Amman, June 9 (Petra) -- As Jordan marks the 27th anniversary of His Majesty King Abdullah II’s accession to the throne, the Kingdom stands at a pivotal moment for reflection and future planning, celebrating a comprehensive process of modernization and nation-building that has placed Jordanians at the center of development while strengthening the country’s strategic standing regionally and internationally, according to academics and analysts.

Speaking to the Jordan News Agency (Petra), academics and political analysts said the occasion is an opportunity to take pride in the Jordanian state's achievements in political, economic, and administrative modernization. They said the King’s vision has successfully balanced strengthening the domestic front and empowering citizens as partners in decision-making with leading a prudent diplomacy that safeguards national interests while firmly defending Arab causes, foremost among them the Palestinian issue and the Hashemite Custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

Former University of Jordan President Ekhleif Al-Tarawneh said the discussion papers launched by His Majesty King Abdullah constitute a comprehensive national strategic project aimed at developing the state and fostering active citizenship, rather than merely responding to temporary challenges.

Al-Tarawneh said the royal vision seeks to redefine the relationship between the state and its citizens by transforming individuals from recipients of policy to partners in decision-making and sustainable development, thereby making it a project to reshape Jordan’s political and social culture.

He added that the principles outlined in the discussion papers have been translated into political, administrative and economic modernization efforts and reflected in legislation designed to empower young people and women, strengthen partisan political participation, and institutionalize transparency and accountability.

According to Al-Tarawneh, the discussion papers place Jordanians at the heart of the reform process on the premise that state-building begins with building an informed and proactive citizen. He noted that a sense of belonging is rooted in citizens’ awareness that they play a meaningful role in their communities.

He said the royal vision presents national identity as an inclusive framework that accommodates diversity while strengthening unity, arguing that Jordan’s resilience and stability in a turbulent region stem from the cohesion of its domestic front and its commitment to national principles and Hashemite leadership.

Al-Tarawneh called on universities, educational institutions and media organizations to translate these principles into daily practices that encourage dialogue and critical thinking.

Muath Abu Dalo, a professor of constitutional and public law, said Jordan has consistently pursued development and modernization since its establishment, particularly in the political sphere through efforts to broaden participation by all segments of society.

He said the outcomes of the Royal Committee to Modernize the Political System reinforced this direction by updating the framework of the social contract between the state and citizens through constitutional amendments and reforms to laws governing political life.

Abu Dalo noted that the Political Parties Law No. 7 of 2022 enables political parties to participate in governance and potentially reach power through parliamentary representation based on the national party list. He added that the Election Law No. 4 of 2022 expanded political participation across wider segments of society.

He said the updated political framework has created broader opportunities for parties to gain representation in parliament and, in the future, potentially form governments if they secure a parliamentary majority.

On youth and women, Abu Dalo said the royal vision places strong emphasis on integrating both groups as active partners in decision-making. He cited the reduction of the minimum age for parliamentary candidates to 25 and measures guaranteeing female representation in every electoral district, alongside priority placement for women on national party lists.

Hassan Al-Dajeh, professor of strategic studies at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, said Jordan under King Abdullah’s leadership has consolidated its position as a pivotal state and a voice of moderation in a region marked by crises and rapid geopolitical change.

Al-Dajeh said Jordan’s success in preserving its strategic depth is rooted in a balanced diplomatic approach that respects international law, promotes dialogue and partnerships, prioritizes national interests and remains committed to Arab principles.

He added that the Kingdom’s network of balanced international relationships has strengthened its role as a trusted mediator and a source of constructive initiatives for resolving regional crises, supported by internal stability, effective political and security institutions, and strong state structures.

Al-Dajeh stressed that the Hashemite Custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem remains a firm national constant and a historical, legal and moral responsibility that Jordan continues to uphold in the face of current challenges.

He said Jordan is continuing its diplomatic efforts to mobilize international support for preserving the historic and legal status quo in Jerusalem while supporting the role of the Jerusalem Awqaf Department in helping Palestinians remain steadfast in the city.

Al-Dajeh concluded that Jordan continues to affirm in all international forums that lasting peace and stability in the region can only be achieved through ending the occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

//Petra// AF

09/06/2026 20:20:30