Dr. Abdelbaset Athamneh participates in a cultural symposium on the thought of King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein at Yarmouk University.
Professor Dr. Abdelbaset Athamneh, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development Studies at Yarmouk University, participated in a cultural symposium organized by the university's Library Department. The symposium centered on a reading of the book "The Thought of King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein – A Reading in the Philosophy of Economic Development for Jordan 1999-2033," a work that highlights the royal visions for comprehensive and sustainable development in the Kingdom.
The symposium, moderated by Dr. Riyad Al-Yassin, was attended by interested individuals, led by Dr. Mohammad Shakhatreh, Director of the Library Department. The book's authors, Dr. Omar Al-Omari and Professor Ahmed Jaradat, also attended and provided the audience with a comprehensive presentation on the book's main themes and its importance in understanding Jordan's development process.
Dr. Athamneh emphasized the importance of such symposiums in promoting awareness of Jordanian developmental thought, noting that the Center for Sustainable Development Studies' participation comes within its continuous efforts to link academic research with pressing national development issues. He praised the efforts made in authoring the book, which is considered a valuable reference for researchers and decision-makers.
Attendees considered the symposium a vital platform for discussion and exchange of ideas on the philosophy of economic development adopted by Jordan under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, and its impact on various vital sectors, reviewing future challenges and opportunities. This activity is part of a series of cultural events organized by the Library Department aimed at enriching the cultural and knowledge scene at the university and in the local community.
"Yarmouk" Holds a Symposium on "Municipal Services and Sustainable Community Development" and Presents the Results of an Opinion Poll on "Satisfaction of Residents in Bani Obaid Municipality Areas with the Services Provided by the Municipality"
Representing the President of Yarmouk University, the Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Dr. Yousef Obeidat, inaugurated the activities of the dialogue symposium titled "Municipal Services and Sustainable Community Development," and presented the results of the opinion poll conducted by the Center for Sustainable Development Studies on "Satisfaction of Residents in Bani Obaid Municipality Areas with the Services Provided by the Municipality."
Dr. Obeidat stated that Yarmouk University has always been a beacon of scientific and cultural illumination, a center for enlightenment and the refinement of knowledge. It has achieved remarkable excellence in its teaching programs across various stages of study and fields of science, in its adoption of applied scientific research, and in its service to the community.
He affirmed that Yarmouk University continues to implement its vision and fulfill its mission, despite the challenges it faces, with the dedication of its people, and that it is capable of turning challenges into opportunities and bright prospects.
Dr. Obeidat emphasized that municipalities are among the most important local entities that play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable community development, acting as a link between the government and the local community. They also provide a diverse range of services that contribute to improving the daily lives of citizens by working to enhance basic infrastructure and manage waste collection and recycling processes, which is vital for preserving the environment and reducing pollution, and an essential part of the sustainability strategies adopted by the Jordanian state.
The Director of the Center, Dr. Abdalbaset Othmaneh, pointed out that municipalities play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for people. However, they face many challenges that affect their ability to provide services as required, in terms of limited capabilities, whether in terms of budget or human resources, which hinder the implementation of large projects or even the ideal maintenance of infrastructure. This is in addition to the continuous population growth that puts pressure on the basic services provided by municipalities, at a time when citizens' needs for municipal services are constantly increasing.
He stressed the need for service recipients to understand the environment and conditions in which municipalities operate in order to appreciate their role, and the necessity of mobilizing all support for them so that they can perform their tasks to the fullest, ensuring improved services and meeting the needs of the community.
During the symposium's activities, the results of the opinion poll on "Satisfaction of Residents in Bani Obaid Municipality Areas with the Services Provided by the Municipality" were presented.
The survey included 784 citizens in the areas of Bani Obaid Municipality, with the aim of measuring their satisfaction with the level of services provided by the municipality.
The results showed a good level of community awareness regarding cleanliness, as 65.3% of residents noted a significant commitment from the community to taking out waste and placing it in designated areas. Additionally, 60% of participants confirmed the availability of waste containers within a distance of 100 meters or less from their homes, which facilitates the waste disposal process.
However, 68.6% of those surveyed believed that the number of containers in their residential areas was not proportionate to the number of residents and dwellings, while 49.2% confirmed that the containers were adequately distributed in their residential areas.
In the same context, 24.7% of those surveyed expressed satisfaction with the presence of rainwater drainage outlets in their areas.
