The map presenting Jordan’s path to reform is slowly unfolding.
The National Economic Workshop under the theme of “Advancing into the future: unleashing the potential to modernize the economy” and the Royal Committee to Modernize the Political System’s works are being rolled out. And the government is working to finalize a program to develop the public sector.
With these bodies covering the political, economic, and public sectors and keeping them active, the coming stage in the Kingdom should see comprehensive changes that lead to renewed political, administrative, and economic phases in Jordan.
High expectations are being held for the envisioned change in the Jordanian system, proven through conversations amongst people in the Kingdom. This is particularly noted given that King Abdullah himself highlighted the topic of general change in his Independence Day speech. “The new Jordan will belong to the young generations. They will chart the path forward, with their strong determination and knowledge, and their openness to the future and global development trends, which wait for no one,” His Majesty said.
It is important to remember that local, on-the-ground preparations for these changes require a process of nurturing a positive atmosphere, attracting people’s attention, and rebuilding trust in government and public policies again; especially coming after years of the government and its officials giving people hope for a better future ahead.
Socioeconomic development is a foundational necessity to guarantee the sustainability of these changes, and it must be achieved through local industry development and further involving youth in microeconomic projects in their geographic areas.
Any upcoming steps should take into consideration that people are eager to see serious concrete changes, particularly since the work of the two committees on both political and economic have already highlighted the internal challenges and problems. Given the knowledge of the issues, the next logical step must lead us to a phase of implementing solutions, focusing on easing the internal economic hardships, which is proving to be the most critical challenge.
These upcoming changes should be able to restore credibility and trust with the working class, transform the economy with concrete steps to boost local industries, create a positive atmosphere for local investment by building vital relations between the private and public sectors, and pave the way for local investments that satisfy local needs, including creating employment and generating a supply of critical resources.
Although change is a very long and complicated process, it is critical not just to create the impression of change but to restore hope and give people a chance to see and engage positively with the process of change.
It is imperative to take clear, realistic steps, apply new tactics, and introduce new faces to any successful transition. It is now the time when actions should speak louder than words.
Dr. Amer Al Sabaileh
