13th Amman Security Colloquium kicks off

AMMAN — Arab and International figures participating in the 13th Amman’s Security Colloquium in Amman on Wednesday stressed the importance of Jordan’s role in instilling security and stability in the region.

Speaking during the opening session of the colloquium, delegate of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amber Harry highlighted the importance of the colloquium that includes security experts from Arab and foreign countries to address the challenges encountering the region. 

The colloquium is held annually to shed light on the international scene to reach “a balanced and clear vision”, discussing foreign policy, regional cooperation, nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, with a special focus on the Middle East region, according to a statement made available to The Jordan Times.

Deputising for HRH Prince Hassan, former prime minister Adnan Badran said in his speech that looking towards future necessitates acknowledging the challenges the region is facing.

Badran also stressed the importance of empowering the youth and women sectors due to their role in instilling peace in the region, to “finally reach a safe environment”.

Representative of the National Security Adviser in Iraq Ali Al Yasiri reviewed Iraq’s role in preparing “clear and constructive” security plans and strategies after its “success in combating terrorism”.

During a work session on security challenges in the region, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Jordan Anders Pedersen reviewed main challenges facing the world, mainly the spread of the COVID pandemic, as over 120 million people globally has become poor, which necessitates providing them with social security.

He also pointed to the hazard of armed conflicts facing people, in addition to the danger of climate change around the world.

Pedersen stressed that the UN is working in all means to promote dialogue in the region, and reduce political differences whenever existed, pointing to the importance of international agencies in restoring trust to defend human rights and enforce the concepts of transparency and integrity.

Commander of the National Defence College in the Jordanian Armed Forces - Arab Army, Brig. Gen. Awad Al Tarawneh highlighted the importance of convening this global forum, noting that security coordination is the prominent feature to ensure the security and stability of the region.

Tarawneh reviewed the Kingdom’s role in fighting extremism and terrorism, noting that current crises require a new vision to face challenges and avoid exacerbating political crisis.

Ayman Khalil, chairman of the colloquium’s organising committee, said that the forum succeeded in establishing its name on the map of global security forums specialised in discussing non-traditional capabilities, consolidating the role of the capital Amman as an incubator for international dialogue in addition to its important role as a nucleus for joint Arab action. 

The Amman Security Colloquium earlier announced the Amman Security Competition in its third edition, which aims to activate the participation and role of emerging leaders in strategic and security issues, to empower future generations of leaders to contribute positively in security-related discussions and non-proliferation.

The colloquium gives the winners of the competition the opportunity to join the International Conference on Security and Weapons of Mass Destruction, and present their winning scientific contributions to the forum attendees, without incurring financial fees for their participation.