Latest news with #AbdulMonemOdat
Jordan Times
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Gov't launches strategic programme to empower youth in politics
Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Abdul Monem Odat on Thursday launches the 'Enhancing Youth Participation in Political Life' programme, aimed at empowering young people across the Kingdom to engage more actively in political processes (Petra photo) AMMAN — Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Abdul Monem Odat on Thursday launched the "Enhancing Youth Participation in Political Life" programme, aimed at empowering young people across the Kingdom to engage more actively in political processes. Talking at the launch ceremony, Odat highlighted the commitment of His Majesty King Abdullah and HRH Crown Prince Hussein to supporting the youth, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The minister said that the political modernisation plan constitutes a fundamental shift in Jordan's political landscape and is part of the broader comprehensive development drive aligned with the state's second centennial. Odat added that the government is adopting an approach rooted in direct communication with all societal groups and sectors, in line with principles of good governance based on participation, integrity and accountability. He explained that the initiative is part of the ministry's 2024–2028 strategic plan and stems from the national belief in the importance of empowering youth to lead in all areas of development. The minister added that participation in political life and party platforms allows young people to express their aspirations and influence decision-making related to their future. Odat highlighted the importance of raising national awareness and protecting the country's social cohesion amid current challenges, including external attempts to undermine Jordan's internal stability due to its steadfast stance on the Palestinian cause. He reiterated the Kingdom's unwavering position in supporting just Arab and Islamic causes, especially the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state on their national soil. The minister also underlined Jordan's commitment to defending Islamic and Christian holy sites under the Hashemite custodianship and to safeguarding the lives of the people of Gaza. Minister of Youth Yazan Shdeifat said that the continued implementation of the programme for the third consecutive year reflects the ministry's dedication to the recommendations of the political modernisation agenda and its focus on involving youth in decision-making. He described youth political empowerment as a national priority, implemented through initiatives drawn from the core pillars of the National Youth Strategy, including youth engagement, security and community peace, citizenship, good governance, and the rule of law. Shdeifat added that recent political legislation has opened the door for youth to participate more effectively in political life. A dialogue session followed the launch and discussed mechanisms to encourage youth participation in political parties and decision-making. Discussions also highlighted the importance of promoting democratic values, respect for differing views, and cultivating a 'mature' political culture based on legal awareness and constructive engagement in the modernisation process. Participating youth presented various initiatives aimed at enhancing political awareness, boosting youth roles in political parties, and activating party-related activities within universities. The programme will include 30 training sessions held at youth centres nationwide, targeting participants aged 18 to 30.
Jordan Times
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Jordan Forum for Policy Dialogue reviews political modernisation process in Kingdom
The Jordan Forum for Policy Dialogue convenes on Sunday to discuss the Kingdom's ongoing political modernisation efforts, bringing together political and parliamentary figures (Petra photo) AMMAN — The Jordan Forum for Policy Dialogue convened on Sunday to discuss the Kingdom's ongoing political modernisation efforts, bringing together political and parliamentary figures. Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Abdul Monem Odat said that Jordan's modernisation process has been guided by the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah, stressing that as the country enters its second centennial, it is pursuing a long-term reform vision spanning more than 25 years, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Monday. Odat highlighted key constitutional amendments since 2010, including the establishment of the Constitutional Court and the Independent Election Commission (IEC). He said that these measures were foundational steps in Jordan's broader reform agenda, culminating in the major reform initiative launched in 2021. The initiative introduced constitutional amendments and new election and political party laws aimed at enhancing political participation and strengthening party engagement, he added. IEC Chairman Musa Maaytah noted that the commission's mandate is limited to implementing laws, with legislative development occurring within constitutional frameworks. He noted that Jordan has moved beyond the experimental phase of democratic reform, pointing to increased competition among political parties as a sign of progress. Maaytah reaffirmed the commission's commitment to upholding electoral integrity and fostering broader political engagement. Minister of Social Development and Chair of the Ministerial Committee for Women's Empowerment Wafa Bani Mustafa stressed that Jordan's reform process has been comprehensive, integrating political, economic, and administrative modernisation. She announced that an updated National Social Protection Strategy is scheduled to be launched in the coming period. Bani Mustafa noted that past reforms were often fragmented, whereas the current approach ensures a cohesive and multidimensional framework. The minister also underscored the importance of youth participation in political parties, stressing that efforts to empower women and youth should be viewed as integral to the broader political landscape. Former prime minister Adnan Badran acknowledged the progress Jordan has made despite regional challenges, attributing this to the country's stability. He highlighted the role of recent constitutional amendments in reinforcing the separation of powers and fostering greater political balance. President of the Jordan Forum for Policy Dialogue Hamid Bataineh said that Jordan remains committed to the reform agenda initiated in 2021, which has provided momentum for political engagement alongside economic and administrative modernization. He noted that these reforms were introduced "proactively" during a period of stability rather than in response to external or internal pressures, reflecting a forward-looking national strategy. Father Nabil Haddad highlighted the Kingdom's unifying national values, noting that the forum coincided with both Ramadan and the Christian fasting season, symbolising the country's social cohesion. He reiterated that Jordan remains a Kingdom committed to unity, inclusion, and shared national identity. Page 2
Jordan Times
17-02-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Lower House approves Agricultural Risk Mitigation Fund Law to support farmers
The Lower House on Monday approves the Agricultural Risk Mitigation Fund Law for 2024 (Petra photo) AMMAN – The Lower House on Monday approved the Agricultural Risk Mitigation Fund Law for 2024, marking a significant step in addressing agricultural risks and providing crucial support to farmers in Jordan. During a session chaired by Speaker Ahmad Safadi, lawmakers approved Articles 3 to 14 of the draft law, following the approval of Articles 1 and 2 in a previous session, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. One notable amendment to the draft law was made to Paragraph 4 of Article 3. Originally, the law stipulated that farmers not enrolled in the fund would receive compensation for frost damage at 25 per cent of the damage value. The amendment, passed by a majority vote, raised the compensation rate to 50 per cent. Lawmakers also voted to reinstate Paragraph 6 of Article 3, as proposed by the government. The paragraph, which focuses on organising agricultural insurance programmes in cooperation with local insurance companies, reversed an earlier decision to remove the phrase "in the Kingdom." The discussions led to the retention of Paragraph (c) in Article 8, which allows the committee overseeing the Fund to organise agricultural insurance programmes with local insurance companies under a specific regulatory framework. An additional amendment introduced the term "local" after "product" in Article 9, which relates to the 10 per cent fee on products sold in wholesale markets for vegetables and fruits. MPs emphasised the importance of continued dialogue with the Jordanian Farmers Union to address their concerns and challenges, stressing the need to ensure food security in the Kingdom. Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Abdul Monem Odat said that the primary objective of the Fund is to promote solidarity and cooperation among registered farmers. He also highlighted the need to focus on immediate and long-term goals, noting that the compensation system should cover both crop and livestock sectors but should exclude non-participating smallholders. Regarding compensation distribution, Odat said that a committee would be formed to develop regulations and plans for identifying agricultural risks and establishing compensation schedules. Minister of Agriculture Khaled Huneifat noted that the law would stimulate investment in Jordan's agricultural sector, which has grown by 5.8 per cent. He also said that Jordan's self-sufficiency in red meat has risen to 45 per cent, a significant improvement from 28 per cent in 2021.
