Amman, June 17 (Petra) -- Former Prime Minister Abdelraouf al-Rawabdeh emphasized that the Jordanian national narrative serves as the comprehensive framework for understanding the country's journey and development, stating it is built on national historical facts, independence values, Hashemite legitimacy, and political moderation.
Al-Rawabdeh made his remarks on Wednesday evening during a panel discussion titled "Independence Day: A National Dialogue." The event was organized by the Yarmouk University Alumni Club, Sanabel al-Yarmouk, and moderated by journalist Faisal Basbous. It was attended by Yarmouk University President Malik al-Sharairi, Club President Mohammad Khasawneh, university alumni, and faculty members.
Al-Rawabdeh said that despite decades of challenges, Jordan has successfully established a cohesive national state model. He added that preserving this narrative requires an informed discourse that strengthens trust in national institutions and presents Jordan's history to younger generations using contemporary language rooted in achievement and realism.
Despite regional and economic challenges, Jordan has maintained its internal cohesion due to the awareness of its leadership and people, al-Rawabdeh said. He noted that the national narrative must be built on facts and milestones rather than impressions or exaggerations.
He highlighted the role of universities and academic elites in shaping and evolving this narrative, noting that educational institutions, led by Yarmouk University, serve as intellectual platforms for producing an analytical and knowledge-based national discourse.
The former prime minister stated that the Jordanian narrative is an integrated system reflecting the state's path since its founding, grounded in stability and self-reliance. He added that protecting it requires media and cultural awareness to counter skepticism and distortion.
At the beginning of the panel, Basbous noted that this national occasion coincides with the kingdom's celebrations of the King's Accession to the Throne, Independence Day, Army Day, and the anniversary of the Great Arab Revolt. He described Jordan as a model of stability, moderation, and achievement under its Hashemite leadership.
Basbous said hosting al-Rawabdeh aligns with the club's commitment to opening a national dialogue with figures who played central roles in decision-making, describing his career as a rich national experience that provides the younger generation with insight into the country's history.
The president of the Sanabel al-Yarmouk Alumni Club said the seminar is part of efforts to enhance national dialogue and highlight intellectual issues linked to Jordanian identity, stressing the importance of engaging graduates and youth in deep discussions.
Yarmouk University President al-Sharairi affirmed that the university supports such meetings to bridge the gap between accumulated experience and future ambitions while reinforcing national awareness among students and graduates.
The seminar concluded with an interactive discussion among attendees on ways to develop national discourse and strengthen the Jordanian narrative amid current challenges, particularly within a changing and multi-source media environment.
//Petra// AF
