Minister urges universities to invest in shaping students' political awareness - Jordan News

Jordan News

15-05-2025

Minister urges universities to invest in shaping students' political awareness Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Momani urged universities to prioritise their role in fostering students' political awareness, alongside their core mission of higher education, knowledge and humanities. اضافة اعلان During a lecture at Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan titled "The Role of Universities in Shaping Students' Political Awareness," Momani emphasised the growing need to strengthen awareness and knowledge in a world undergoing rapid transformations across all sectors. He highlighted that political awareness cannot be cultivated without developing critical thinking skills, which are essential for students to distinguish between credible information and rumours, truthful discourse and misleading propaganda. He underscored that universities provide the ideal environment for engaging in intellectual and political debates, teaching students the principles of respectful disagreement and fostering a culture of intellectual pluralism. Momani called for the integration of concepts such as digital governance, the right to freedom of expression, and responsible freedom into student programs, activities and public discussions within universities. Momani stressed the importance of universities leading efforts to raise awareness among students about the dangers of electronic disinformation and information manipulation. He emphasised the role of higher education in preparing the new generation to counter fake news and misleading propaganda, thereby protecting national discourse in the digital domain, adding that strengthening Jordanian national identity is a top priority. The identity, he explained, is not just a slogan for special occasions but manifests daily through responsible behavior, firm stances and a deep understanding of what it means to be Jordanian proud of the country, committed to its leadership and dedicated to protecting its institutions and serving the community. He reaffirmed that Jordan's primary interests lie in safeguarding its security and stability, ensuring social, political and economic resilience. He reaffirmed Jordan's unwavering support for Palestine, its people and its cause, stating that "a strong and resilient Jordan is best positioned to champion the nation's causes, foremost among them the Palestinian cause." Momani addressed attempts to undermine Jordan's reputable national positions, especially regarding Palestine, describing such efforts as slander, misinformation and distortion of Jordanian efforts. He stressed that responses to the campaigns must be based on facts, clear discourse and firm policies, which Jordan continues to uphold. He pointed out that Jordanian institutions have professionally managed media coverage that lacked professionalism and honesty regarding Jordan's support for Gaza and regional issues. He reaffirmed that Jordanians are proud of their country's contributions to national causes, noting that Jordan's positions are honourable, progressive, and influential. "We have always been at the forefront of defending Arab values and interests, and the Jordanian model has become a role model worldwide," he said. Mohammed Majali, President of Al-Zaytoonah University, highlighted the university's commitment to fostering students' political awareness through various initiatives such as student councils and courses designed to develop personal and civic responsibility. He emphasised the importance of extracurricular activities in building students' intellectual, cultural, political and social identities promoting constructive dialogue, respect for diverse opinions and the acquisition of a broad range of knowledge and skills.
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