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