Washington, D.C. - Bridges of Understanding Foundation partnered with Meridian International Center again to host a high-level conference on the role new media & technology play in promoting understanding between the youth in the Middle East and the West. The conference convened media and new technology leaders to discuss how communications vehicles, such as virtual worlds, social networking, and other new media tools are bridging gaps between the Middle East and the United States. The conference was attended by over 100 people, including a delegation from Young Arab Leaders.
The conference also highlighted initiatives supported by Bridges of Understanding, such as: the Youth Initiative for Progress in Iraq; videoconferencing between high school students in the United States and Jordan conducted by the Global Nomads Group in NYC; and a scholarship awarded to a Jordanian student attending Marymount University. Speakers included: Patricia Harrison, CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting; Ambassador Karim Kawar, President of Kawar Group; Ambassador Stuart Holliday, President of Meridian International Center; Senator Bill Frist; Rita King, CEO of Dancing Ink Productions; and April Delaney, Washington Director of Common Sense Media.
"Meridian International Center shares Bridges of Understanding?s dedication to advancing international communication and dialogue, and values their particular focus on the Middle East. We look forward to a long partnership with Bridges in fostering open and free dialogue between America and the youth of the Middle East," said Ambassador Stuart W. Holliday, President of Meridian.
Bridges of Understanding also presented the first ever Building Bridges Award to Susan G. Komen for the Cure in recognition of their work which has made a tremendous difference in the area of breast cancer awareness, detection and research worldwide. Susan G. Komen for the Cure has demonstrated significant accomplishment and achieved life changing impact through its efforts and programs and in so doing, has built bridges around the world, including between the Arab world and the United States, specifically through the implementation of the U.S. - Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research. Tina Hone, VP Public Policy, for Komen was present at the luncheon to accept the award on behalf of the organization.
Ambassador Karim Kawar, president of Bridges of Understanding and former Jordanian Ambassador to the United States commented, "Today, new media and technology tools at our fingertips, allows people in the US and the Middle East to exchange views and promote ideas that help raise the level of understanding and develop appreciation of each others cultures."
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