Also in the same context, 27% of those surveyed felt that the level of communication with the municipality was weak.
Despite the fact that more than half of the residents (51%) surveyed described the level of cleanliness in their areas as minimally acceptable, the majority of them supported the idea of imposing additional penalties on cleanliness violators (78.4%), reflecting citizens' desire to improve the environmental situation.
The results also showed that 64.8% of citizens believe that the level of lighting in their areas is acceptable, indicating a need for improvement in some aspects of this area. Meanwhile, 62.5% of participants confirmed that the distribution of services among areas was also acceptable, a positive indicator of fairness in service delivery.
Regarding the issue of waste, the results showed that 33.5% of citizens confirmed that the municipality uses modern equipment and techniques for waste collection, indicating an urgent need to modernize the equipment and methods used for waste collection. Additionally, 38% of residents expressed satisfaction with daily waste collection, which implies that there is sometimes an accumulation of waste in some areas.
The survey pointed out that 48.9% of participants noticed acts of tampering, vandalism, theft, or arson of containers, which requires taking measures to protect public property. Furthermore, 64.3% of participants indicated that the streets and infrastructure in their areas were dilapidated, and only 38.4% confirmed that road and public facility maintenance services were acceptable.
Meanwhile, a rate of (30.7%) of citizens expressed dissatisfaction with the municipality's lack of attention to environmental and green projects, indicating an urgent need to enhance environmental efforts and implement projects that contribute to the sustainability of the region.
Regarding the impact of the establishment of Bani Obaid Municipality on improving services, 24.7% of survey participants indicated that this establishment had not led to a tangible improvement in the level of services provided. In contrast, the majority of respondents believed that the decision to establish the municipality had tangible positive effects on the services provided to them, which necessitates strengthening institutional efforts to develop municipal performance.
The survey results showed a mixed picture of residents' satisfaction with the services provided by Bani Obaid Municipality. Despite positive aspects in residents' commitment to public cleanliness, there are significant challenges in the areas of infrastructure, road maintenance, waste management. Therefore, the municipality must focus and pay attention to improving the quality of services provided, including developing waste management techniques, maintaining roads and infrastructure, and promoting community awareness of the importance of maintaining cleanliness.
During the symposium, a session titled "The Role of Municipalities in Providing Services and Sustainable Community Development" was also held. Speakers included the Head of the Bani Obaid Municipality Committee, Engineer Jamal Abu Obeid, and the Financial Director of Al-Wasatiyya Municipality, Mr. Ahmad Abandeh, who reviewed the most prominent projects and future ideas that would contribute to achieving sustainable community development.
Both Abu Obeid and Abandeh also presented the most significant challenges facing municipalities, foremost among which is the financial funding for various service projects.
"Yarmouk" Holds a Symposium on "The Human Resources System and the Future of Public Administration in Jordan"
Representing the President of Yarmouk University, the Assistant President - Director of the Human Resources Department, Dr. Ziad Zureigat, inaugurated the symposium "The Human Resources System and the Future of Public Administration in Jordan," organized by the Center for Sustainable Development Studies. The keynote speaker was the President of the Civil Service and Public Administration Bureau, Mr. Sameh Al-Nasser.
Dr. Zureigat welcomed the participants and attendees at the beginning of the symposium, emphasizing its importance in answering a range of questions surrounding the human resources system and its implications for the labor market. He affirmed Yarmouk University's commitment to equipping its students with the skills and competencies that enhance their competitiveness in the labor market, while also highlighting the university's achievements in updating and developing the study plans for all its faculties and academic programs.
For his part, Mr. Al-Nasser emphasized that the "New Human Resources Management System" was introduced to develop the human resources framework in the public sector in order to meet the requirements of administrative modernization, achieve the optimal use of human resources, and institutionalize the public policy for human resources management in the public sector. This aims to increase employee productivity and efficiency and transition towards competency-based human resources management, ultimately leading to an empowered and effective public sector capable of serving citizens and investors.
He added that Yarmouk University and other national academic institutions have been and continue to be the primary source of human resources with the competencies and qualifications that enable them to engage in local, regional, and international labor markets. He stated that the "New Human Resources System" represents an important transitional phase in the field of administrative, political, and economic reform, stressing that the path of administrative reform is the true driver of political and economic reform, especially as Jordan approaches a constitutional entitlement represented by the parliamentary elections.
