Publications |
September 27, 2012
Overview

From the welcome remarks by Ross Perot, Jr.:

It is a pleasure to welcome you to this evening’s awards program. As chairman of the EastWest Institute, I have long been impressed by the outstanding work our organization is doing to make this world a safer and better place. EWI’s Parliamentarians Network for Conflict Prevention has brought us the

distinction of working side by side with two of tonight’s honorees, the Hon. Dr. Fehmida Mirza of Pakistan and the Hon. Ms. Shinkai Karokhail of Afghanistan. These impressive leaders have worked in exceptionally challenging environments, embodying the courage that will be needed to bring about substantial, lasting change for the better.

Our honorees will be jointly presented with the first-ever H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Award for Values-based Leadership, named for the wife of the late Sheikh Zayed of the United Arab Emirates. Known as "the mother of
the nation," she founded the first UAE women’s organization: the Abu Dhabi Society for the Awakening of Women in 1973. She also launched a nationwide campaign for the education of young girls.

I am also honored to welcome the Hon. Mr. Koichiro Gemba, who now serves as Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. A reform-minded leader, Gemba has worked to enhance his country’s energy policies, agriculture and fiscal structure. We will present EWI’s International Peace Building Award to Gemba, which he will accept on behalf of the people of Japan for their commitment to the nation and people of Afghanistan.

I would also like to extend my warmest welcome to our many distinguished guests in attendance tonight, especially those representing Afghanistan, Pakistan and the UAE. We are especially honored to hear from H. E. Dr. Zalmai Rassoul, Foreign Minister of Afghanistan.

Thank you for joining us and I hope that you will continue to support the EastWest Institute’s efforts to enhance peace and security throughout the world.