Today’s program
will be presented
in Arabic and English,
with subtitles in Arabic,
Aulacese (Vietnamese),
Chinese, English,
French, German,
Indonesian, Japanese,
Korean, Malay,
Persian, Portuguese,
Russian, Spanish
and Thai.
A country that upholds
the values of peace
by abolishing its army…
A president
who rescued thousands
of refugees’ lives…
A former US
vice president who brings
the world’s attention
to global warming…
A celebrity
who advocates
for human rights…
An animal lover
who works tirelessly
for the defenseless…
An international
organization
that provides
humanitarian aid
regardless
of national boundaries…
A worldwide
humanitarian agency
that protects human life
and alleviates suffering
(Red Cross)
These are among some of
the distinguished people,
countries
and organizations
in our present day society
that have made
a positive difference
on our planet through
their noble actions.
For the purpose
of recognizing
these caring actions,
and in response to
the reports about many
positive developments
in the world,
Supreme Master
Ching Hai founded
the Shining World
Leadership Award
in March 2006.
The pure crystal award
represents
the shining noble ideals
of the honored
individuals, nations
and organizations
whose pioneering work
and selfless dedication
have significantly
contributed to
the harmony and beauty
of our planet.
“Thank you
for this award
and most significantly,
thank you
for the work you’ve done
and are doing, and are
encouraging others to do
to awaken humanity
to its responsibility – to
live a compassionate life
and to do so in honoring
the spirit in all beings.”
The founder
of the Shining World
Leadership Award,
Supreme Master
Ching Hai,
is a world- renowned
spiritual leader,
humanitarian and artist,
who herself has brought
immense benefits
to the world through
her inspiring words
and shining example.
Supreme Master
Ching Hai’s
own selfless service
and devotion to all beings
have been highly lauded
by world leaders
and governments.
She also brings love
around the world
where there is hate.
She brings hope where
there is despair, and
she brings understanding
where there is
misunderstanding.
We don't have
enough people
like the Supreme Master.
If we had somebody
like her in every country
in the world, we will
have eternal peace,
eternal love.
For decades,
Supreme Master
Ching Hai
has exemplified
unconditional love
through her worldwide
humanitarian work.
Love
your family members
wholeheartedly;
sacrifice for them
whenever necessary.
And to other members of
mankind just show
your love universally,
and help
whoever needs your help.
That is the way of love.
Supreme Master
Ching Hai’s
wisdom and compassion
have been a source of
inspiration for countless
people worldwide.
And she
further encourages
positive work through
the Shining World
Leadership Award.
Thank you,
Shining World Leaders!
Halo gracious viewers.
In the two and a half years
that His Excellency
Dr. Salih Mahdi Mutlab
al-Hasnawi has been
Iraq's Minister of Health,
the visionary doctor
has been making
exemplary efforts
to rebuild and reform
the country’s health system.
Recently, to help reduce statistics
that currently estimate
55 people die each day
from smoking,
Iraq’ Parliament
has imposed
a new smoking ban
in all government, school,
and other
public sector buildings.
Iraq now joins Israel,
Jordan and Qatar as other
Middle Eastern countries
that have also banned
smoking in public places.
For this
life-saving legislation,
the Iraqi Health Minister,
His Excellency
Dr. Salih Mahdi Mutlab
al-Hasnawi, was honored
with the Shining World
Leadership Award
from Supreme Master
Ching Hai.
From the start,
Iraq’s new smoking ban
has been promoted
actively through
a mass media campaign,
and is implemented
by example – starting
with the government itself.
His Excellency
Dr. Salih Mahdi Mutlab
al-Hasnawi, explained.
When I address
as Minister of Health,
I work on many aspects
of that.
First, to increase
the level of primary
health care centers in Iraq,
increase the number;
and increase its quality
up to the standard,
at the same time to look
for what’s the risk factor.
And one of
the most risk factors,
as you know is the smoking,
so I started a campaign,
and after that we introduced
to the Government
and to the Parliament,
legislation about,
we called it, “Protection
from Smoking Effects.”
And now, in each ministry
of all the Iraqi Ministries,
there is a committee
in the Ministry
for smoking prevention,
and in each
governmental organization,
there is a committee.