Mr. Al-Nasser pointed out that there are 75,000 graduates annually, 48% of whom are graduates of educational professions, indicating that the Jordanian government sector cannot absorb more than 10% of them. He clarified that this percentage aligns with the actual needs of government departments and ensures the avoidance of disguised unemployment.
He noted that these data necessitate that graduates possess the functional competencies and life skills that increase their competitiveness in the labor market. He also mentioned that the tasks of the Civil Service and Public Administration Bureau are based on several key components, including human resources, leadership, government services, performance management, governance, and reorganization.
Mr. Al-Nasser outlined the general features of the "Human Resources System in the Public Sector," which include increasing the productivity and efficiency of public sector employees, managing human resources efficiently and effectively, competitive recruitment, the new classification of jobs and linking salary to the nature and type of job, regulating the contractual relationship between the employee and the department, linking evidence to the level of achievement and motivating individual achievements, and moving towards the centralization of policies and oversight and the decentralization of implementation.
Regarding the advantages of the human resources management system in the public sector, Mr. Al-Nasser indicated that this system would enhance quantitative and objective analysis and evaluation in terms of the ability of departments to attract and appoint talent by raising the competitiveness of salaries and achieving wage fairness in the public sector. It would also raise the capabilities and enhance the skills and competencies of employees through the creation of the career counselor position and the adoption of a probationary period and appointments on fixed-term contracts, whether full-time or part-time.
He continued that promotion is no longer linked to the career ladder based on years of service, but rather, according to the "new system," it is based on merit and eligibility criteria. Additionally, the system includes exceptional incentives (motivational bonuses) for the first time for public sector employees, in line with best administrative practices, the evaluation of middle management performance, and the promotion of fairness and equal opportunities in job appointments.
The Director of the Center for Sustainable Development Studies, Dr. Abdalbaset Othmaneh, had presented an overview of the structure of the labor market in the Kingdom, the number of employed Jordanians by gender and the public and private sectors, the unemployment rate among males and females by age group and educational level, and the distribution of employees according to the average monthly wage.
Dr. Othmaneh posed a set of questions about the public sector, including: Will the public sector remain the main employer of Jordanians? Will the human resources system contribute to enhancing the social responsibility of the Jordanian state? Will the system enhance the efficiency and governance of government performance to become like that in the private sector? Will the new system lead to financial savings in the public budget? Will the public sector become a lean and highly productive sector?
At the end of the symposium, Mr. Al-Nasser answered the attendees' questions and inquiries, which revolved around the new human resources system and its various articles.
Head of the Diwan Division at the Sustainable Development Studies Center at Yarmouk University Participates in a Workshop on Participatory Planning in Irbid Municipality
Ms. Ikhlas Al-Sagheer, Head of the Diwan Division at the Sustainable Development Studies Center at Yarmouk University, participated on the morning of Monday, May 5, 2025, in an important workshop entitled "Preparing the Municipal Guide for Participatory Planning for the City of Irbid."
The workshop was organized in cooperation with the Greater Irbid Municipality and was attended by the Mayor, Dr. Eng. Nabil Kofahi, and Engineer Laila Yousef, Director of the Development and International Programs Directorate.
The workshop aimed to prepare a comprehensive municipal guide for participatory planning in the city of Irbid and to highlight the importance and objectives of participatory planning in achieving sustainable development.
During the workshop activities, the results of questionnaires that included experts and citizens in the city of Irbid were presented, and an in-depth discussion took place regarding these results with the aim of utilizing them in drafting the municipal guide.
"Yarmouk" Holds a Symposium on "Population, Labor Supply, and Unemployment in Jordan"
Representing the President of Yarmouk University, the Vice President for Scientific Research, Quality, and Development Affairs, Dr. Fadia Miyas, inaugurated the activities of the symposium "Population, Labor Supply, and Unemployment in Jordan." The symposium was organized by the Queen Rania Center for Jordanian Studies and Community Service and the Center for Sustainable Development at the university, with the participation of the Head of the Vocational and Technical Skills Development and Enhancement Authority, Dr. Raghadah Al-Faouri, the President of the Irbid Chamber of Industry, Mr. Hani Abu Hassan, the Executive Director of the Irbid Reconstruction and Development Corporation, Engineer Munther Al-Batayneh, and the Director of the Center, Dr. Abdalbaset Othmaneh.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Miyas stated that the rapid changes in the labor market, especially technological ones, necessitate that universities keep pace with these developments and prepare graduates by equipping them with the technical and professional skills that align with the needs of the labor market. This includes learning the skills and tools of artificial intelligence, how to interact with social media platforms, and digital competencies in their career paths, in line with the Economic Modernization Vision, which aims to develop and grow the economic sector, integrate youth, raise their efficiency, and empower them to assume their responsibilities and enhance sustainable development pathways to become partners in success.
