Jordan Times
Sunday, April 10, 2005
New gov't to pursue
cultural reforms — Badran
AMMAN (Petra) — Prime Minister Adnan Badran said on Saturday that the time has
come for a pan-Arab cultural policy and a national cultural strategy which can
absorb “the positive aspects of globalisation and safeguard our special status
and identity.”
During a meeting with members of the National Founding Council of Arts and
Culture at the Royal Cultural Centre yesterday, Badran said cultural reforms as
provided for in the Royal directives to the government would be given due
attention by the new government.
At the meeting, attended by Minister of Culture Asma Khader and the council's
president Sharif Fawaz Sharaf, Badran said the council should operate within a
legal framework. He added that comprehensive reform embodies political,
economic, social and educational fields that can lead to the development of
responsible citizens capable of dealing with the challenges of the present
century.
“It is important for an individual to embark on a task equipped with culture
that reflects the nation's history and heritage,” the prime minister stressed.
“Culture mirrors the heritage of a nation and therefore by supporting cultural
activities we encourage creativity and innovation,” he added.
Khader said efforts were under way for the restructuring of the cultural sector
and the goal of the meeting was to draw up a legal framework for the council's
authorities, terms of reference and responsibilities.
She said the council was essential to promote the cultural movement, creative
work and innovation.
Established last month, the council groups 24 personalities and includes public
and private sector academics and members of the country's municipal councils.