Amman, Aug. 9 (Petra) -- Participants in a discussion hosted by the Jordan Forum for Policy Dialogue stressed the importance of increasing youth participation in political and party life and giving young people a greater role in decision-making and public policy, in line with the political modernization process led by His Majesty King Abdullah II.
The discussion, held at the forum’s headquarters in Amman on Saturday evening under the title "Youth and Political and Party Participation: Perspectives and Aspirations," addressed youth participation in political and party life, the main challenges they face, and ways to strengthen their role as active participants in public affairs.
Forum President Dr. Hamid Batayneh said young people are an important part of the political modernization process and its future. He noted that the Royal vision has placed youth at the center of the modernization process and expanded opportunities for their political and party participation.
He said the next phase requires political parties to attract young people, listen to their views and provide them with meaningful roles in leadership, developing programs and taking part in decision-making. He added that the success of political modernization should not be assessed only by the number of parties or laws and legislation, but also by the ability of political life to produce new leaders, develop a modern political culture and strengthen public confidence in political and public work.
Batayneh said the Jordan Forum for Policy Dialogue will continue to provide platforms for national dialogue, connect young people with policymaking opportunities and encourage them to move from aspirations to participation and responsibility.
Jamal Raqad, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs at the National Charter Party, said political and party empowerment of young people is an investment in the future of the state. He stressed the need for parties to develop their tools and political discourse in line with the aspirations of the new generation and give young people a meaningful role in shaping programs and decisions.
Raqad said the National Charter Party gives particular attention to youth and works to prepare and empower them for leadership roles in political and party life, supporting the modernization process and a more mature and stable party environment.
Former MP Khaled Fanatsa, a member of the political bureau of the National Charter Party, said Jordan has an opportunity to further develop its political landscape on a more participatory and effective basis, with youth playing an important role in this process.
Fanatsa called for giving young people the confidence and space to express their views and take initiatives, while drawing on their ideas and capabilities in addressing national challenges. He said strengthening youth participation requires moving from traditional discourse to practical policies and programs that address their priorities and ensure their effective presence within political parties and national institutions.
He added that investing in young people’s political awareness and preparing them for leadership would strengthen institutions and support democratic life. A party capable of incorporating young people’s ideas into national programs and policies, he said, would be better able to establish a meaningful and sustainable presence in society.
//Petra//WH
