Latest news with #ElHassan
Ammon
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Ammon
Prince El Hassan concludes working visit to France
Ammon News - His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal and Her Highness Princess Sarvath El Hassan concluded a working visit to France on Sunday, during which they engaged in a series of meetings and discussions focused on regional peace, cultural heritage, and human dignity. Their Highnesses visited the "Rescue Treasures from Gaza: 5,000 Years of History" exhibition at the Arab World Institute in Paris, where they toured exhibits featuring artifacts and photographs that reflect Gaza's rich and diverse history, shaped by successive civilizations. During a meeting with the Institute's President, Jack Lang, and a group of French and Arab intellectuals and thinkers, Prince El Hassan underscored the importance of promoting peace and diversity in the Levant. He advocated for a regional stability pact grounded in the principles of protection and mutual respect, emphasizing the sanctity of human life. Prince El Hassan highlighted Gaza's historic role as a vital trade hub linking Europe and Asia and a crossroads of civilizations, rather than a site of destruction. He reiterated his call to establish an Oriental Heritage Foundation dedicated to safeguarding the region's heritage, with special emphasis on preserving the Palestinian heritage in Gaza, Jerusalem, and all of Palestine. Lang echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the necessity of protecting humanity's future by preserving its historical heritage. He called for greater international efforts to uphold human rights and dignity in Gaza, urging political actors to create platforms that enforce peace and end the suffering endured by its people. Discussions at the event highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the vital role of heritage diplomacy. Participants stressed the importance of documenting and raising awareness of Gaza's cultural legacy and doing everything possible to safeguard it. Prince El Hassan also visited the French Academy of Political and Moral Sciences, affiliated with the Académie Française, where he is the first Arab member. In his address, he emphasized the values of human dignity, citizenship, pluralism, mutual understanding, and shared responsibility. He stressed that inclusive decision-making rooted in representation, consensus, and respect for diversity can institutionalize dignity and foster a deeper awareness anchored in a culture of peace and human fraternity. He also underscored the importance of scientific diplomacy in achieving sustainable peace and regional stability. At the conclusion of the visit, Prince El Hassan toured the Academy's library, where he viewed rare manuscripts, including a Latin translation of the meanings of the Holy Quran and the oldest known photographic collection of Mecca. Petra
Jordan Times
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Prince El Hassan inaugurates regional conference on climate justice in Arab world
HRH Prince El Hassan Bin Talal, President of the Higher Council for Science and Technology (HCST), on Monday inaugurates the regional conference titled 'Climate Justice in the Arab World: Where Do We Stand?' (Petra photo) AJLOUN — HRH Prince El Hassan Bin Talal, President of the Higher Council for Science and Technology (HCST), on Monday inaugurated the regional conference titled 'Climate Justice in the Arab World: Where Do We Stand?' The three-day event, held in Ajloun Governorate, is organised by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC – Quakers) in partnership with the Royal Academy for Nature Conservation. In his opening remarks, Prince El Hassan called for redefining 'scarcity' as a driver of regional solidarity and cooperation, highlighting the Arab world's 'acute vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.' He also stressed that climate justice cannot be realised if communities are seen merely as recipients of aid, underscoring the need to empower people and foster dialogue to translate knowledge and expertise into community-led local action. Prince El Hassan also urged for an integrated resource management approach, linking water, food, energy and ecosystems, as a path toward sustainable outcomes that bolster both climate and food security. He also called on Arab governments to adopt this model as a regional policy. Highlighting the need for collective knowledge-sharing among Arab states, Prince El Hassan emphasised the importance of inclusive dialogue, good governance, and a holistic vision to balance human development with environmental protection and ensure a better future for the next generations. He also renewed his call to establish a regional socio-economic council that can reshape Western perceptions of the Levant (Mashreq) and represent the region internationally in ways that reflect its real needs and promote integration based on equity and mutual respect. AFSC Regional Director Khaled Kooz said that achieving climate justice in the region is inseparable from realising human justice. He noted that populations most affected by war and conflict in the Arab world are also the most exposed to the impacts of climate change. Kooz also stressed the need to link human rights and environmental justice, noting that protecting human rights must be a priority in all development and environmental initiatives. He added that the conference is part of AFSC's broader 'Regional Dialogue' programme, which aims to build bridges among diverse communities and promote shared understanding of key regional issues. He emphasised that the complex challenges facing the region require collective, cross-border solutions rather than isolated efforts. The conference gathers experts, researchers, academics, environmental activists, and civil society representatives from Jordan, Palestine, and Lebanon. It features discussions on climate change, environmental justice, historical and political contexts, and the role of active movements working on environmental and climate issues in the Arab world.
