Irbid, July 27 (Petra) – Participants in the 2026 Jordanian National Youth Conference on Monday called for stronger youth engagement in policymaking, expanded support for entrepreneurship and digital skills, and reforms to better align education with labor market needs.

The conference, held at the Irbid Cultural Center under the theme "The Future of Generations in Light of Technological Development and the Era of Change," recommended establishing a permanent national platform for dialogue between young people and decision-makers, reviewing legislation governing entrepreneurship and investment, and simplifying procedures for launching new businesses.

Participants also urged the adoption of a national strategy to empower youth in artificial intelligence and digital transformation, expand youth participation in public life, support productive projects in the governorates to create sustainable employment opportunities, and launch a national career guidance program linking young people with practical experience and successful role models. They further called for promoting transparency, equal opportunity and merit-based employment while reducing favoritism.

In their final communiqué, participants stressed that investing in Jordan's future begins with investing in its youth, calling for stronger partnerships among government institutions, the private sector and civil society to translate innovative ideas into practical policies and development programs.

Former Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh, who inaugurated the conference, underscored the importance of empowering young people, listening to their aspirations and involving them in decision-making, describing youth as the foundation for building Jordan's future.

The conference featured three dialogue sessions covering the economy, entrepreneurship, education, artificial intelligence, political participation and administrative reform. Speakers and participants discussed legislative reforms to stimulate investment, expand employment opportunities and strengthen trust between young people and state institutions.

The event concluded with a youth panel highlighting personal success stories and emphasizing that innovation, practical skills and lifelong learning are essential for success in the digital economy.

The conference was organized by the Youth Authority of the Bani Obaid Brigade, the Hisn Cultural Forum and Afaq Media and Conferences Group, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, and drew broad participation from government officials, lawmakers, academics, private-sector representatives and hundreds of young people from across the Kingdom.

//Petra// AJ