The Crown Prince of Jordan gave a keynote address at third Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS). This year’s event was held virtually due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic and the world’s response to it were key themes of the event, and it was hosted by the United Arab Emirates and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). The theme this year was “harnessing the Fourth Industrial Revolution’s transformation of manufacturing to the regeneration of the global economy.”
The Crown Prince emphasised community even in an age of social distancing. He said: “Physical distancing should not mean operating in silos. We need each other, now more than ever, if we are to truly overcome COVID-19 and its far-reaching implications.”
He highlighted Jordan’s response to the pandemic citing their testing regimen, contact tracing protocols, and governmental and private assistance as reasons for their success in addressing the pandemic. He further shared Jordan’s willingness to help its neighbours and partners around the world.
Given the theme of globalisation, he highlighted his father King Abdullah’s desire to continue forward on the path of global cooperation. He said His Majesty “believes a better global integration is the way forward, a re-globalisation that builds on the strengths and resources of each of us, for the benefit of all, ensuring global synergy and prosperity.”
He further emphasised the need for every country to play their part in the global response. He said: “Instead of every country for itself, hoarding food and medical supplies, we can strive towards a better balance between self-sufficiency and interdependency.” He stated that Jordan wishes to be a regional hub in the COVID-19 response.
He ended looking back to the past and then forward to express his hope for the world saying: “Throughout history, global crises have brought out simultaneously the best and worst of humankind. They have tested the true mettle of countries and peoples. Let us not fail the test this time. Let us choose to be the best that we can be, for the shared prosperity of our world.”
For more information about the summit and its aims visit the GMIS official site.
