Jordanian ambassador to lecture Oct. 27 during Jordan Week

Karim Kawar, ambassador to the United States and Mexico from the Kingdom of Jordan, will give a free public lecture beginning at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Nebraska Union, 1400 R St. on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus.

The lecture is titled "A Jordanian Perspective: Challenges and Opportunities in the Middle East." Kawar will discuss the challenges Jordan confronts and the opportunities Jordan is exploiting in the region in the pursuit of peace, prosperity and a better future for all. He will discuss the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Iraq and the war on terror as both challenges in the region but also opportunities for cooperation and dialogue to resolve the issues permanently. Kawar will also share Jordan's success story of stability, modernity and growth in the midst of difficult and challenging conditions.

Kawar, who was appointed ambassador in 2002, is a prominent leader in developing Jordan's information and communications technology sector. A graduate of Boston College, Kawar established his first business at age 20 and headed an umbrella group that encompassed 10 information systems and software companies. In 1999, Kawar was appointed to the country's Economic Consultative Council by King Abdullah II. The council was the first body to include public and private sector leaders established to advise the monarch on economic issues. Kawar served as a member of several Consultative Council task forces on Investment, eGovernment, Public Sector Reform and computer and English education.

Kawar is dedicated to advancing U.S.-Jordanian relations through enhanced economic and cultural exchanges. Kawar aims to promote Jordan as a high-tech center in the Middle East and an investment hub by sharing his vision of Jordan's potential and the capacity of its people with business leaders and public officials in the United States.

Kawar will visit UNL as part of "Jordan Week," Oct. 27-31. Jordan Week is designed to promote the exchange of ideas between UNL and Jordanian leaders to develop strategies to launch collaborative projects and initiatives. Other Jordanian officials scheduled to visit UNL are Maher S. Matalka, director, Economic and Commerce Bureau; and Abdullah Al-Musa, president, University of Jordan.

Jordan Week is sponsored by the UNL Office of Research and Graduate Studies. During their visit, the Jordanian dignitaries will meet with UNL administrators, faculty and students; tour labs and other campus facilities; tour the Capitol and Nebraska businesses; and participate in a roundtable discussion with business leaders interested in doing business with Jordan and/or Middle Eastern companies.

CONTACT: Karen Underwood, Research & Graduate Studies, (402) 472-0030