She added that Jordan faces significant challenges, most notably the increase in population numbers coupled with a limited number of available job opportunities, in addition to the challenges facing the region that have led to multiple forced migrations. This has resulted in an increase in the population and consequently affected the labor sector in terms of the number of available job opportunities, especially since the Jordanian labor market does not absorb the increasing numbers of graduates from various disciplines. She pointed out that all these factors have put pressure on the government, institutions, and youth due to the lack of balance between the number of available job opportunities and the number of job-seeking workers.
Dr. Miyas indicated that Yarmouk University, through its strategic plan, recognized the problem and the size of the gap between available job opportunities and the number of graduates. Therefore, it worked to amend its strategic plan to align with global changes, increase networking opportunities with the industrial sector and local and international entities, and conclude numerous agreements and memoranda of understanding that serve students and provide them with training opportunities, enabling them to engage efficiently and competently in the labor market.
For his part, Dr. Othmaneh said that the organization of this event stemmed from the reality of the organic link between population dynamics and unemployment as an economic and social phenomenon. He noted that Jordan has witnessed profound demographic shifts in the past seven decades, during which the population has multiplied many times, leading to an unprecedented increase in labor supply, the size of the workforce, and job seekers. This coincided with a remarkable acceleration in the size and pace of education system outputs, a slowdown in economic growth rates, a decline in external demand for Jordanian labor, a lack of skills among the unemployed, the ineffectiveness of economic policies, especially wage policy, and a decline in the role of the public sector as a major employer of the workforce, which led to a decrease in the absorptive capacity of the labor market.
He emphasized the ability of Jordanian youth, despite the difficulties surrounding them from all sides, to achieve successes and prove themselves through their strong determination and unwavering resolve, provided there is a stimulating environment, genuine empowerment initiatives, and solid bridges to cross towards a bright future.
The symposium's activities included two working sessions. The first, titled "The Role of the Vocational and Technical Skills Development and Enhancement Authority in Upgrading the Vocational and Technical Education and Training Sector in Jordan," featured Dr. Al-Faouri discussing the establishment of the Authority in 2019 as one of the recommendations of the National Strategy for Human Resources Development. She explained that the Authority is the umbrella organization responsible for the work and improvement of the vocational and technical education and training sector and ensuring the quality of its outputs in line with local and regional market requirements. She pointed out the Authority's areas of work, which include licensing training providers, accrediting training programs according to professional standards, training and classifying trainers, professional examinations, and professional practice licenses, among other roles aimed at governing the vocational training sector in coordination with employers through partnerships with the private sector within what has become known as sectoral skills councils.
She highlighted some of the challenges facing the vocational and technical education and training sector, including the multiplicity of authorities, the lack of labor market data, the small number of professional standards, the mismatch of skills with the labor market, the failure to update curricula to align with the labor market and required skills, as well as challenges related to the implementation of the National Qualifications Framework at all levels, the application of recognition of prior learning, and the qualification of human resources in the vocational training sector. She affirmed that the Authority, in coordination and partnership with all relevant parties from the public and private sectors, is working to its full capacity to overcome these challenges and find systematic solutions to them.
The symposium also included a session titled "Vocational Rehabilitation for the Jordanian Labor Market," during which Mr. Abu Hassan pointed out that employment and rehabilitation are important topics in light of the economic challenges facing Jordan, such as the high unemployment rates, which have reached 21.4% in Jordan, with the unemployment rate among women being 34.7%.
He noted that the Irbid Chamber of Industry established the Support and Employment Unit in 2015, which aims to help job seekers find suitable job opportunities.
For his part, Mr. Al-Batayneh reviewed the drivers of vocational rehabilitation for the Jordanian labor market, which include the vocational and technical education pathway in the Ministry of Education, universities, community colleges, the Vocational Training Corporation, and the National Employment and Training Company.