Jordan Times
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Prince Hassan: Regional cooperation not only strategic imperative but ‘moral necessity'
Prince El Hassan speaks on Wednesday at the conclusion of a three-day workshop in Amman titled 'Nuclear Security in the Middle East and North Africa: Keeping Pace with an Evolving World (Petra photo) AMMAN — A landmark workshop on nuclear security in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) concluded last week in Amman, marking a significant regional effort to ensure the safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy amid growing global and geopolitical challenges. Held from April 28–30, 2025 and co-hosted by the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC) and the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), the workshop, titled 'Nuclear Security in the Middle East and North Africa: Keeping Pace with an Evolving World', brought together senior officials and experts from 12 countries and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The workshop was co-chaired by HRH Prince El Hassan and NTI Co-Chair and CEO Ernest J. Moniz, who jointly hailed the gathering as a 'vital step' in addressing shared regional concerns related to the secure management of sensitive nuclear materials and technologies. At the closing session of the workshop, HRH Prince El Hassan underlined the need for regional cooperation to address common challenges not only as a strategic imperative but a 'moral necessity.' 'The time has come to imagine a Regional Mechanism for Security and Cooperation in the Middle East fundamentally shaped by the historical memory, pluralistic heritage, and geopolitical realities of our region, the Prince said. His Royal Highness called for dealing with security within a historical context. 'Security must be understood holistically. Nuclear safety cannot be addressed in isolation; it must form part of a broader architecture of dialogue that encompasses transboundary challenges such as water scarcity, energy access, and food security, what I have called the WEFE Nexus: Water, Energy, Food, and Environment.' He also explained that the region requires a 'collective framework for security, one not anchored in hegemony or dominance, but in mutual accountability, shared responsibility, and the pursuit of common good.' As co-coordinators of the workshop, Prince El Hassan and Moniz issued a joint statement voiced appreciation for the high-level participant from across the MENA region for joining the 'landmark workshop, the first of its kind focused specifically on nuclear security in the region.' 'This gathering marks a vital step toward addressing a pressing global security challenge: the management of sensitive nuclear materials and technologies in a complex and evolving geopolitical environment,' the statement said. Underlying the urgency of joint efforts, mainly in light of 'interconnected risks,' the statement noted that 'regional collaboration has never been more crucial.' 'The willingness of participating nations to exchange expertise and build cross-border partnerships is an inspiring testament to the shared responsibility we bear for ensuring a secure, sustainable, and prosperous future.' In their statement, Prince El Hassan and Moniz emphasized peaceful use of nuclear energy as a key theme of the workshop and a driver for security and stability. During the closing session, Scott Roecker, vice president for NTI's Nuclear Materials Security Programme and Elena Buglova, director of the IAEA Division of Nuclear Security, spoke about the importance of the workshop in strengthening regional cooperation across the Middle East and North Africa. They highlighted the value of sharing experiences and challenges, exchanging ideas and aspirations, and revisiting nuclear security plans to support long-term investment in safety and stability. Here is the full text of the final statement: Reflections from His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal and Ernest J. Moniz on Regional Nuclear Security Cooperation From April 28-30, 2025, in Amman, Jordan, the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission and the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) hosted a workshop, 'Nuclear Security in the Middle East and North Africa: Keeping Pace with an Evolving World,' with high-level participants from 12 countries and the International Atomic Energy Agency. As co-coordinators of the workshop, His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal and Co-Chair and CEO of NTI Ernest J. Moniz issued the following statement. We deeply appreciate the many leaders from across the Middle East and North Africa who joined us in Amman for this landmark workshop—the first of its kind