By Zayed Alzyoud
A dialogue seminar organised by the National Charter Party at the University of Jordan (UJ) highlighted student activism and youth participation, with speakers calling for constructive engagement in line with Jordan’s political modernisation agenda.
Titled “The Role of Student Activism in Building a More Engaged and Responsible Generation,” the event brought together students, student representatives and a number of former officials and experts.
The seminar featured Eng. Haditha Jamal Al-Khreisheh, Eng. Sakher Dudin, Senator Dr. Zuhair Abu Faris, and Director of the Centre for Strategic Studies at UJ Prof. Hasan Al Momani. It was moderated by Prof. Anas Alsoud.
President of the UJ Student Union Council Noor Al-Din Al-Khattab also took part, alongside a number of students.
Acting Secretary-General of the National Charter Party Obeid Yaseen said the seminar addressed three main themes: creating a supportive campus environment, raising youth awareness through party work, and widening participation and empowerment among young people. Yaseen added that youth engagement remains a core priority in the party’s programmes.
Al-Khreisheh said political parties are expected to encourage students’ participation in university life and strengthen political awareness grounded in dialogue and acceptance of others. She stressed that the university environment is essential for reinforcing these values.
Dudin said the political modernisation phase requires empowering young people and bringing them into positions of influence and decision-making. He added that young people should be equipped with the tools needed to engage in party and political life through established, responsible channels.
Abu Faris said involving youth in party work helps develop future leaders capable of responding to challenges. He added that it can also help rebuild confidence in political life.
Al Momani said universities remain an open space for producing knowledge and building awareness. He stressed that political engagement cannot be meaningful without a solid knowledge base, noting that universities play a central role in the success of political and party modernisation.
Al-Khattab said students’ role in political engagement goes beyond affiliation to include genuine partnership in decision-making and public service. He added that student activism helps shape students’ character and prepares a generation capable of leadership.
The seminar concluded with an open discussion, including student contributions on party programmes and how they can be translated into practice.
Participants stressed the importance of sustaining such dialogue meetings and strengthening partnerships between universities and political parties. They described student unions as an integral part of the political process and Jordan’s national modernisation path.