Amman: Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh affirmed on Monday the ministry’s continued commitment to documenting and promoting Jordan’s national narrative through diverse cultural programs, emphasizing that preserving national identity is a shared consensus among Jordanians.
According to Jordan News Agency, speaking at a panel discussion titled “The Jordanian Cultural Landscape,” organized by the “Amman Group for Future Dialogues” and moderated by the group’s head, Bilal Hassan Tal, Rawashdeh noted that culture in Jordan spans all aspects of life from birth to death and carries a significant moral and societal responsibility.
The minister highlighted the ministry’s focus on national constants, values, and identity, while also confronting consumerist culture, distorted awareness, and extremism. He explained that culture’s impact is long-term, contributing to the broader civilizational development of individuals and societies.
Rawashdeh underscored culture’s role in comprehensive development and the creative industries, which not only enrich the national identity but also stimulate economic growth. Through its national strategic plan, the ministry currently supports around 750 cultural organizations with some 20,000 members.
As part of its initiatives, the ministry is working with experts and historians to document each governorate’s historical narrative in Arabic and English, starting with cultural centers, with the goal of compiling a complete national account.
He also announced the establishment of a new Child Culture Directorate and the revival of the Children’s Theater Festival under new frameworks. The Jordanian Song Festival is also set to return this year, aiming to nurture youth creativity and promote songs rooted in Jordan’s cultural heritage.
Rawashdeh reviewed recent infrastructure achievements, including the opening of new cultural centers in Irbid, Ajloun, Zarqa, Karak, Ma’an, and soon Jerash. These centers are increasingly focused on digital and technical education, in partnership with public institutions.
He emphasized teaching arts and crafts to equip youth with practical creative skills as part of the ministry’s cultural tourism strategy. Additionally, collaboration with the Crown Prince Foundation has led to the establishment of digital skill wings in centers across Ajloun, Zarqa, and Ma’an.
On the programming front, he noted the continuation of the Cultural Cities Program, which began in 2007, and the Cultural Districts Program. This year’s selections include Al-Ma’arad, Southern Shouneh, and Shoubak, aimed at equitable development and revitalizing local culture.
He also confirmed ongoing efforts in the Family Library and Reading for All programs, which provide books across disciplines at symbolic prices, including publications geared toward children.
Preparations are underway for the 39th Jerash Festival under the theme “Here is Jordan, and Its Glory Continues,” which will focus on Jordanian artists, youth empowerment, women’s participation, and local craftsmanship.
Rawashdeh concluded by affirming that culture is a national demand and a key pillar of social development, reform, and resistance to extremism. The event concluded with a discussion attended by senators, former ministers, officials, and cultural figures.