A Declaration Adopted at the International Conference to "Engage Iraq's Science and Technology Community in Developing its Country" Amman, Hashemite Kingdome of Jordan, 18-20 September 2005
At the dawn of history, Mesopotamia was the cradle of civilization. On this blessed land, its forefathers carried the torch of knowledge to enlighten the path towards prosperity of the human race. This was not always on the side of Iraqi people since Iraq was invaded and the country was plunged into periods of darkness.
Despite all these setbacks, the Iraqi people always proved their resilience and determination to survive with pride and dignity, and to contribute to modern society.
Today, Iraq is witnessing a calamity of catastrophic dimensions. Every aspect of daily life has been affected by years of sanctions, mismanagement of national resources, and three devastating wars. The present tragic status of security, health, education, employment, infrastructure, and other vital public services calls for urgent measures to support the re-building process.
The Arab Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF), Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), USA and the Conference participants commit themselves to actively endeavor to achieve the noble objectives of assisting Iraq's Science and Technology Community in the rebuilding and development of their country. The participants in this conference and their collaborators undertake to assist the Iraqi scientists and technologists to facilitate the establishment of joint international and self-sustaining projects, in order to implement practical projects by the Iraqi S & T Community. They will also spare no effort to generate the necessary funding needed for this long-term task through active campaigns and arrangement with other collaborators in order to achieve the goals of this conference. We, therefore call upon the human conscious to join us in this noble endeavour to help rebuild this devastated nation.
The Conference participants recognize with great admiration the tireless efforts of the organizers in reaching this stage of the Initiative, and call upon all international funding bodies to actively contribute funds to facilitate a successful implementation of the programs included in this initiative.
The participants express their deep gratitude to H.R.H Prince El-Hassan Bin Talal, Chairman of the Higher Council for Science and Technology, the people and government of Jordan, under the able leadership of His Majesty King Abdulla the second, for their kind encouragement, support, and hospitality, which have made this Conference an overwhelming success.
Conference Participants
Amman, 20th of September, 2005
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