Amman: A new program aimed at promoting cultural and creative policies was launched, with Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh emphasizing the growing importance of culture as a resource for sustainable development. He stated that culture, grounded in human creativity and innovation, is a form of capital that enhances the cultural and economic stature of societies and nations.
According to Jordan News Agency, the initiative, titled "Strengthening Evidence-Based Cultural and Creative Policies: Towards a Regulatory Framework for Creative Sectors and Industries in Jordan," reflects a shared belief that culture is an essential pillar of comprehensive development, rather than a luxury. The program is a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, the UNESCO Office in Jordan, and the European Union.
Rawashdeh highlighted the increasing global emphasis on cultural industries and the creative economy as significant contributors to sustainable development. He noted that creativity extends beyond artistic expression, serving as a productive force that stimulates economic growth, creates jobs, empowers youth, and expands entrepreneurship opportunities.
The Ministry of Culture is dedicated to developing an integrated regulatory framework to protect creators' rights, support innovation, and enhance culture's role as a socio-economic driver, aligning with national priorities and strategies. The program includes national consultations, training workshops, peer engagement, and international knowledge exchange, representing an investment in a sustainable cultural system capable of formulating and implementing effective policies.
Rawashdeh also pointed out the central role of cultural industries in shaping national identity and outlined efforts to support these industries through infrastructure, training curricula, and the expansion of arts training centers across governorates. In collaboration with other ministries and institutions, training centers have been established to equip young individuals with skills in various arts, preparing them for the creative labor market.
EU Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas commended Jordan's leadership in the program and its collaboration with UNESCO across sectors, including culture, education, and media. He highlighted EU-Jordan partnerships aimed at promoting Jordan's cultural and tourism heritage and noted EU-supported projects to enhance heritage sites, underscoring culture's role in economic modernization.
UNESCO Office in Jordan Director Nuha Abdul Aziz Bawazir reaffirmed UNESCO's commitment to supporting Jordan's cultural and creative sectors as engines of sustainable development. She stated that the program reflects a shared belief in culture as a source of identity and a driver of inclusive growth, innovation, and social cohesion.
The program is part of the third phase of the UNESCO-EU Technical Assistance Programme (2023-2026), supporting eight partner countries and aiming to develop practical tools tailored to national cultural ecosystems. UNESCO Project Manager Floor Oudindijk presented an overview linking culture with sustainable development and highlighted UNESCO's efforts to support cultural industries in Jordan.
Secretary-General of the Ministry of Culture Nidal Ahmad outlined the Ministry's vision, objectives, and expected outcomes under the program. He discussed the current status of cultural and creative industries in Jordan, associated challenges and opportunities, and the importance of legal frameworks and partnerships in supporting sustainable development. The program's first day featured contributions from various cultural stakeholders, focusing on the role of cultural and creative industries in sustainable development and the legal frameworks governing them in Jordan.