The smoking ban is just
a part of the Iraqi
Health Ministry’s
dedicated efforts to
improve people’s access
to healthcare both inside
and outside the country.
Recently,
a new Medical Office
for the Ministry
was installed in Amman,
the capital of Jordan.
It will play an important
role in the provision
of health care
to the Iraqi patients and
community living there.
Dr. Wasan Aboud Al-Alwan,
the director of the new
Iraqi Health Center
and the Iraqi
Embassy Attaché,
introduced us
to this important project.
It’s a health office attached
to the Iraqi Embassy
and it’s mainly
for coordination
and for support of Iraqis
living in Jordan
and for patients coming
to Jordan for treatment.
We hope to be the focal
point of communication
and coordination with
the Jordanian Ministry
of Health, and
with other governmental
and non-governmental
organizations.
On this historic occasion,
health officials
from Iraq and Jordan,
including the respective
Ministers of Health
from Iraq and Jordan,
attended the new office’s
opening ceremony.
In the name of Allah,
the Most Merciful,
the Most Gracious.
Your Excellency
the Jordanian Minister
of Health
The Honorable
Dr. Nayef Alfayez,
our sister
Dr. Naema Alqaseer,
the representative of
World Health Organization
office in Iraq,
Your Excellency
the Ambassador,
ladies and gentlemen,
Peace be upon you.
It's our pleasure
to announce the opening
of the health care office
of the Embassy of Iraq in
the Hashemite Kingdom
of Jordan.
Director of the new
Iraqi Health Center and
Health Attaché in Jordan,
Dr. Wasan Aboud
Al-Alwan addresses
the significance
regarding the launching
of the new Center.
We have been
waiting for this day
for quite a long time.
The Iraqi
Ministry of Health
and the Jordanian
Ministry of Health,
both attended and
supported the event, and
the Ambassador of Iraq
as well; and all other
doctors, professors
living here and
businessmen and families
living here and Jordan.
We had this get-together
to celebrate the opening
and announce
the existence of this, and
also to increase awareness
of what activities
and what services
we will be providing.
We will be starting
on a more simpler level
on advising and
increasing awareness
for patients, for example,
with diabetes, and then
importance of diet
in general,
and hoping to progress
from that point forwards.
The Iraqi Health Ministry
places an emphasis
on preventive
health measures,
including a nutritious diet.
We start a project
with the children.
And we have a project
that the healthy diet for
children and the schools.
And I think
this is the first year
we create such a project.
So we start with
the young people,
the leader of the future.
When we return,
we’ll find out more about
how the smoking ban
is implemented in Iraq,
and join in the presentation
of the Shining World
Leadership Award
to the honored recipient,
His Excellency
Dr. Salih Mahdi Mutlab
al-Hasnawi,
Health Minister of Iraq.
Please stay tuned
to Supreme Master
Television.
Welcome back to
our program featuring
the honored
Shining World Leadership
Award recipient,
His Excellency
Dr. Salih Mahdi Mutlab
al-Hasnawi,
Iraq’s distinguished
Minister of Health.
In August 2009,
the Iraqi Cabinet
approved a draft bill
to ban smoking
in public places.
The intent of the bill
was to increase
public awareness
on the dangers of tobacco
and cigarettes
and to reduce the number
of smokers in Iraq.
In fact, when counted daily,
more Iraqi people
are casualties of
smoking-related illnesses
than from conflict.
A smoking ban would
thus help to save
an untold number of lives.
In effect,
the law prohibits smoking
in all public spaces
both indoors and outdoors,
as well as
on public transportation
and in sports facilities.
Tobacco companies
are required
to place warning signs
on packages and
shops are banned
from selling cigarettes
to youth below age 18.
Media are banned from
advertising cigarettes.
Rather, they broadcast
information about
the harms of smoking.
Moreover, the Iraqi
Health Ministry works
in cooperation with
other ministries and
educational institutions
in administering
coaching programs
to raise awareness
of smoking and
its health risks.
With far-sighted vision,
Iraq’s Health Minister
Dr. Salih Mahdi Mutlab
al-Hasnawi knows that
the long-term benefits
are worth
the full-scale efforts
now to prevent smoking.