Mr. Al-Batayneh called for the adoption of a number of recommendations, such as reconsidering the affiliation of community colleges to Al-Balqa Applied University, establishing an independent umbrella organization (a technical education authority), enhancing the independence of the Vocational Training Corporation, including creating special systems for human resources, financial regulations, and supplies, networking between vocational and technical education institutions, providing partnerships with major companies in various sectors, diversifying training programs, especially short-term ones, and focusing on continuous training programs.
At the end of the symposium, which was attended by a number of deans of faculties, faculty members, university officials, a group of students, and interested members of the local community, the speakers answered the attendees' questions and inquiries.
"Yarmouk" Holds a Symposium on "The Role of Local Administration in Environmental Protection"... and Announces the Results of the "Irbid Citizens' Satisfaction with Cleaning Services" Survey - Details
Representing the President of Yarmouk University, the Vice President for Planning and Development, Scientific Research and Quality Affairs, 1 Dr. Samer Samarah, inaugurated the symposium "The Role of Local Administration (Municipalities) in Environmental Protection." The symposium was organized by the Center for Sustainable Development Studies and the Queen Rania Center for Jordanian Studies and Community Service at the university, in cooperation with the Crown Prince Foundation, on the occasion of World Environment Day. 1. www.yu.edu.jo
www.yu.edu.jo
Dr. Samarah pointed out that Yarmouk University has achieved remarkable progress in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, placing it within the top 1000 universities globally. Additionally, it ranks among the top 701 universities worldwide in the "Sustainability" indicator. He stressed the need to continue and activate Yarmouk University's cooperation with civil society organizations and municipalities to enable it to fulfill its mission in serving and developing the community and to achieve sustainability standards, including environmental ones, in global rankings.
He affirmed the university's belief in the importance of the environment and the necessity of preserving and developing it as a resource for the nation and a reason for the sustainability of a decent life for its people. He emphasized that this can only be achieved by collaborating with institutions dedicated to serving Jordanian citizens in all their locations, namely the "municipalities." He appreciated the participation of several mayors, executive directors, and heads of environmental departments from various municipalities in the symposium's activities, which were organized to emphasize the pivotal role of local administration (municipalities) in achieving sustainable local development and providing services to citizens to ensure living in a healthy and safe environment.
Dr. Samarah stressed Yarmouk University's keenness on cooperation and networking with the local community as an integral part of it, placing the capabilities and expertise of its members at its service, especially since the development and prosperity of the local community is one of its most important goals that it strives for and is committed to achieving.
He called on the participants in the symposium to activate a positive and beneficial dialogue to come up with recommendations that can be implemented on the ground, in an effort to enhance the role of municipalities in developing the environmental reality in our cities and villages.
For his part, the Director of the Center for Sustainable Development Studies, Dr. Abdalbaset Othmaneh, delivered a speech in which he indicated that today's symposium aims to diagnose the reality and problems of waste management in Jordan and the national efforts and partnerships towards optimal management of this issue. This is due to the fact that Jordan will not be immune to the consequences of the three planetary crises: climate change, biodiversity loss, and the continued threat to our planet from pollution and waste.
Dr. Othmaneh emphasized the importance of the role of municipalities in managing the waste file to achieve environmental sustainability goals and improve the quality of life in local communities. This can be achieved through a set of policies and procedures such as developing waste management policies and programs, encouraging awareness and education for citizens, providing waste management infrastructure, activating partnerships and cooperation through networking with various relevant entities, and using technology and innovation to improve waste management processes and maximize the utilization of available resources.
Dr. Othmaneh reviewed the most significant challenges facing municipalities, including: weak funding, lack of human resources, poor urban planning, undisciplined behaviors, inadequacy of waste disposal technologies, and legislation and policies that may contain complexities in legal procedures and regulations. He stressed the need for concerted efforts between local administration, civil society, and the private sector, and investment in education and awareness to emphasize the importance of preserving the environment and public cleanliness.
During the symposium, Dr. Othmaneh presented the results of the survey conducted by the center on "The Satisfaction of Citizens Residing in the Areas Under the Greater Irbid Municipality with the Cleaning and Environmental Services Provided by the Municipality." The survey included (2257) individuals during the past month of May.
He explained that this survey included many questions and inquiries in two main axes: the first related to the municipality's efforts in managing the waste file, and the second focused on the awareness of residents in the municipality's areas and their behavior in dealing with this highly important issue.
