His Majesty King Abdullah said on Tuesday the job of Jordanian youth is incomplete without effective participation in public life, emphasising that dialogue is a national necessity and the best means to reach understanding and concord.

King Abdullah said involvement in public life can entail many different efforts, including efforts to encourage volunteerism and community service. He said voluntary work enriches the knowledge and experience of youth in a way that prepares them for the other forms of public participation, such as joining national political parties that have practical and clear developmental manifestos.

King Abdullah made his remarks at the opening of the Jordan Youth Forum 2011 held at the King Hussein Convention Centre at the Dead Sea. The two-day forum, which gathered over 1,000 young Jordanians from the country’s governorates, is organised by the University of Jordan and the King Abdullah II Development Fund.

The King called on young Jordanians to consider the kind of political parties they seek, stressing the need for a clear vision in this regard.

“It should also be clear to all that if you start now building political parties, you might need at least two or three years to render these parties mature and well enough established to make gains in legislative elections, and, subsequently, to implement programmes on the ground. In other words, we should start now for there is no time to waste,” said he said.

The King said civilised and constructive dialogue is the best and most effective way to realise the desired change and reform, saying: “It is the indication that our country is on the right track and that we are all partners in shouldering responsibility. We have one goal; that is to serve the interests of our homeland and its bright future.”

He expressed hope that forum participants would present a clear vision on how best to participate in public life through voluntary and partisan work, in decision making and in formulating programmes and policies that serve the present and future of Jordan.

“I assure you that as far as I am concerned, your voice is heard, your say is important and your role in the present and the future is pivotal and the country needs it. The future is yours young men and women, so shape it, not just through participation, but also through pioneering and steering the process of reform and change and build the envisioned future for you and the generations to come,” said the King.

In remarks at the opening ceremony, University of Jordan President Adel Tweisi highlighted that the forum convened in an exceptional time, stressing the importance of its outcomes and recommendations which will be taken into account by decision makers.

Tweisi said youth can make the desirable change in the world of today, stressing the importance of their role in the decision-making process and involvement in the reform process.

Following the inauguration, King Abdullah toured an exhibition of cartoons drawn by young people highlighting social conditions and reflecting the concerns and difficulties young people face.

King Abdullah also toured an exhibition displaying innovations by young Jordanians, where he was briefed about projects on display.

He also met with the forum’s preparatory committee and a group of young artists who presented a performance and a song during the opening of the forum.

In one of the main forum sessions, experts underlined the importance of having active and efficient political parties in the Kingdom for the development and the advancement of the country. They also said more freedoms are key to social progress, adding that there are powers that attempt to hamper the reform process.