Amman, April 19 (Petra) – Finnish President Alexander Stubb visited a Jordanian project in the cultural and creative industries sector on Sunday, during an official two-day visit to the Kingdom.

The visit included a tour of a youth innovation initiative funded by the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented in partnership with the Finnish Aid Agency (FCA), the "I Dare for Sustainable Development" Foundation and the "Sea Hub" Makerspace.

The project focuses on linking practical learning with innovation to expand economic opportunities for youth and women.

During the tour, the President was briefed on training tools and methods used in digital manufacturing and woodworking, including 3D printing and laser cutting, as well as the project's outputs that combine creativity with technical skills.

Organisers said the "We Are the Makers" initiative provides a structured training pathway that begins with awareness sessions and community outreach, progresses to skills development and concludes with specialised hands-on training in a practical learning environment based on experimentation and production.

According to project data, 241 young men and women across four governorates benefited from the programme, with women making up around 70% of participants.

The project included refugees and persons with disabilities, while 76% of participants reported applying the skills they acquired in their professional lives.

Training workshops covered epoxy resin, woodworking and digital manufacturing, alongside a digital awareness campaign that reached more than 650,000 views, promoting cultural and creative industries as a growing economic sector.

In remarks to participants, President Stubb discussed self-belief, hard work and perseverance, expressing appreciation for Jordan's approach to combining innovation with development.

Mazen Khzouz, Director of the Finnish Relief Organisation in the Middle East, discussed inclusive economic opportunities for youth, women, refugees and persons with disabilities, noting that local partnerships have helped create job opportunities in fields such as digital manufacturing, filmmaking and video game development.

Iyad Jabr, founder of "I Dare for Sustainable Development," said cultural and creative industries are a key driver of economic growth under Jordan's Economic Modernisation Vision, contributing to job creation and strengthening the link between creativity and technology.

The creative industries sector is estimated by UNESCO to provide around 30 million jobs globally and contribute approximately 3% of global GDP.

Finnish Ambassador to Jordan Ann Miskanen attended.

//Petra// AK