Amman, July 19 (Petra) -- Former Prime Minister Samir Al Rifai said Jordan's youth are the country's greatest asset and the main driver of its future, stressing that empowering young people and involving them in political life and decision-making are central to the political modernization project launched by His Majesty King Abdullah II.
Speaking at a political seminar organized by the Jordanian Social Democratic Party (JSDP) under the title "Youth and Party Participation: From Awareness to Influence," Al Rifai said informed participation in political parties is the path to driving change and building a more prosperous future for the kingdom.
The seminar was held as part of the launch of the party's youth conference for student groups at Jordanian universities and was attended by party leaders as well as a large number of young people and university students.
Al Rifai said Jordan's large youth population provides a genuine opportunity to harness the talents of young men and women and transform them into achievements that serve the country.
He said the success of the political modernization process depends primarily on young people themselves through initiative, active participation in political parties and national institutions, and benefiting from the experience of previous generations without becoming dependent on them.
Al Rifai called on young people to contribute to addressing national challenges, particularly in education, unemployment, investment, and public administration, through practical programs and implementable policies.
He said meaningful reform is achieved not through slogans but by setting priorities, developing clear plans, measuring results transparently, and providing a stable investment environment that strengthens confidence in the national economy, creates jobs and supports sustainable development.
He added that political party work should serve as a platform for developing ideas and national programs rather than a means of attaining public office, stressing the importance of respecting political pluralism and promoting a culture of dialogue and democratic competition in the national interest.
Al Rifai concluded by saying Jordan's future will be shaped by young people who believe in responsibility, hard work and participation, urging them to translate their ambitions into tangible achievements while safeguarding national unity and supporting the Hashemite leadership, the armed forces and the security services.
Abdul Hameed Alimat, JSDP secretary-general, said increasing youth participation in political life is a national priority consistent with the party's principles of citizenship, the rule of law, and equal opportunities, with the aim of strengthening a shared understanding of the national interest.
Speaking on behalf of the youth participants, Mohammad Al Khudair highlighted the importance of young people taking a leading role in political party work and shaping the country's future.
The seminar was moderated by Fadi Oweidat, a member of the party's political bureau and secretary for organization. Party member Majd Al Rawad introduced the event, while Youth Secretary Bayan Al Dajah outlined the strategic plan for launching student groups at Jordanian universities.
The launch of the student groups forms part of JSDP's vision to broaden youth participation in politics, strengthen their presence at universities as incubators for future leaders, and enable them to develop initiatives and programs that reflect their aspirations and support Jordan's reform and modernization agenda.
//Petra// AF
