Queen Rania of Jordan and Dr. Merryl Tisch Join the International Rescue Committee Board of Directors

NEW YORK, June 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The International Rescue Committee (IRC) today announced the addition of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah and Dr. Merryl H. Tisch to its board of directors. One of the longest-standing and largest NGOs based in New York City, the IRC provides humanitarian aid in 40 countries and resettles refugees to 29 U.S. cities.

"We are truly honored that Queen Rania has agreed to join IRC's distinguished and active board of directors," said David Miliband, IRC president and CEO. "She has an extraordinary passion for making a difference on behalf of the most vulnerable, and will bring a distinctive experience and viewpoint to IRC's board, especially on the increasingly vital issue of education for refugees and other displaced people."

Commenting on her new involvement with the IRC, Her Majesty said that "with more than 65 million people displaced around the world today, I cannot be more proud about joining the IRC board of directors, and upholding their work in alleviating global displacement, poverty, and suffering. The IRC responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, giving hope to millions of lives that have been destroyed by conflict and disaster. It is an honor to support their mission to ensure that the world's most vulnerable are treated with the humanity they deserve." 

"As one of the nation's leading voices on education, Dr. Tisch brings invaluable experience and perspective to the IRC board of directors," said Miliband. "With 37 million children out of school due to conflict, there has never been a more urgent time to address this crisis, and we are honored to leverage the talents of Dr. Tisch for that purpose."    

"It is a great privilege to join the board of directors of an organization at the forefront of advancing humanitarian aid," said Dr. Tisch. "I'm thrilled to provide expertise in an area I have worked my entire life—making sure those most vulnerable receive a strong education. Thanks to IRC, more than 1.3 million children last year gained access to schooling, an exceptional achievement that we can build on together."

Her Majesty Queen Rania is an internationally known advocate committed to improving the lives of women and children displaced by conflict and natural disaster. Passionate about education, Queen Rania believes that every child should have access to quality education around the world. In 2009, Her Majesty championed the 1 Goal campaign for education. She is a board member of the United Nations Foundation (UNF), and UNCIEF's first Eminent Advocate for Children. She is also the Honorary Chair of the UN Girl's Education Initiatives and has advocated access to education in forums and gatherings around the world.

Dr. Merryl H. Tisch has served at the helm of New York State's governing body for education from 2009 to 2016 and as a member of the Board since 1996. As Chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents, Dr. Tisch was responsible for setting the state's education policy and overseeing both public and private education throughout New York. She currently holds a number of philanthropic and civic positions.

The International Rescue Committee responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC helps people to survive, reclaim control of their futures and strengthen communities.

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SOURCE International Rescue Committee