Jordan Times
Monday, April 5, 2004
PM calls on youth to serve as catalyst in cementing Arab ties
AMMAN (Petra) — Prime Minister Faisal Fayez
opened an Arab youth congress here on Sunday, urging young people to serve as a
catalyst in cementing Arab ties by engaging in exchange programmes.
Addressing the First Congress of Youth from 14 Arab capitals, the premier
highlighted his government's commitment to incorporating youth in the country's
political, economic and social development.
“There can be no development without the investment of young people's energy,”
Fayez said, noting that in Jordan and several other Arab countries youth make up
the majority of the population. The prime minister also pointed to Amman, saying
the capital has been proud to serve as the capital of the Arabs in the pursuit
of Arab unity.
President of the Higher Youth Council Mamoun Noureddin said the council, the
sponsors of the meeting, is preparing a national strategy and programmes for the
development of the youth sector.
Meanwhile a conference on Arab youth and challenges of the future is to open
today with HRH Prince Hassan Ben Talal acting as patron of the event.
Organised by the Arab Thought Forum, Philadelphia University and the Arab Fund
for Social and Economic Development, the conference will involve an exchange of
ideas emerging from several working papers addressing youth issues. Around 250
people are expected to attend.