jordan pulse -

Amman Ahliyya University hosts 3rd Balqa Cultural Conference launched by Salt Cultural Forum with Balqa Culture Directorate under banner ‘Cultural investment as building block in national development’.
Culture Minister Mustafa Rawashdeh stresses significance of Salt as Balqa capital and cradle of learning, noting role of Salt Secondary School in producing leaders in science, politics, education and literature.
He says conference theme aligns with current cultural axes including cultural industries, youth, media and development amid economic and technological shifts. Culture now supports local production and boosts economy, with creative industries forming over 12% of global income.
He reviews role of cultural industries in film, music, literature, visual arts, gaming and knowledge economies, highlighting ministry efforts to establish art-training centres in governorates, including Salt, to equip youth with market skills and enhance creativity.
Amman Ahliyya University President Sari Hamdan says culture is key pillar for knowledge and awareness, stressing need to integrate culture and tourism, especially in universities, to help students explore national heritage.
Salt Cultural Forum President Abdelhakim Nsoor says culture remains essential driver of development and human building, inspired by King Abdullah’s vision to strengthen national identity and position Jordan as centre for knowledge and creativity.
He says culture is investment in society, not luxury.
Opening day includes papers on investment in heritage, architecture and handicrafts as economic assets by Safa Kfouf with architecture students; a paper on role of craft and cultural industries in development by All Jordan Youth Commission Director Abdulrahim Zawahreh; and another on public-private-civil society partnership.