HM Queen Noor Al Hussein of Jordan, born Lisa Najeeb Halaby in Washington, D.C., began her career in international urban planning across the United States, Australia, Iran, and the Arab world. Marrying King Hussein in 1978, she gained recognition for her philanthropic endeavors, particularly in child advocacy, peace promotion, environmental protection against climate change, and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Her peace-building initiatives have spanned regions like the Middle East, the Balkans, Central and Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Founding and chairing the Noor Al Hussein Foundation and the King Hussein Foundation, she has been a staunch supporter of a just Arab-Israeli peace and Palestinian refugee rights. Queen Noor serves as a director of Refugees International, advocating for civilian protection in conflicts worldwide, including Iraqi and Syrian refugees. Additionally, she has contributed significantly to campaigns such as the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and Global Zero, advocating for nuclear disarmament. Queen Noor is also an author, having penned "Hussein of Jordan" in 2000 and "Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life" in 2003.