Amman, Aug. 22 (Petra) -- HH Princess Dina Mired patronized on Saturday the launch of the second phase of the "Smoke-Free Generation" initiative, spearheaded by the Jordan Pharmacists Association (JPA) to prevent and raise awareness about the dangers of smoking among children and youth through technology, artificial intelligence, and digital games.
The event, held at Al-Hussein Public Parks, featured a national march involving partner institutions, a human formation spelling out "Smoke-Free Generation," the release of balloons in the colors of the Jordanian flag, the signing of a national pledge board, and a tour by Princess Dina of interactive awareness stations.
Maryam Awad, founder and director of the national initiative, emphasized that the project has evolved into a national partnership bringing together government bodies, professional syndicates, the private sector, and civil society organizations to protect youth from all forms of smoking.
Awad said the initiative's first phase achieved tangible results, raising awareness among youth aged 12 to 17 by 90% and qualifying as a finalist for the Crown Prince Award for Voluntary Service. She noted that the second phase expands into new territory focused on innovation, technology, and AI.
She explained that the initiative will collaborate with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, the Information and Communications Technology Association of Jordan (int@j), the Jordan Open Source Association, and the Gaming Lab to develop digital awareness tools. Plans include launching an anti-smoking hackathon, developing a "virtual mentor," and training children and youth to design age-appropriate games, characters, and educational content.
Awad added that awareness efforts under the new phase will start at age seven, based on the principle that early prevention is the first line of defense in protecting children from smoking, stressing the importance of engaging the new generation through tools they interact with daily.
She expressed appreciation for the support provided by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth, Jordan Breast Cancer Program, King Hussein Cancer Center, Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, ACDIMA Center for Studies and Research, National Centre for Human Rights, and the Jordan Food and Drug Administration, as well as healthcare syndicates and various supporting partners.
Awad highlighted that the initiative operates on cross-sector partnership, noting that combating smoking and protecting youth is a shared national responsibility with the ambition of making Jordan a national model in awareness, prevention, and anti-smoking efforts through technology and innovation.
For his part, JPA President Zaid Al-Kilani expressed gratitude to Princess Dina, partners, supporters, and all contributors to the success of the initiative, which was originally launched by the association in March 2024.
Al-Kilani affirmed the necessity of continuing joint efforts to curb the risks of traditional and electronic smoking while boosting health awareness across all demographics, particularly among children and youth.
Princess Dina received a commemorative plaque presented by Al-Kilani and association council members in recognition of her patronage and support before cutting the ribbon to signal the start of the national march toward the sports field.
//Petra// AF
