By Dr. Zeina Hamdan – Awraq Media
Dead Sea – September 16, 2025
In a scene worthy of the Jordan Valley’s rich history, 150 young people, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers gathered at King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center by the Dead Sea for the launch of the “Paths of Innovation in the Jordan Valley” Forum. The event was organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Jordan, in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, and funded by the Government of Japan.
The forum was held within the framework of the project “Safe Pathways for At-Risk Youth and Women,” opening a serious dialogue on the role of cultural and creative industries in driving inclusive economic development and building more resilient and just communities.
Jordan Valley… from History to the Future
Samira Al-Zoubi, Secretary-General for Administrative and Financial Affairs at the Ministry of Digital Economy, stressed that integrating innovation into economic transformation is “a pivotal factor within Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision, ensuring wider participation, especially for youth and rural communities.” She added: “The Jordan Valley is not only a part of our history, it is a source of immense creative potential that must be unleashed and invested in.”
Majda Al-Assaf, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Jordan, noted that culture and creativity “are not a margin in the development process but a core part of its infrastructure.” She explained that the forum’s focus is on investing in the leadership and energy of Jordan Valley youth to strengthen economic justice, social inclusion, and human dignity.
For his part, the Japanese Ambassador to Jordan, Hideki Asari, emphasized that the forum sheds light on “how creative and cultural industries can integrate with the digital, social, and economic resilience of youth and women, using a human security approach that prioritizes empowerment, prevention, and community cohesion.”
Youth Voices: Why We Are Here
The forum was more than an official platform; it was a space for youth to express their aspirations.
Sally Al-Naeem said: “We are here because the Jordan Valley is not only land and history—it is a living heritage and a reservoir of creativity. We aspire to be a generation that transforms this heritage into projects and an economy that sustains Jordan.”
Ruqayya Dughaymat added: “The creative and cultural industries are not just economic activities; they represent identity and values. We are here to show that the youth of the Jordan Valley can shape a future that is more just and full of opportunities.”
For Ahmad Al-Kharabsheh, the forum is a turning point: “This gathering is a practical translation of Jordan’s vision as an engine of economic growth through creativity. My ambition is to see the Jordan Valley become a regional hub for cultural production and green innovation, where we create solutions instead of waiting for them.”
Toward an Inclusive Creative Economy
The forum featured four parallel workshops on promising sectors in the valley: agritourism and food systems, identity-based industries, digital resilience, and green entrepreneurship. Local experts and leaders presented practical insights and frameworks for partnerships between the public and private sectors.
At the conclusion of the event, participants emphasized the need for targeted investments, supportive policy reforms, and broad partnerships to foster Jordan’s creative economy and empower youth and women in underprivileged areas—turning the Jordan Valley into a model of innovation and sustainable development.
