Queen Noor Of Jordan

Her Majesty Queen Noor was born Lisa Najeeb Halaby on 23 August 1951, to an Arab-American family distinguished for its public service. She attended schools in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., New York City, and Concord Academy in Massachusetts, before entering Princeton University in its first co-educational freshman class.

After receiving a B.A. in Architecture and Urban Planning from Princeton University in 1974, Queen Noor worked on international urban planning and design projects in Australia, Iran, the United States, and Jordan from where she traveled throughout the Arab World to research aviation training facilities. Subsequently, she joined Royal Jordanian Airlines as Director of Planning and Design Projects. Beyond her professional undertakings, she has authored books including "Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life," which became a New York Times #1 bestseller and was published in 17 languages, and "Hussein of Jordan."

Their Majesties, King Hussein and Queen Noor, were married on 15 June 1978. They have two sons: HRH Prince Hamzah (born 29 March 1980), and HRH Prince Hashim (born 10 June 1981), and two daughters: HRH Princess Iman (born 24 April 1983), and HRH Princess Raiyah (born 9 February 1986). Since 1978, Queen Noor has initiated, directed, and sponsored numerous projects in Jordan and internationally, focusing on education, culture, women and children's welfare, human rights, and environmental conservation. She holds leadership roles in several influential organizations, including President of United World Colleges and Director of Refugees International, advocating for civilian protection and displaced persons globally.

Queen Noor's extensive work in international relations and global peace-building includes her roles as a Founding Member of Global Zero, advocating for the elimination of nuclear weapons, and her involvement with the International Commission on Missing Persons. She has been awarded numerous accolades, including the United Nations Environment Program Global 500 Award and several honorary doctorates in international relations, law, and humane letters. A recognized leader in sustainable development, democracy, and peace, she continues to speak at significant venues such as the Forum for the Future of Agriculture and the JFK Presidential Library, sharing insights on global issues from Middle Eastern politics to environmental conservation and human security.