His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday affirmed that unemployment is a major challenge before young people, noting that reducing unemployment to secure a better future for youth is his top priority.

Young people are the ones who will help Jordan overcome various challenges, King Abdullah added, speaking while chairing a National Policies Council meeting at Basman Palace attended by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II.

His Majesty directed the government to prepare action plans to secure job opportunities for youth and reduce unemployment.

The King also urged the government to continue the dialogue it has started with youth, while bolstering its partnership with the private sector to stimulate its growth and create more job opportunities.

Also at the meeting—attended by His Royal Highness Prince Feisal bin Al Hussein, adviser to His Majesty and NPC chairman—the King called for meritocratic appointments in the public sector, based on fair and transparent policies that guarantee equal opportunities.

His Majesty urged all officials to provide opportunities that enable youth to unleash their creativity and energies, stressing the need to reach out to them and listen to their concerns and aspirations.