The survey results showed that approximately 74% of respondents stated that the municipality had provided containers close to their residences, at a distance of no more than 100 meters. However, 40.0% of them indicated that the municipality uses modern equipment and technology for waste collection. Additionally, about 64% of the sample confirmed that the municipality empties garbage containers at least once a day, while the majority of the sample (61.7%) indicated that the municipality does not clean and maintain the containers. 27.4% of the sample stated that the number of containers in their neighborhood is proportionate to the number of its residents.
Regarding the adequacy of the number of waste collection workers to provide the service effectively, 60.5% of the sample believed that the number is insufficient, and 55.2% stated that the containers are not adequately distributed in their residential areas. In contrast, 26.9% of the sample expressed their satisfaction with the availability of rainwater drainage outlets in their residential neighborhoods.
On the issue of residents' commitment to taking out waste and placing it in designated places, 38.4% of the sample confirmed the lack of commitment of residents in this regard, emphasizing (about 90% of the sample) that they support the imposition of new penalties on violators and the activation of existing ones. 63% of respondents noted that containers in their residential areas are subject to theft, vandalism, or arson, while 34.1% of the sample indicated that the level of awareness and commitment of neighborhood residents in dealing with the waste file was weak or unacceptable. 31.8% reported that they had previously submitted a complaint to the municipality regarding its waste management, and the subject of the complaint for 47.5% of the complainants was "irregularity in waste collection," with 30.6% of the sample confirming that the municipality followed up on their requests.
Regarding the evaluation of the overall performance level of cleaning workers in their neighborhood, 59% of the sample stated that their performance was at least acceptable, just as 53% indicated that the level of cleanliness in their street and neighborhood was more than acceptable. Respondents attributed the shortcomings in cleaning services to both the municipality and the negative behaviors of some neighborhood residents.
Regarding the most negative aspects related to the level of cleanliness and the environment in their neighborhoods, waste of all kinds came first, followed by construction debris and rubble, and then dust in the streets.
Regarding the priorities suggested by the respondents to improve cleaning services in the city, they were, in order of importance: tightening control over the municipality's personnel responsible for the cleaning file, then educating citizens about their role in the city's cleanliness, and then tightening control over excavation and construction contractors.
The symposium's activities included two sessions: the first was a dialogue session in which the mayors of Irbid Governorate presented their municipalities' efforts in managing the waste file, and the second was a discussion session between the attendees, especially students from Jordanian universities, and municipality officials.
A discussion seminar on 'The role of expatriate workers in the Jordanian economy'
Under the patronage of the President of Yarmouk University, the Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Dr. Yousef Obeidat, inaugurated the activities of the discussion seminar entitled "The Role of Expatriate Workers in the Jordanian Economy." The seminar was organized by the Sustainable Development Studies Center in cooperation with the Queen Rania Center for Jordanian Studies and Community Service at the university.
The organization of this seminar aimed to analyze the current reality of the role of expatriate workers in the Jordanian economy and to propose applicable solutions and policies to address the imbalances in the labor market, striving towards a more efficient, just, and sustainable economic environment.
Obeidat pointed out that the organization of this seminar coincides with International Workers' Day, which is celebrated on the first of May each year in appreciation and recognition of the contributions of working people, who constitute the pillar of development and progress in all societies. He noted that the topic of "expatriate workers" is considered one of the vital issues that intersects with many economic, social, and security axes, which necessitates that we consider the reality of the Jordanian labor market and the challenges we face in balancing the needs of the economy with the requirements of social justice and national empowerment.
He stated that expatriate workers contribute to covering the deficit in some productive sectors, especially in the fields of construction, agriculture, and services, which many Jordanians refrain from working in due to reasons related to wages, working conditions, and sometimes the societal culture towards certain professions. He pointed out that it has become clear that competition between expatriate and national labor, especially in the informal sector, leads to an imbalance in the market, contributes to the exacerbation of unemployment rates, and limits the opportunities for Jordanians to engage in the labor market under fair and equitable conditions.
He stressed the necessity of having a comprehensive national vision that rearranges the priorities of the labor market, supports vocational training and rehabilitation programs for Jordanians, and activates gradual replacement policies, alongside organizing expatriate labor within clear legal frameworks that guarantee their rights and preserve the interests of the national economy simultaneously.
