Amman, April 16 - Senate President Faisal El-Fayez launched the Qantara Center for Human Resources Development's 2025-2027 strategy on Tuesday, in the presence of representatives from local and international donors and strategic partners.
In his speech during the ceremony held in Amman yesterday, El-Fayez emphasized that empowering youth and providing a supportive environment for them is a national priority. He emphasized that working as a team is the best way to address the economic and social challenges facing the Kingdom.
He pointed out that the Qantara Center, which is managed by a group of young men and women from Ma'an Governorate, has achieved tangible successes in the field of vocational training and rehabilitation, contributing to enhancing youth's ability to become self-reliant and generating economic returns that enable them to overcome the problems of poverty and unemployment.
El-Fayez commended the ongoing efforts of the center's leaders, emphasizing that its new strategy reflects its commitment to empowering youth in various fields, including economics, politics, and community work. He noted that these efforts complement the royal directives that emphasize supporting youth as a fundamental pillar of the reform and development process.
He stated that His Majesty King Abdullah II pays great attention to the youth sector, based on his belief in their ability to effect positive change. He called for the implementation of policies and programs that ensure their effective integration into society and provide them with the tools for success, especially in light of the current economic challenges.
He added that standing by and supporting youth requires investing in their energies and initiatives and providing an environment that fosters creativity and entrepreneurship, which will contribute to transforming them into an economic and social force capable of leading change.
El-Fayez emphasized the important role of youth in combating foreign phenomena and confronting the hate speech and sedition that threaten the social fabric through social media platforms. He called for spreading a spirit of positivity, belonging, and optimism among them.
Ghassan Nuqul, Chairman of the Nuqul Group and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Crown Prince Foundation, said that the center has succeeded, in a short period of time, in creating a safe space that enables active participation for Ma'an's young men and women. He praised the center's distinguished work methodology and the importance of its skill-building training programs.
Nuqul noted that every visit he makes to the center reveals new achievements and continued excellence. He highlighted the fruitful cooperation between the Crown Prince Foundation and the center in training young people, developing their skills, and supporting the industries in which they excel. He affirmed his continued support for the center and Ma'an's youth by promoting the spirit of volunteerism and capacity building.
For his part, Rakan Al-Ruwad, Director General of the Qantara Center for Human Resources Development, affirmed his commitment to developing the Qantara Center's work model to become more innovative and inclusive, achieving the values of participation and social justice, in line with national plans for economic and political modernization and strategies aimed at achieving sustainable development.
He explained that the new strategy is a dynamic roadmap, subject to modification and development as necessary in cooperation with relevant stakeholders, civil society organizations, and supporting partners. He noted the participation of thousands of young people and women in the center's activities and programs.
The ceremony included a dramatic performance by the Qantara Theater Group, and a film about the Qantara Center's activities and programs, as well as the center's achievements since its founding through the initiatives it launched. A number of beneficiaries of the center's programs also shared their success stories, from joining as volunteers to becoming pioneering leaders.
A film also presented the Qantara Center's strategic framework for the years 2025-2027, which includes programs such as economic empowerment, civic engagement, and safe spaces, as well as the goals it hopes to achieve.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Youth Eng. Yazan Al-Shdaifat, Governor of Ma'an Hassan Al-Jabour, Chairman of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority Dr. Fares Braizat, CEO of the Ma'an Development Company Ayman Al-Sharari, members of the Senate Dr. Mustafa Hamarneh and Asia Yaghi, British Ambassador to Amman Philip Hall, and representatives of local community institutions and diplomatic missions.
At the conclusion, El-Fayez honored the center's supporters, including local and international donor institutions, strategic partners, and members of the advisory board, in appreciation of their role in supporting the center's journey and initiatives.
Since its establishment in 2012 in Ma'an Governorate, the Qantara Center has aimed to build the capacity of youth, enhance their self-confidence, equip them with skills, encourage them to pursue leadership and innovation, and actively participate in social, political, and economic life in the southern governorates. This goal is achieved through the development projects and initiatives implemented by the center.