Amman, May 14 (Petra) The Human Rights Unit at the Prime Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the National Centre for Human Rights, the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions, and the Arab Institute for Human Rights in Tunisia, convened a regional forum on Wednesday titled “The Future of Education in Jordan: Toward a New Social Contract.”
The forum aimed to create a space for inclusive dialogue among key stakeholders in the education sector including government entities, civil society organizations, the private sector, and other interested parties to discuss current challenges and explore opportunities to reform and develop Jordan’s educational system.
Speaking on behalf of Minister of Education Dr. Azmi Mahafzah, Director of the Education Directorate Dr. Ahmad Al-Masa’feh emphasized that a bright future for education requires investment in teachers, students, curricula, and the learning environment.
These components, he noted, work in unison to form the foundation of any effective education system. He added that schools do more than deliver academic knowledge they also play a crucial role in shaping students’ psychological, emotional, and social development.
Dr. Al-Masa’feh stressed the importance of inclusive education that serves all students, especially those with disabilities. He also highlighted the need to embrace digital transformation in the learning process and to modernize education laws to reflect the current landscape.
He further called for greater attention to vocational education through aligning educational programs with labor market needs.
Director of the Human Rights Unit at the Prime Ministry, Dr. Khalil Al-Abdallat, underscored that education is a core pillar of human rights and a national priority, consistently championed by His Majesty King Abdullah II, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein.
Dr. Al-Abdallat explained that the government has worked through its political and economic reform plans, public sector modernization efforts, and education strategies to translate the Royal vision into actionable policies and legislation.
These include implementation of the National Comprehensive Human Rights Plan (2016–2025), with a strong focus on achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education.
He also noted that Jordan recently submitted its fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report on human rights for 2024 and accepted 204 recommendations, several of which pertain to the education sector a reflection of the Kingdom’s commitment to fulfilling its human rights obligations.
Samar Al-Hajj Hassan, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the National Centre for Human Rights and President of the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions, affirmed Jordan’s dedication to improving education and turning sector challenges into opportunities.
She noted that education is an essential component of national modernization and a key enabler of human capacity development, higher education reform, and research advancement.
Al-Hajj Hassan added that since its establishment in 2003, the National Centre for Human Rights has paid special attention to the right to education, regularly featuring it as a central theme in its annual reports. The Centre continues to monitor legislative developments to ensure alignment with international human rights standards.
Sultan bin Hassan Al-Jamali, Secretary-General of the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions, described the forum as an important step for any society seeking to build a strong foundation rooted in knowledge, justice, and innovation.
He stressed that education is not merely the transfer of information, but the cornerstone of individual and societal development and the gateway to sustainable development, civic responsibility, and human rights.
Al-Jamali emphasized the need to equip future generations with the tools to contribute meaningfully to their communities and to confront future challenges with creativity and awareness.
Abdel Basset Ben Hassan, President of the Arab Institute for Human Rights in Tunisia, said the future of education requires a collective, inclusive effort grounded in dialogue and shared vision what he referred to as a “new social contract for education.” He emphasized that education should be based on peace and ongoing human development.
Ben Hassan added that education is both a fundamental human right and a lifelong pathway for building knowledge, expanding capabilities, and fostering human and societal progress.
The forum also featured sessions reviewing the International Commission’s Report on the Futures of Education, as well as discussions on current achievements, challenges, and future prospects for education in Jordan.
//Petra// AA
14/05/2025 12:51:28
