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"This we know. All things are connected. Like the blood that unites us. We not weave the web of life, but are merely a strand in it. Whatever we do, we do to ourselves and to others. "
Chief Seattle
In the animated film, Ben and Izzy, two mischievous pre-teen boys - one Arab, one American - meet in Amman, where their respective grandfathers, who are life-long friend, are at work on a massive archeology project. They, too become friends, but their personality styles clash. Ben, the American boy, is intensely competitive. Izzy, the Arab, is a bit paranoid. They meet a genie who takes them back in time, where they meet famous scientists from the East and West who are forced to work each other. Along the way, the boys take up the lesson and learn how to trust each other.
Randa Ayoubi, CEO of Rubicon, the Jordanian firm that produced the cartoon, played the film for the American delegation, and like so many other moments during this inaugural journey, it drove home the importance (and difficulty) of finding cultural connections. Ms. Ayoubi was one of many women in business, social welfare and the arts who spoke to the group, offering a window on the challenges facing Jordan as it moves into the 21st century.
 Samar Dudin, founding manager and theater director of Takween Theatre and Arts Workshop for Children and Youth, told the poetic fable of a small Arab boy named Hai, who lost everything in a storm but survived on hope and love. Samar started collecting stories about her town of Amman, a society that she says cherishes peace and security.
Deema Bibi is CEO of Injaz, a seven-year-old NGO, launched with USAID funding, that works with 55,000 students and 1,400 volunteers to inspire Jordanian youth and prepare them for a modern workforce. While she described her struggles to convince the Jordanian corporate sectors to adopt an ethic of social responsibility and volunteerism, she also had a message for Western youth: Preparation for the real world must include exposure to the Middle East.
Valentina Ousseisiya of the Jordan River Foundation, founded and supported by Her Majesty Queen Rania, described efforts to economically empower rural women through program promoting agriculture, weaving, and other endeavors.
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