Amman: Speaker of the Lower House Mazen Qadi emphasized that empowering younger Jordanians and increasing their participation in decision-making roles is a national priority, aligning with efforts towards political and administrative modernization. Speaking at a dialogue session organized by the Parliamentary Youth, Sports and Culture Committee under the theme "Youth Experience in Governorate and Municipal Councils," Qadi highlighted the House of Representatives' commitment to youth leadership as a key agenda.
According to Jordan News Agency, this commitment arises from a firm belief in the capacity of young people to contribute significantly to local development and to reinforce the principles of partnership and social responsibility. Qadi noted the direct support and attention youth and women receive from His Majesty King Abdullah II and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II. The Crown Prince is actively involved in youth-related initiatives, values their perspectives, and considers them vital partners in the national development process.
Qadi further stated that involving youth in forming local development plans and decision-making underscores the state's confidence in their abilities. Such involvement fosters better coordination between national institutions and local communities, improves public sector performance efficiency, and strengthens participatory governance.
Head of the Parliamentary Youth Committee MP Mohammad Maharmeh mentioned that the meeting is unprecedented in the Kingdom, bringing together youth representatives from municipal and governorate councils nationwide, along with heads of student unions from Jordanian universities. The initiative aims to enhance communication among elected youth leaders at local and university levels.
Maharmeh emphasized that the forthcoming phase necessitates improving youth representation in elected councils and local entities to boost institutional performance. The meeting aligns with the House of Representatives' dedication to encouraging youth involvement in public life by offering an institutional dialogue platform.
The forum allows participants to share experiences and challenges, exchange expertise, and contribute to enhancing local governance and public services. It aimed to create a practical framework for youth empowerment within the local governance system, promoting their significant presence in local councils and fostering a more effective, transparent, and responsive governance model.
Sultan Khalaileh, President of the Sanad Association for Youth Thought and Action, noted that the association, in collaboration with the Parliamentary Youth Committee and the Parliamentary Alliance for Youth, is executing a comprehensive national vision to advance youth political and social empowerment. The initiative focuses on boosting youth representation in influential roles, especially within local governance structures.
Khalaileh stressed that investing in local youth leadership is a strategic investment in the nation's future. He advocated for capacity-building, expanding opportunities for structured dialogue, and creating a supportive legislative and administrative environment to facilitate active youth participation.
Bahaa Qudah, General Coordinator of the National Youth Dialogue Project on Local Governance, shared crucial insights from a national policy paper on enhancing youth participation. The paper was developed through field dialogues, national surveys, and discussion sessions conducted across the Kingdom's governorates. Participants discussed their experiences in governorate councils and addressed challenges facing young leaders, such as the need to expand council powers, strengthen oversight mechanisms, provide specialized training programs, and widen youth influence in local decision-making processes.