Jordan Times
Monday, November 29, 2004
Cultural exchange programme focuses on sustainable environment
AMMAN (JT) — Her Royal Highness Princess Basma emphasised on Sunday the key role of civil society in creating innovative and effective models of sustainable development and environmental protection.
The Princess' remarks were made during a meeting
at the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD), with a group of
Japanese women visiting Jordan as part of the Jordan-Japan cultural exchange
programme.
As part of the theme of this year's programme, the delegation discussed the
“environment as a common challenge,” and means to effectively respond to these
challenges. According to the Japanese delegation, Japan has been striving to
preserve its environmental integrity through intra-regional cooperation and
dialogue on the various environmental policies. Princess Basma emphasised the
importance of respecting the natural environment and the rights of those who
depend on it. “Insuring equitable, just and sustainable human development and
environmental protection requires partnership between governments, NGOs and
civil society,” she said.
In her concluding remarks, the Princess noted the success of this exchange
programme over the years, “in promoting cultural links between both countries
and raising awareness on various social issues.” The delegation also expressed
appreciation to Princess Basma for initiating the Jordan-Japan women's cultural
exchange programme after her visit to Japan in 1993.
Officially launched in 1996, the exchange programme has taken place on an annual
basis. The aim of this exchange programme is to present, compare and share
experiences regarding women's issues between the two countries, as well as
possible means of cooperation.
Also attending the meeting were Amal Sabbagh, secretary general of the Jordanian
National Commission for Women; Anas Saket, president of the General Federation
of Jordanian Women (GFJW) and GFJW executive committee members.