Obeidat called on the participants in the seminar to come up with practical recommendations based on realistic data that guide public policies towards a more just labor market, more capable of absorbing young national talents.
For his part, the Director of the Sustainable Development Center, Dr. Abdel Basit athmaneh, said that the issue of expatriate workers in Jordan is not new on the national agenda, but it remains one of the open and complex files due to the overlap of economic aspects with social, demographic, and even cultural dimensions. He pointed out that official data indicates that expatriate workers constitute about 21% of the total labor force in the Kingdom, and large numbers of them work in vital and essential sectors, most notably agriculture, construction, domestic services, and some light manufacturing.
He explained that this labor, despite its importance in filling labor demand gaps that are not covered by the supply of local labor, cannot overlook the structural imbalances that the Jordanian labor market suffers from.
athmaneh said that sound economic and financial policies do not necessitate restricting labor or infringing on its rights, but rather reformulating these policies to reduce dependence on expatriate labor in the medium and long term, and to encourage Jordanians to integrate into all sectors by raising the minimum wage, improving working conditions, and strengthening vocational and technical training programs, thereby creating a more attractive work environment for unemployed Jordanian youth.
During the opening of the discussion seminar, athmaneh presented a presentation entitled "Expatriate Labor: Gains or Losses?", in which he reviewed the annual population growth rate in Jordan, the characteristics of the Jordanian labor market, the segmented labor market, unemployment rates in Jordanian society (reaching 19.32% among males and 29.46% among females), unemployment rates by educational level for 2023 (where the bachelor's degree achieved the highest rate of unemployment), in addition to unemployment rates for non-Jordanians, the average monthly wage for paid workers in economic establishments, the reasons for unemployment in Jordan, and the benefits and burdens associated with expatriate labor.
As part of the seminar activities, a main session was held on "The Role of Expatriate Workers in the Jordanian Economy," with the participation of the Head of the General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions, Khaled Fanatseh, the President of the Jordanian Construction Contractors Association, Engineer Fouad Dweiri, and the Director General of the Irbid Chamber of Industry, Nidal Al-Sadr.
Namrouqa Sponsors Ceremony Honoring Winners of the Youth Path to Leadership and Innovation Program
Here's the English translation of the provided text:
- Namrouqa: The Celebration Affirms Yarmouk University's Keenness to Motivate Youth Energies for More Creativity and Achievement- Massad: Yarmouk University Was and Will Remain a Beacon of Light, Creativity, and Innovation with its Bright Minds and Ideas- Othmaneh: The Honor Encourages Creativity, Inspires Others, and Strengthens National Identity
Under the patronage of the Minister of State for Legal Affairs, Dr. Nancy Namrouqa, and in the presence of the President of Yarmouk University, Dr. Islam Massad, the ceremony honoring the winners of the "Youth Path to Leadership and Innovation" program, organized by the Center for Sustainable Development Studies at the university, took place.
Dr. Namrouqa stated that this celebration reflects the true practical achievement of the "Youth Path to Leadership and Innovation" program by honoring the creators of innovative initiatives from young university students and professors who have received international awards or patents. This celebration also embodies Yarmouk University's commitment to supporting leadership and innovation and motivating youth energies for further creativity and achievement.
Dr. Namrouqa commended the winning students for their perseverance and innovative initiatives, and the faculty members for their effort and creativity, describing it as a creative national endeavor that would contribute to placing Jordan's name on the global innovation and leadership map through the patents and awards they have achieved.
She pointed out that supporting and motivating the youth in universities aligns with the Jordanian state's efforts and directions towards comprehensive modernization under the leadership of His Majesty the King and the initiatives of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, which target the youth in their various categories and diverse interests, especially since this generation is the nucleus of positive change in various political, economic, and social fields.
Dr. Namrouqa referred to the upcoming constitutional entitlement in the tenth of next September, which is the parliamentary elections. She noted the role of youth in the success of the political modernization project through their participation in the polls and serious engagement in programmatic party work based on national priorities and needs, calling on them to participate in this national entitlement as the first practical milestone of the political modernization project.
For his part, Dr. Massad affirmed Yarmouk University's commitment to implementing His Majesty the King's directives and his lofty vision, which calls for deepening the concepts of sustainability, modernization, and development through distinguished performance and constructive dialogue. Accordingly, the university has taken the initiative to practically promote leadership and innovation in various academic and administrative aspects.