focused specifically on nuclear security in the region. This gathering marks a vital step toward addressing a pressing global security challenge: the management of sensitive nuclear materials and technologies in a complex and evolving geopolitical environment. In an era defined by interconnected risks, regional collaboration has never been more crucial. The willingness of participating nations to exchange expertise and build cross-border partnerships is an inspiring testament to the shared responsibility we bear for ensuring a secure, sustainable, and prosperous future. Jordan's leadership in hosting this workshop—and its recognized role by the IAEA as a hub and center-of-excellence for the peaceful applications of nuclear energy—reflects the Kingdom's enduring commitment to fostering regional dialogue and promoting practical, forward-looking solutions to safeguard our collective well-being. A key theme that emerged was the emphasis on the peaceful use of nuclear energy as a driver for security and stability. The IAEA has acknowledged Jordan's capacity to serve as a training center for newcomer countries in the peaceful applications of nuclear technology. This workshop—rare in that it addressed Middle Eastern nuclear energy priorities from the region to the world—builds on the momentum created by recent global engagements such as the COP meetings. Unlike climate summits, nuclear security gatherings have been largely absent from the region—making this initiative all the more critical. As we anticipate an increase in nuclear energy to support climate change mitigation and energy security goals, the ideas discussed offer a path forward for ensuring that expansion proceeds safely, securely, and responsibly. Moreover, the regional vision advanced at the workshop—anchored in a historical understanding of Water, Energy, Food, and Environmental needs (the WEFE Nexus)—underscores the interconnectedness of regional security, sustainable development, and human dignity. Integrating the WEFE approach into discussions on nuclear security provides a holistic framework for stabilizing the region through cooperation rather than confrontation. This initiative demonstrates the power and promise of regional collaboration in the Middle East and North Africa on nuclear security, offering a model for other regions to follow. We encourage leaders around the world to embrace this spirit of cooperation, recognizing that the challenges of nuclear security transcend borders and demand collective action rooted in mutual trust. Let the work undertaken here in Amman serve as a catalyst for continued engagement and meaningful partnerships. Together, we can create a future where the benefits of nuclear technologies are realized safely, securely, and sustainably—and where risks are reduced through shared commitment, dialogue, and mutual respect.
Jordan Times
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Prince El Hassan calls for establishing regional mechanism for security, cooperation
Prince El Hassan speaks on Wednesday at the conclusion of a three-day workshop in Amman titled 'Nuclear Security in the Middle East and North Africa: Keeping Pace with an Evolving World (Petra photo) AMMAN — HRH Prince El Hassan, chairman of the Higher Council for Science and Technology (HCST) called for the creation of a regional mechanism for cooperation and security, based on shared humanity, pluralism and the geopolitical realities of the Middle East. His remarks came on Wednesday at the conclusion of a three-day workshop in Amman titled 'Nuclear Security in the Middle East and North Africa: Keeping Pace with an Evolving World'. The event was organised by the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission in partnership with the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Prince El Hassan said that regional cooperation is not only a strategic requirement but also a moral obligation. He stressed the need for a broader, more connected understanding of security — one that includes water, energy, food and the environment. 'Nuclear safety cannot be addressed in isolation,' he said, 'but must be part of a wider dialogue on sustainable development'. He also emphasised that the future of nuclear and human security relies on science, cultural understanding, and communication across generations. During the closing session, NTI vice president for nuclear materials security, scott Roecker, and IAEA director of nuclear security, Elena Buglova, both highlighted the importance of regional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and joint planning to improve nuclear security and promote regional stability. In a joint statement issued at the end of the workshop, Prince El Hassan and NTI CEO Dr Ernest J. Moniz, who is also a former US secretary of energy, stressed the urgent need for international cooperation to manage nuclear risks. 