Amman, Jan. 23 (Petra) – Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal, the El Hassan Science City hosted a high-level academic visit by a delegation from Lappeenranta–Lahti University of Technology in Finland last Monday, as part of efforts to strengthen academic, scientific, and technological cooperation between the two countries.

The two-day visit included leaders and representatives of the Finnish university, alongside representatives of institutions within the El Hassan Science City system, including the Royal Scientific Society, Princess Sumaya University for Technology, and the iPARK Business Incubator. Together, these institutions form an integrated national ecosystem in higher education, scientific research, applied innovation, and technology-based entrepreneurship.

His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan met the Finnish academic delegation at the campus of Princess Sumaya University for Technology, in the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, President of the El Hassan Science City and Chair of the Board of Trustees of Princess Sumaya University for Technology, and Wijdan Abu Haija, President of the university.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed building specialized scientific partnerships, with a focus on entrepreneurship and technology. Talks addressed developing collaborative models that support scientific innovation and transform research ideas into practical solutions that serve communities and respond to contemporary development challenges.

The visit follows a previous meeting between His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan and representatives of the Finnish university during his recent visit to Finland, where he reviewed their experience in technological university education and underlined the importance of engaging young people through modern, interactive teaching methods and confidence in their capacity to shape the future.

Prince El Hassan stressed the need to advance education, particularly in technological disciplines and entrepreneurship, given their cross-sectoral impact, notably in vital areas such as water and energy, which are key drivers of sustainable development and a knowledge-based economy. He also highlighted the concept of internal independence, based on empowering individuals through science, building national capacities, and promoting self-reliance in knowledge production and decision-making.

Prince El Hassan said human dignity lies at the core of any successful development or educational endeavor, noting that investing in people and respecting their right to education and knowledge is the path toward social justice, stability, and societies capable of progress and constructive global engagement.

For her part, Princess Sumaya said she was proud to host the delegation at Princess Sumaya University for Technology, the academic arm of the El Hassan Science City. She underlined the role of academic dialogue and the exchange of ideas as the foundation for effective, sustainable international cooperation, in line with the vision of the El Hassan Science City system, established more than five decades ago to make science, applied research, and knowledge a cornerstone of national development.

Princess Sumaya noted that the continued guidance of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan reflects the continuity of this vision, rooted in human dignity, responsibility, and community service. She added that his recent visit to Finland offered an opportunity to reflect on shared values and learn from a country that has consistently invested in education, research, and long-term planning.

Rector of the Lappeenranta–Lahti University of Technology, Juha-Matti Saksa, presented the university’s experience and areas of excellence in education, scientific research, and industry collaboration, as well as its work in agriculture, water, and seeds.

//Petra// AJ

22/01/2026 15:00:43