He pointed out the university's development of a set of legislation and instructions aimed at encouraging leadership and innovation among its researchers and students, enhancing and disseminating extracurricular skills among its students, and a comprehensive and broad modernization of study plans in its various faculties and academic programs. It has introduced computer skills, artificial intelligence, and language packages into its courses to increase job opportunities for its students after graduation, without this being accompanied by a decline in Arabic language skills and education. Rather, it has worked to enhance them as a tool that enables its students, especially in some faculties, to excel in creativity, distinction, and linguistic quality.
He continued: "In the context of providing a suitable environment for creativity, the university, based on His Majesty the King's vision and directives on the necessity of motivating youth, developing their creative abilities, and directing their energies towards innovation, has taken the initiative to establish a center for leadership and innovation. Its goal is to incubate creative and innovative ideas, activate the relationship with the industrial and business sectors, and provide a suitable training and incubation environment for creativity."
Dr. Massad emphasized that Yarmouk University was and will remain a beacon of light, creativity, and innovation, and will remain a proud Jordanian scientific oasis with its bright minds and ideas, whose foundation is the Jordanian citizen, loyal to their nation and leadership, capable of transforming challenges into opportunities and successes. The achievements of the university's students, professors, and even model school students in various national, Arab, and international competitions and events are the best evidence of this.
The Director of the Center for Sustainable Development, Dr. Abdalbaset Othmaneh, emphasized the importance of the role of youth in leadership and innovation and their contribution to sustainable community development. He noted that their enthusiasm and innovative thinking can lead to new solutions to social and environmental challenges and enhance the quality of life.
He added: "Entrepreneurial initiatives enable young people to provide sustainable business models that contribute to achieving sustainable development goals such as poverty reduction, promotion of education and healthcare, and can also lead to the development of clean technologies, effective resource management solutions, and improved community services, contributing to building more sustainable societies."
Dr. Othmaneh considered honoring distinguished individuals with outstanding initiatives who have received international awards or patents as an effective way to appreciate their efforts and stimulate sustainable creativity, which benefits society.
He added that this honor encourages creativity and innovation, stimulates professional growth, inspires others, and strengthens national identity.
Dr. Othmaneh pointed out the existence of a genuine political will through which Jordanian political discourse has focused on the issue of sustainable development with all its requirements, with a far-sighted focus on the Jordanian youth, to whom His Majesty the King has given his utmost attention. His Majesty's directives were to expand the base of political and partisan participation for university students, believing that investment in human capital is the ultimate goal towards a knowledge economy.
The ceremony included interventions by Dr. Ghinaa Abu Dhiab from the Faculty of Pharmacy, who holds a patent related to pharmaceutical compounds and formulations for treating the Coronavirus, and Dr. Fares Mtolqah from the Faculty of Engineering Technology, who and his student team won the Outstanding Student Chapter Award from the American Concrete Institute.
Dr. Yusra Obeidat from the Faculty of Engineering Technology and Dr. Khaled Al-Nahar from the Faculty of Information Technology and Computer Sciences were also honored.
The ceremony also included the presentation of a group of winning community initiatives presented by a group of Jordanian university students, and the honoring of the students behind the winning initiatives.
The "Kulluna Sawa" (We Are All Together) initiative team, which aims to raise awareness in the university community about disability issues and the necessity of integrating people with disabilities into the university's various programs, won first place. The "Aref Nafsak" (Know Yourself) initiative team, which aims to promote self-discovery among school students, won second place. The "Clothing Bank" initiative team at Yarmouk University, which aims to collect, rehabilitate, and distribute clothes to students from underprivileged families, won third place.
The ceremony also included the honoring of young faculty members who have received international awards or patents.
Opening of the Seminar "Media and Women: National Pillars for Political Action
Representing the President of Yarmouk University, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Dr. Mohammad Al-Anaqreh, inaugurated the seminar "Media and Women: National Pillars for Political Action," organized by the Princess Basma Center for Jordanian Women's Studies, the Faculty of Arts, and the Center for Sustainable Development Studies at the university. Participants included Engineer Nour Al-Louzi, member of the Amman Governorate Council and a member of the Erada Party; Dr. Safa'a Al-Smadi, First Deputy Secretary-General of the Namaa Party; Mr. Sultan Al-Khalaileh, President of the Sanad Association for Intellectual and Political Action; and Mr. Ahmad Hajjaj, political program producer at Roya TV.
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