Public education continues
through newspaper,
through Iraqi TV,
but always
there are some message
[to] the people that
the effect of the smoking
is bad and so on.
I think if we continue
within the next 10
or 20 years,
the health expenditure
will decrease.
Because as you know
there’s a lot of disease
caused by smoking
and it costs
the Ministry of Health a lot.
So prevention is
the most important factor
in the public health.
In recognition of
his landmark legislation
to protect the public health
by banning smoking
in all public places
within Iraq,
His Excellency
Dr. Salih Mahdi Mutlab
al-Hasnawi was honored
with the Shining World
Leadership Award.
Now, the Supreme Master
Ching Hai
International Association
is bestowing
the Shining World
Leadership Award
to the Minister of Health
Dr. Salih al-Hasnawi.
As-Salamu Alaykum
(Peace be with you).
Honorable officials,
distinguished guests;
it is my great honor today
to be here in Amman
on behalf of
Supreme Master Ching Hai.
“Your Excellency,
it is with great pleasure
and gratitude
that we present to Iraq
the Shining World
Leadership Award.
This award is presented
in recognition of
your landmark legislation
to reduce smoking
and promote the health
and well being
of Iraq’s citizens.
Your country now joins
the assembly of
many other noble nations
fighting tobacco addiction
in the Middle East
including Jordan, Qatar,
Turkey, Emirates
and Afghanistan.
Your courageous stand
against this addictive
and harmful drug
will save many lives
and avoid unnecessary
family hardships
and heartbreaks.
The new bill being reviewed
by the Iraqi Parliament
proposes a ban on smoking
in all government,
school, and other
public sector buildings.
The goal is to eventually
forbid smoking
in offices, cafes, and on
public transport as well.
Substantial fines
of up to 4,000 dollars
for violating the law
will promote its adherence
and smooth and
effective implementation.
The government’s
heartfelt loving concern
for her citizens
will ensure the nation
can remain strong
as it rebuilds itself anew
returning to
a cultural haven,
endowed with prosperity
and harmony.
Public health equates to
productivity and longevity,
and your wise and
progressive new measures
to achieve these goals
will help return Iraq
to her former glory.
May Allah bless
your nation with peace
and infinite love
for excellent governance.
For inspiring
constructive change
towards a healthier world,
and for being a dedicated
and noble role model,
we hereby applaud
the great deeds of Iraq
and the esteemed
Minister of Health,
Your Excellency
Salih Mahdi Mutlab
al-Hasnawi.
With Great Honor, Love
and Blessings,
The Supreme Master
Ching Hai”
I will now present to you
the award.
Thank you.
And this is the letter from
Supreme Master
Ching Hai, for you.
Thanks.
Thank you very much
for this award, which is
a big motivation for me
to continue my view
and my philosophy and
the Ministry of Health
in Iraq.
His Excellency
Dr. al-Hasnawi further
shared his appreciation to
Supreme Master
Ching Hai
for her affirmation and
encouragement of the
Iraqi Health Ministry’s
endeavors.
Thank you very much for
Supreme Master
Ching Hai.
Earlier, when
I received the message,
the letter from
Supreme Master Ching Hai,
I’m surprised
that is an organization
in the world,
following the public health
and the smoking.
And literally,
I feel so happy
because there’s people,
we don’t know them,
but they are looking for
the public health
everywhere in the world,
preferring
the humanistic approach.
So thank you very much
for Supreme Master
Ching Hai.
Thank you very much!
Our sincere appreciation,
Your Excellency and
the wise Ministry of Health
and Iraq
for all your measures
that improve the lives
of your co-citizens.
May many governments
be similarly inspired
to strive for the blessing
of clean air and
a smoke-free world.
May Allah bless
your noble leadership
and good-hearted people
for a brighter and
glorious future for Iraq.
Thank you
for your company
on our program featuring
this honored recipient
of the Shining World
Leadership Award.
Now, please stay tuned
to Supreme Master
Television.
Coming up next is
Words of Wisdom,
after Noteworthy News.
May your life’s journey
be marked by courage
and nobility.