Amman, Aug. 9 (Petra) — Participants in a discussion hosted by the
Jordan Forum for Policy Dialogue stressed the importance of
increasing youth participation in political and party life and giving
young people a greater role in decision-making and public policy, in
line with the political modernization process led by His Majesty King
Abdullah II.

The discussion, held at the forum’s headquarters in Amman on Saturday
evening under the title “Youth and Political and Party Participation:
Perspectives and Aspirations,” addressed youth participation in
political and party life, the main challenges they face, and ways to
strengthen their role as active participants in public affairs.

Forum President Dr. Hamid Batayneh said young people are an important
part of the political modernization process and its future. He noted
that the Royal vision has placed youth at the center of the
modernization process and expanded opportunities for their political
and party participation.

He said the next phase requires political parties to attract young
people, listen to their views and provide them with meaningful roles
in leadership, developing programs and taking part in
decision-making. He added that the success of political modernization
should not be assessed only by the number of parties or laws and
legislation, but also by the ability of political life to produce new
leaders, develop a modern political culture and strengthen public
confidence in political and public work.

Batayneh said the Jordan Forum for Policy Dialogue will continue to
provide platforms for national dialogue, connect young people with
policymaking opportunities and encourage them to move from
aspirations to participation and responsibility.

Jamal Raqad, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs at the
National Charter Party, said political and party empowerment of young
people is an investment in the future of the state. He stressed the
need for parties to develop their tools and political discourse in
line with the aspirations of the new generation and give young people
a meaningful role in shaping programs and decisions.

Raqad said the National Charter Party gives particular attention to
youth and works to prepare and empower them for leadership roles in
political and party life, supporting the modernization process and a
more mature and stable party environment.

Former MP Khaled Fanatsa, a member of the political bureau of the
National Charter Party, said Jordan has an opportunity to further
develop its political landscape on a more participatory and effective
basis, with youth playing an important role in this process.

Fanatsa called for giving young people the confidence and space to
express their views and take initiatives, while drawing on their
ideas and capabilities in addressing national challenges. He said
strengthening youth participation requires moving from traditional
discourse to practical policies and programs that address their
priorities and ensure their effective presence within political
parties and national institutions.

He added that investing in young people’s political awareness and
preparing them for leadership would strengthen institutions and
support democratic life. A party capable of incorporating young
people’s ideas into national programs and policies, he said, would be
better able to establish a meaningful and sustainable presence in
society.

//Petra//WH