Partners in Creating the Future
The Higher Population Council and University of Jordan conduct a participatory meeting on “demographic changes... the present and future”
The Higher Population Council and University of Jordan conduct a participatory meeting on “demographic changes... the present and future”
Monday, 22 July 2019

On Monday, HPC held a participatory meeting on ”demographic changes... the present and future” in cooperation with UJ.

The meeting aimed to present the most important national achievements related to population indicators for different sectors which help achieve sustainable development and link development and social issues with the population.

UJ’s Vice President for Humanities Faculties, Dr. Ahmad Majdoubeh, said that the issue of “demographic changes... the present and future” is the talk of the hour. He stated that in order for society to be able to achieve the desired development and progress on the one hand, and exploit opportunities including the demographic opportunity and the bliss of human resources on the other, several challenges facing the society must be addressed and appropriate solutions must be developed for them.

Dr. Majdoubeh added that Jordan has had many achievements in relation to the critical issues proposed for today’s agenda and there is more to come thanks to the collaboration of efforts.

He stated that many challenges are yet to be studied, analyzed and understood in order to develop successful solutions for them. UJ is one of the institutions that established the first demographic studies program in Jordan, sponsoring and supporting ideas that help address demographic challenges.

He added “UJ extends help to all relevant institutions, whether on the scientific research or collaborative projects level or on the academic level to address demographic challenges”.

Dr. Majdoubeh noted that two years ago, UJ amended its mandatory requirements, substituting the “Civic Education” course to a “Knowledge Education” course in order to develop students’ knowledge in many fields including the demographic dimension in Jordan, basing students’ knowledge and skills on accurate information especially with regard to the achievements and gains and everything related to demographic issues and challenges.

The Head of the Programs and Management Unit at HPC, Ali Al Mutleq, stressed the importance of considering demographic changes and dynamics and the forced migration and asylum-seeking dimensions in any economic or social planning on both the national and local levels due to their close linkage with national policies in different fields. He noted that these changes and dimensions impact the national security including in relation to realizing balance between population growth and economic growth, strengthening economic, political and administrative development, achieving harmony in the community and maintaining Jordanians’ stability and security.

Al Mutleq noted that it is important to join national efforts in facing demographic challenges and issues within the Jordanian community. This can be achieved by improving the education and health levels of the population and providing an investment-promoting environment that helps provide job opportunities for young people as well as to promote women empowerment in all fields due to women’s active and important role in society’s advancement and prosperity.

Through specialized scientific sessions under the meeting, the demographic situation in Jordan was discussed and a presentation in relation to that situation was presented by Abdulfattah Jaradat from HPC. Furthermore, MoE’s Dr. Karam Jamil made a presentation on “education indicators - reality and future aspirations”.

Dr. Moeen Abu Al Sha’ar from HHC talked about “health expenditure-reality and future aspirations” while Dr. Mohi Abu Al Saan discussed “labor market indicators- reality and future aspirations”. MoPIC’s Dr. Moatasem Al Kilani made a presentation on “sustainable development indicators- reality and future aspirations”.

The meeting is part of this year’s World Population Day celebratory events under the theme “25 years since the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development: A Promise Expedited”. The meeting aims to raise awareness on population issues and mobilize political post-ICPD support.