rania's work in the field of women's rights and the hope that she brings for a new stage of dialogue between the West and the Arab world.

In his welcoming remarks, Anotonio Ferrari, a leading journalist in Italy and presenter of the event, said, “... in this hard battle, you have become a symbol in the Arab world and in the Mediterranean. You have been able, with enthusiasm and determination to influence and involve many women who are close to the heart of power, or who have an important social role in their countries.”

Ferrari added that Queen Rania has directly faced social challenges and addressed the conditions of women and children thus promoting the respect of human rights.

The award was presented at the Milan City Hall in the presence of top Italian government officials. Mayor Albertini complemented Queen Rania's endless efforts that give hope for “... a new Jordan, more open within and without its boundaries; for a peaceful and safe Middle East; for a new Mediterranean open towards Europe and the rest of the world, building a common environment based not only on economic foundations but also on a shared cultural heritage; for an increasingly important role of women in society and the home, a prerequisite of real progress.”

Queen Rania has emerged as a strong advocate of cross-cultural dialogue aimed at dispelling misconceptions of Islam and at a better understanding between different civilizations. “All this has never been more important than today. We live at a critical time, a true turning point, when ignorance and division really can destroy our world. The real work of peace demands real interaction — people who bring true concern and mutual respect to the conversation — people who make an effort to bridge the world's divides,” Queen Rania said.

In his speech, Mr. Cingoli, president of the Italian Centre for Peace, stressed the important role that “... the young and new Royal Family is (taking) by walking the path of HM King of Jordan and following in his footsteps and teachings. The Royal Family has been able to walk so far with heart and mind towards the `new' and in so doing has won the growing admiration and respect of the world and the love of the Jordanian people.”

In a speech delivered to about 200 people participating in a roundtable event on the role of women in the Mediterranean area following the receipt of the award, Queen Rania, the first member of a Royal Family to receive such a prize, stressed the importance of the award which is “... a bridge of friendship between the peoples of Milan and Jordan; a bridge of partnership as we work together for global development and understanding; and a bridge of hope, hope for a better future for all our peoples.”

The “Ambrogino d'Oro” is a gold medal portraying the picture of Saint Ambrogio, Milan's patron saint and is exceptionally awarded to people who do not live in Milan as a symbol of the city's gratitude for their activities in several areas.

That award will bring joy and hope to millions, especially women, in the mideast.

It will also outrage those radical fundamentalist terrorists.

All in all, a good deal.

Until someone gets them to undergo a long overdue reformation which drags them out of the 7th century, and eliminates the world domination bent, I'm not impressed by any efforts to make them "look" better.

More BS. If she and what she espouses is the 'true' face of islam, i'm the pope.

It's a bloodthirsty ideology bent on world domination and all these pretty apologists cannot hide the ugliness that is the dominant force of this evil.

I'd like to see her walk unescorted in Pakistan or without a veil in Saudi.

Silly poopy person. Stop preaching to the west.

I guess this lady isn't doing all that much to dispel 'misconceptions' about Islam. I never heard of her before. Just what 'misconceptions' is she supposedly dispelling and how is she planning to go about that? (Not really expecting anyone on this thread to know, since I don't either.)

Queen Rania certainly has her work cut out for her. Jordan allows many women to be killed each year, allowing their killers to escape punisment simply by making a false accustation. Queen Rania has no reason to be proud of Islam. What Jordan calls "honor" is really dishonor, a real disgrace to humanity and to all women in this world!
A man in Jordan can get away with murder by simply accusing a relative of having sex, real or imagined. Shame! Go and hide your head in shame, Rania!
God and hide your silly head, too, Queen Noor!

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