In an effort to engage with, and reach out to, the Muslim world, Secretary Clinton today announced the Partners for a New Beginning program.   Partners for a New Beginning will encourage companies to contribute equipment or technology to Centers of Scientific Excellence the U.S. is developing overseas in predominantly Muslim countries and by facilitating partnerships between universities here and abroad to share knowledge and improve business education.  This partnership between the State Department and American business leaders will be led by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, who also co-chairs the USGLC’s Putting Smart Power to Work Campaign.  Speaking about the need for improving ties with Muslim-majority nations, Albright said “the partnership really does build on these pillars to advance the President’s vision by focusing on these elements of economic opportunity and entrepreneurship, innovation in science and technology, education, and people-to-people exchanges.”