'Nuclear security challenges cross borders,' the statement read, 'and require action built on trust and cooperation'. The statement described the workshop as a historic first for the region, focused on managing sensitive nuclear materials in a complex and fastchanging geopolitical environment. It praised Jordan's leadership in hosting the event and its recognised role as a regional centre for peaceful nuclear technology training. The discussions focused on the peaceful use of nuclear energy as a way to enhance security and stability. The IAEA acknowledged Jordan's growing role in training newcomer countries in the safe use of nuclear technologies. The workshop, the statement added, was a rare opportunity to highlight nuclear energy priorities from the Middle East to the wider world — especially since nuclear security summits have been largely absent from the region, unlike major climate forums such as the COP meetings. With nuclear energy expected to grow as a tool for addressing climate change and energy security, the ideas presented at the workshop offer a responsible roadmap for safe expansion. The regional vision discussed in Amman also highlighted the importance of the Water-Energy-Food-Environment (WEFE) Nexus as a tool for building long-term peace and sustainable development. 'The WEFE approach offers a holistic way to stabilise the region through cooperation rather than conflict,' the statement said, adding that this initiative could serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges. 'We encourage world leaders to adopt this spirit of cooperation,' the statement concluded. 'Let the work achieved here in Amman be a starting point for deeper partnerships. Together, we can ensure nuclear technologies are used safely and sustainably— and reduce risks through shared commitment, dialogue, and mutual respect.'
Jordan Times
24-04-2025
- Science
- Jordan Times
Prince El Hassan honours winners of El Hassan Bin Talal Award for Scientific Excellence
HRH Prince El Hassan, chairman of the Higher Council for Science and Technology, on Thursday honours the winners of the 2025 Hassan bin Talal Award for Scientific Excellence (Petra photo) AMMAN — HRH Prince El Hassan, chairman of the Higher Council for Science and Technology (HCST), on Thursday honoured the winners of the 2025 El Hassan bin Talal Award for Scientific Excellence, now in its 29th edition, in the presence of HRH Princess Sarvath Hassan. This year's award recognised outstanding institutions in the field of vocational and technical education, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. Addressing the gathering, Prince Hassan highlighted the founding vision of the award to promote innovation, continuity and meaningful change that uplift individuals across the Kingdom. "The goal is for every citizen, regardless of location, to feel part of a greater whole," the prince said. He commended the winning projects for promoting human dignity and transforming creative ideas into practical tools that serve the public interest and support national development. Prince Hassan also stressed the importance of integrating different skills into vocational training and aligning vision, legislation and implementation to improve the overall health of society. HCST Secretary-General Mashhoor Rifai described the award as a national success story that continues to inspire innovation in Jordan's education and science sectors. The first prize was jointly awarded to Al Balqa Applied University's Al Salt Technical College for its "Smart Communication Bridge" project, which uses artificial intelligence to convert sign language into text and speech and vice versa, improving communication for the hearing impaired. The second winner of the first prize is Mafraq's Rahbeh Rakkad Comprehensive Secondary School for Boys for its "Rahbeh Skills Platform", an interactive e-learning initiative aimed at developing modern skills and supporting digital transformation in education. The second prize was shared by Irbid's Zarnouji Vocational Secondary School for Boys for designing a "Double-Acting Reciprocating Pump" as a sustainable alternative to electric pumps in agricultural areas, and Amman's Manshiyet Hesban Mixed Secondary School for its "Nashmiyat" project. The project empowers female students to produce and sell handmade crafts through a digital platform that promotes entrepreneurship and economic independence. The third prize was awarded to Mafraq Industrial Secondary School for Boys for its "Wood Reborn" project, which recycles wood waste into educational tools and interactive games, combining sustainability with hands-on learning.
