<span>"I have become a great believer that God Almighty has delegated children to be our guiding light," </span><span>Queen Rania of Jordan told a 700-strong audience at the Science, Technology & Arts Royal Summit gala dinner in Dubai on Thursday, January 17, 2002.</span> <span>The crowd included Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and former US president Bill Clinton. </span> <span>“For they are the brightest stars of all,” she continued. “They are the symbols of hope, optimism and of our unquenchable desire for a better future. They are the mortal enemies of ‘it can’t be done’ and the staunchest allies of ‘why not?’ … Indeed, they are the preview of a bright future, and a constant reminder that we can deliver it.”</span> <span>The UK-registered charity behind the event, Stars Foundation, which was founded by Saudi businessman and philanthropist Amr Al Dabbagh, worked to support underprivileged children around the world for more than a decade. </span> In 2019, it closed its doors, according to its website, although the good work will continue through Al Dabbagh's <a href="https://philanthropyu.org/">Philanthropy University</a>, a free online learning platform for social change, plus <a href="https://www.withandforgirls.org/">With and For Girls</a>, the "world's only participatory fund by, and for, adolescent girls".