One World 2011 is a registered nonprofit organization (501)(c) (3) in the state of Washington, USA. We rely solely on donations, grants, and partnerships to accomplish our mission. The goal of building friendly relationships with people of the Muslim world is garnering widespread support from all corners of the globe. We have received enthusiastic endorsement from high-level government officials, business leaders, royalty, non-governmental organizations, foundations, and private citizens. Financial support has come from renowned organizations and individuals such as The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, One Nation, George Russell, and the Seattle Foundation. One World 2011 also has the backing of the U.S. Department of State, many members of Congress, Washington governor Christine Gregoire, Imam Mohammed Magid and the Islamic Society of North America, President Abdullah Gul of Turkey, ambassadors and consuls general, and many others too numerous to name.

There are 1.57 billion Muslims in the world today, and those who are true followers of the Qur’an practice a religion of peace and tolerance. Following the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, suspicion, fear and misperceptions about the people who practice Islam have permeated the United States and the West. We believe our planet has no future if we cannot coexist peacefully with people of different cultures and religions. The best way to banish fears and stereotypes is to bring people together. In the Arab world, for example, there are 100 million youth who are living in poverty. This is a volatile situation that could ignite any time if we do not take action to build bridges of peace and understanding. Without education, opportunity and exposure to the West, these kids are at high risk of recruitment by extremist factions. Beyond the economic and security issues, the Muslim world’s deep and ancient civilization can educate, entertain, and delight all of us.

No, our goal is to make it a sustainable celebration that continues indefinitely. We are planning events now that will take place in the Seattle area which will continue on a monthly basis through mid-2013. Then, the plan is to select a city in the Muslim world to host the program. Youth exchanges, sporting events, women’s conferences, plus medical, educational, and arts events will continue there. Every two years, One World will rotate from the West to the Muslim world, with the idea of creating long term friendships, ongoing business relationships and trade, and of course, establishing new understanding and respect among all people.

Seattle is a vibrant port city of international stature. The Emerald City consistently ranks among the top two “most literate” cities in the USA. Seattle draws tourists from all over the globe due to its stunning beauty and vast recreational opportunities—a city surrounded by snow-capped mountains, sparkling blue lakes, and deep salt water bays. Seattle is also proud of its diverse population, a melting pot of cultures from around the world. The region is also renowned for its strong volunteer ethic, its love of soccer and other sports, its strong Muslim-American community, and as a location for many of the world’s top international corporations: Microsoft, Boeing, Amazon, REI, Starbucks, Weyerhaeuser, etc.

Perhaps most importantly, area residents know from past experience that Seattle can handle an event of the magnitude of One World 2011. In 1990, Seattle hosted the Goodwill Games—a series of sporting and cultural events between the USA and the USSR. It was a tremendous success and has even been credited with helping to end the Cold War. Seattlites opened up their homes to thousands of athletes and visitors from the Soviet Union, proving the area’s friendly and welcoming nature.