Statements of support
President Obama, during his visit to Jakarta, Indonesia, on November 9, 2010, stated that "Many of the partnerships I’ve mentioned are a direct result of my call in Cairo for a new beginning between the United States and Muslim communities around the world. And it involves the private sector as well, thanks to efforts like Partners for a New Beginning, which is forging partnerships around science, education and entrepreneurship." [6]
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, during the launch of PNB at the White House on April 27, 2010, said, "I think that this is one of those occasions in the diplomatic history of our country that we will look back on and say that that made a difference.... Partners for a New Beginning will tap into the dynamism and innovation of U.S. industry in a number of ways—for example, by encouraging companies to contribute equipment or technology to the Centers of Scientific Excellence we are developing overseas, or by facilitating partnerships between universities here and those abroad to share knowledge and improve business education. They will also encourage investors and mentors in the United States to recognize the tremendous potential that resides in Muslim-majority communities, where many entrepreneurs are working against significant obstacles to turn their dreams into reality." [7]
Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, during the launch of PNB at the White House on April 27, 2010, said, "These projects can go much further to strengthening the bonds between the United States and the citizens of Muslim-majority nations, and to do so based on a philosophy – and I think we should keep repeating these words – mutual understanding, mutual interests, and mutual respect... I did learn ... the real importance about public-private partnerships and the great difference that can be made when businesses get involved with nongovernmental organizations and the government in order to really propel issues forward." [7]
Assistant secretary of state for economic and business affairs Jose Fernandez, wrote in the Wall Street Journal, "America's culture of entrepreneurship is not only one of our country's greatest assets, it's one of our easiest exports to sell… Our North African partnership supports the development of such an entrepreneurial culture by connecting entrepreneurs, investors, universities and foundations in the U.S. and the Maghreb. It also fosters ministerial policy dialogues—about best practices, increased economic integration and the like—between U.S. and North African officials. Our goal is to build a network that will include 100,000 people in the Maghreb in the next five years. We want to help turn the social drive that fueled the Arab Spring into an entrepreneurial fire that fulfills its aspirations by creating jobs." [8]
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