Amman, July 9 (Petra) -- On behalf of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, Minister of Youth Yazan Shdeifat on Wednesday inaugurated the official launch of "Amman, Capital of Arab Youth 2025" and the rollout of the Executive Plan for the Arab Youth, Peace, and Security Strategy.

The ceremony was attended by Arab ministers of youth and sports, representatives from the Arab League, and youth delegations from 20 Arab countries.

In his remarks, Shdeifat emphasized that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is among the world’s leading voices advocating for youth issues, noting the Crown Prince’s landmark initiative that led to the UN Security Council’s adoption of Resolution 2250 the first resolution to recognize the critical role of youth in promoting peace and enhancing security.

He stressed that choosing Amman as the Capital of Arab Youth is not just a ceremonial event but a genuine opportunity to translate the Arab vision for youth into practical policies and actionable plans, driven by conscious young people capable of leading real change.

Shdeifat added that Jordanian youth are not merely a target group for programs but true partners in decision-making. He reaffirmed that, under Royal directives, the Ministry of Youth works to empower young people and connect them with centers of influence, viewing investment in their energy as the smartest choice for addressing challenges and strengthening social resilience.

For his part, Hussein Hindawi, Assisstant Secretary-General of the Arab League, said the launch in Amman reflects confidence in Jordan’s pivotal role in supporting Arab youth issues. He noted that rolling out the executive plan comes at a highly sensitive time as the region faces crises and security challenges.

He stressed that empowering youth and uniting Arab efforts are top priorities, highlighting the centrality of the Palestinian cause and paying tribute to the resilience of Palestinian youth resisting occupation. He urged continued support for their legitimate struggle.

Hindawi pointed out that the new Arab strategy is built on a comprehensive vision that seeks to integrate youth into decision-making processes and strengthen their contribution in addressing intellectual, social, and economic challenges. He also praised Jordan’s pioneering role in this area, particularly through the Youth, Peace and Security initiative launched by the Crown Prince.

Meanwhile, Ashraf Sobhy, Chair of the Executive Office of the Arab Youth and Sports Ministers Council, described the newly launched executive plan as a turning point in Arab youth work, stressing that empowering youth is no longer optional but a strategic necessity for nations seeking development and stability.

He added that growing crises in the Arab world require governments and institutions to listen to youth voices and give them the space to lead initiatives and actively participate in public affairs.

The event’s program includes a series of dialogue sessions covering the role of youth in countering hate speech online, mechanisms for implementing peace programs at the national level, the development of national youth policies, and an overview of the strategy’s executive plan through 2028. It will also highlight pioneering Arab experiences in volunteer work, entrepreneurship, and community peacebuilding.

//Petra// AO

09/07/2025 14:39:01