On the 14th of September 2022, the Jordan Office of the Konrad-Adenauer Foundation (KAS), celebrated together with its partner Al-Quds Center for Political Studies, the closing ceremony of the workshop series “Jordanian Academy Political Education” in the King Hussein Club in Amman. The series of workshops focused on political participation, democracy and its forms, the rule of law as well as youth engagement and empowerment in political parties. All in all, more than 100 young politicians from 28 parties participated in six main workshops and two roundtables.
During the workshops, Jordanian youth examined the democratic framework that constitutes the internal processes of a political party. Further, the importance of social media as a useful tool in promoting their parties and informing their audiences on key issues were addressed. Guest speakers were invited throughout the training program to speak with the participants. For example, Dr. Al-Bashir Al-Mutaki, a Moroccan professor who specializes in constitutional law, drew comparisons between the Moroccan and Jordanian systems.
Additionally, young Jordanian politicians had the opportunity to engage with German politicians such as the member of parliament Dr. Christoph Ploß. This allowed Jordanians and Germans to exchange perspectives on important topics such as democracy and the political system in general. These bilateral, intercultural talks lead to a better understanding of each other which can be useful for both sides in the future.
At the closing ceremony, Dr. Edmund Ratka, the resident representative of the KAS in Jordan, Oraib Al-Rantawi, Director and Founder of the Al-Quds Center for Political Studies, and the main guest speaker H.E. Musa Al-Maaytah, president of the Independent Electoral Committee, discussed topics such as the new party law which according to H.E. Musa Al-Mayytah “opens new doors for the young generation”. Dr. Ratka also emphasized that KAS will always give the Jordanian youth a voice while supporting them and standing by their side. Mr. Al-Rantawi underscored the importance of Jordanian youth’s political engagement, who will play a significant role in the future political landscape of Jordan.
KAS encourages youth to remain eager and politically active and always welcomes the participants at our future events.