A cultural dialogue meeting organized by the Green Street Forum for Culture and Arts in cooperation with the Directorate of Culture of the Balqa Governorate discussed the concept of national identity, its dimensions, and the role of the individual in transitioning belonging from an emotional framework to active participation and assuming responsibility towards society and the nation.
The meeting was attended by the President of the Forum, Sakher Al-Za'abi, members of the Forum, a number of intellectuals, writers, and those interested in cultural and community affairs, and members of the local community.
The former Secretary-General of the Ministry of Culture, Professor Haza'a Al-Ajarmah, emphasized that national identity is not just slogans or symbols, but an integrated system that is formed through history, memory, culture, and shared values, and is reflected in the human awareness of his nation's past and present, in his behavior, and in his relationship with society and its institutions.
During the meeting, which was titled
"National Identity from Belonging to Participation and Responsibility," historical and cultural milestones related to Jordanian identity were addressed, highlighting the importance of history and heritage in shaping the national memory, and the necessity of presenting them to the generations as a source of knowledge and awareness, linking them to the reality of society, its challenges, and its transformations.
He pointed out that culture plays a pivotal role in building awareness and enhancing belonging through what cultural institutions, intellectuals, writers, and researchers provide in terms of knowledge and spaces for dialogue, which helps young people and new generations to understand the history of their homeland and society, and to strengthen their connection with the place and the people.
Al-Ajarmah stressed the importance of translating belonging into daily practice and behavior through respect for the law, the preservation of the public interest, participation in community affairs, and assuming responsibility, affirming that building the nation is a shared responsibility that requires each individual to play their role within their capabilities and position.
He also touched on the relationship between national identity and social diversity, emphasizing the importance of preserving the unifying values and constants while respecting cultural, intellectual, and social plurality and difference, which contributes to strengthening social cohesion.
For her part, the Director of Culture of the Balqa Governorate, Dr. Mona Al-Saoud, emphasized the importance of these meetings in enriching the local cultural scene and opening the door to dialogue on national and community issues, explaining that the role of cultural institutions goes beyond organizing events to providing spaces for thinking, discussion, and encouraging initiatives and community participation.
She pointed out that enhancing national culture requires the concerted efforts of official institutions, the local community, the family, the school, the media, and cultural institutions, which contribute to building an awareness capable of dealing with social and cultural transformations while preserving the national memory.
The meeting witnessed an open discussion and interventions from the attendees on the role of the family, school, youth, media, and civil society institutions in enhancing national identity, and the importance of translating the concepts of citizenship, belonging, and responsibility into tangible practices in daily life.
The participants affirmed that national identity is not a fixed concept isolated from societal developments, but a renewable subject that requires dialogue, knowledge, and awareness to balance between preserving the national memory and constants and openness to transformations and changes.
At the end of the meeting, the President of the Green Street Forum for Culture and Arts, Sakher Al-Za'abi, honored the former Secretary-General of the Ministry of Culture, Professor Haza'a Al-Ajarmah, the Director of Culture of the Balqa Governorate, Dr. Mona Al-Saoud, and the social activist Dr. Wafa' Al-Wa'ili, in appreciation of their participation and contributions to the success of the meeting and the enrichment of cultural and community dialogue.
