Amman, Aug. 22 (Petra) — HH Princess Dina Mired patronized on
Saturday the launch of the second phase of the “Smoke-Free
Generation” initiative, spearheaded by the Jordan Pharmacists
Association (JPA) to prevent and raise awareness about the dangers of
smoking among children and youth through technology, artificial
intelligence, and digital games.

The event, held at Al-Hussein Public Parks, featured a national march
involving partner institutions, a human formation spelling out
“Smoke-Free Generation,” the release of balloons in the colors of the
Jordanian flag, the signing of a national pledge board, and a tour by
Princess Dina of interactive awareness stations.

Maryam Awad, founder and director of the national initiative,
emphasized that the project has evolved into a national partnership
bringing together government bodies, professional syndicates, the
private sector, and civil society organizations to protect youth from
all forms of smoking.

Awad said the initiative’s first phase achieved tangible results,
raising awareness among youth aged 12 to 17 by 90% and qualifying as
a finalist for the Crown Prince Award for Voluntary Service. She
noted that the second phase expands into new territory focused on
innovation, technology, and AI.

She explained that the initiative will collaborate with the Ministry
of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, the Information and
Communications Technology Association of Jordan (int@j), the Jordan
Open Source Association, and the Gaming Lab to develop digital
awareness tools. Plans include launching an anti-smoking hackathon,
developing a “virtual mentor,” and training children and youth to
design age-appropriate games, characters, and educational content.

Awad added that awareness efforts under the new phase will start at
age seven, based on the principle that early prevention is the first
line of defense in protecting children from smoking, stressing the
importance of engaging the new generation through tools they interact
with daily.

She expressed appreciation for the support provided by the Ministry
of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth, Jordan Breast
Cancer Program, King Hussein Cancer Center, Ministry of Awqaf and
Islamic Affairs, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, ACDIMA
Center for Studies and Research, National Centre for Human Rights,
and the Jordan Food and Drug Administration, as well as healthcare
syndicates and various supporting partners.

Awad highlighted that the initiative operates on cross-sector
partnership, noting that combating smoking and protecting youth is a
shared national responsibility with the ambition of making Jordan a
national model in awareness, prevention, and anti-smoking efforts
through technology and innovation.

For his part, JPA President Zaid Al-Kilani expressed gratitude to
Princess Dina, partners, supporters, and all contributors to the
success of the initiative, which was originally launched by the
association in March 2024.

Al-Kilani affirmed the necessity of continuing joint efforts to curb
the risks of traditional and electronic smoking while boosting health
awareness across all demographics, particularly among children and
youth.

Princess Dina received a commemorative plaque presented by Al-Kilani
and association council members in recognition of her patronage and
support before cutting the ribbon to signal the start of the national
march toward the sports field.

//Petra// AF