Amman, Nov. 20 (Petra) – The 23rd Youth and Technology Conference is set to kick off this Saturday, focusing on "Political Participation and Mechanisms to Reduce Electoral Violence."

Organized by the Solidarity is Global Institute (SIGI), this event is part of the "Vote" project aimed at boosting women's and youth's involvement in politics. The initiative receives support from the Dutch "Rutgers" foundation and collaborates with the Jordanian National Commission For Women.

The conference will be officially opened by Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs, Abdul-Moneim Odat and will span three days, bringing together 50 young individuals aged 18 to 29 from across the country. Participants have been selected for their roles in monitoring the upcoming 2024 parliamentary elections through a gender-sensitive lens.

The event aims to enhance young people's understanding of the significance of political engagement, cultivate a vibrant political culture, and motivate them to participate actively in political and party activities.

This initiative aligns with the royal vision for political reform and emphasizes the crucial roles of women and youth. Furthermore, it encourages the use of technology to create innovative youth-led initiatives focused on political participation and reducing electoral violence.

Participants will engage in various sessions led by experts, discussing topics such as recent electoral experiences highlighting both successes and challenges the role of civil society in overseeing elections and mitigating violence, and the impact of media and technology on public perception.

There will also be discussions on how electoral participation can drive sustainable development, along with presentations showcasing parliamentary and youth experiences. A key focus will be on designing initiatives that address the conference’s central themes.

This conference is part of an ongoing series launched by SIGI in 2009, which has previously seen 22 conferences aimed at empowering youth, enhancing their skills, and fostering their engagement in local communities.

It promotes the use of technology for social good through a gender-focused and rights-based development lens, encouraging innovation and creativity among young participants.

//Petra// WH

20/11/2024 10:44:11