Just a year out of college, Jordan's crown prince has made his debut on the world's biggest stage, addressing the U.N. General Assembly – the clearest sign yet that he is on a fast track to a prominent public role at home and abroad.

Hussein's growing visibility and focus on the concerns of his generation "would give many today a kind of hope that something will change in Jordan," provided it is linked to a reform plan, analyst Amer Sabaileh said.

In his General Assembly speech, delivered in fluent English, the crown prince introduced himself as an advocate for the "largest generation of young people in history," but focused mostly on familiar Jordanian themes.

One of the best-known Arab leaders, the king has successfully promoted Jordan's moderate image in 18 years in power, and presenting his son to a wider audience helps burnish "brand Jordan," Schenker said.

King Abdullah and his father, the late King Hussein, had far less time to prepare.

Hussein ruled for almost 46 years, much of that time with his brother, Hassan, by his side as crown prince. Shortly before his death in February 1999, Hussein unexpectedly named then-37-year-old Abdullah as crown prince.

Hussein is stepping into a prominent role at a time of major domestic problems.

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