AMMAN — The Ministry of Youth on Sunday held a national forum, bringing together ministers, senior officials, international organisations, civil society representatives, media professionals and youth from across the Kingdom, to support efforts aimed at translating environmental awareness into lasting behavioural change.

 

The forum, attended by Minister of Youth Raed Adwan, Minister of Environment Ayman Suleiman, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Imad Hijazeen and UNDP Resident Representative Randa Aboul-Hosn, underscored a strengthened national and international partnership supporting Jordan’s environmental agenda.

 

Adwan said the real challenge is not awareness of environmental issues, but changing behaviour. He called for a shift from managing individual initiatives to managing impact, and from fragmented efforts to integrated national policies.

 

The minister added that environmental challenges are no longer temporary service issues, but strategic priorities affecting present and future generations, stressing continued Royal support for youth empowerment and sustainable development.

 

Suleiman said the executive programme of the National Cleanliness Strategy is implemented within a 2026–2027 framework, aiming to shift behaviour rather than only raise awareness.

 

He presented the plan, which focuses on improving waste management, strengthening infrastructure, enforcing regulations, and launching nationwide awareness campaigns.

 

He said the programme is built around four pillars: behavioural drivers of improper waste disposal, improved waste systems, promotion of the circular economy, and protection of public health and the tourism sector.

 

Suleiman noted that the initiative is based on a behavioural study conducted with private sector partners, using nationwide surveys to assess public awareness and attitudes towards cleanliness.

 

He added that 11 ministries are involved through a coordination committee to ensure integrated implementation, alongside infrastructure upgrades across cities, roads, and tourist and archaeological sites.

 

On enforcement, he said fines range from JD20 for traffic violations to JD50–500 for environmental offences, depending on severity.

 

He also noted that waste management costs exceed JD200 million annually, stressing that improving public behaviour would reduce this burden and allow funds to be redirected to priority sectors such as health, roads, and infrastructure.

 

Hijazeen stressed that environmental quality and cleanliness are central to tourism competitiveness, noting that the visitor experience begins from the moment they enter a city, not only at archaeological sites.

 

He also said protecting archaeological and tourist sites directly enhances Jordan’s image and supports local livelihoods.

 

UNDP Resident Representative Randa Aboul-Hosn said the programme reflects continued support for Jordan’s efforts to strengthen policies and institutional capacity, accelerate the shift towards a circular economy, and improve resource efficiency.

 

She added that reducing random waste disposal is a key entry point towards sustainable development models.

 

She said ongoing cooperation with national institutions supports climate action, sustainable cities, and responsible production and consumption, while empowering youth as key partners in designing solutions.