Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal, President of the Higher Council for Science and Technology, the closing ceremony for the first cohort of the Blue Peace Initiative’s Youth Fellowship in the Middle East was held on Wednesday.
The event, hosted by the Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management (INWRDAM), highlighted the significant achievements of the program.
In a speech delivered by Mashhour Rifai, Secretary-General of the Council, Prince El Hassan underscored the importance of understanding and classifying disasters to grasp the impacts of climate change.
He noted that while some disasters are natural, such as earthquakes, floods, and volcanoes, others, like famines and epidemics, can be predicted. Intentional disasters such as wars, as well as industrial and nuclear incidents, also pose significant threats.
He warned of the impact of climate change and disasters on displacement and migration worldwide. He emphasized the need to protect vulner
able and marginalized groups in conflict-affected countries, empowering them to face climate change challenges, displacement, and migration.
He highlighted the global and collective responsibility to develop humanitarian solutions to crises, stressing the importance of upholding human dignity and the right to life.
He called for regional cooperation to develop the “Great Rift Valley,” which extends from the southeastern Mediterranean Sea through the Dead Sea and the Red Sea to East Africa.
Maysoon Zoubi, Chair of the Administrative Committee of the Blue Peace Initiative in the Middle East, emphasized the critical role of youth in the new phase of the initiative, highlighting their contribution to promoting dialogue and developing innovative solutions for sustainable water management.
Celebrating the completion of this fellowship program marks the beginning of a new era in water diplomacy, with youth playing a pivotal role in shaping a secure and prosperous water future for the Middle East.
Caroline Tisso
t, Deputy Head of Mission and Regional Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Switzerland, praised the collaborative efforts of regional stakeholders, noting that the active participation of youth will ensure the lasting impact of these efforts, promoting effective dialogue and cooperation for a sustainable future.
The Youth Fellowship Program integrates future generations into the Blue Peace Initiative, inspiring hope for the region, she added.
Marwan Raggad, Executive Director of the INWRDAM, stressed the importance of youth leadership in transboundary water cooperation to ensure long-term water supply sustainability.
He highlighted the crucial role of young people in advancing effective solutions and enhancing dialogue in water management, bolstered by the insights, friendships, and relationships developed through the fellowship program.
Source: Jordan News Agency