AMMAN – The Speaker of the Jordanian
Parliament, HE Mr. Abdulkarim Al Dughmi, has inaugurated the headquarters of
the High-level Parliamentary Action Group for Science and Technology, that was
decided by the Arab Parliament in March 2022. The inauguration occurred in the
presence of the President of the Arab Parliament  HE Mr. Adel Assoumi, and HE Dr. Talal
Abu-Ghazaleh, founder and chairman of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Global (TAG.Global).

The permanent Secretariat of the Action
Group, headed by MP Khaled Abu Hassan, will discuss the terms of the Group’s General
Strategy, which includes the establishment of an Arab parliamentary network in
the fields of science and technology for building institutional partnerships
with groups concerned with science and technology at the Inter-Parliamentary
Union. That is in addition to developing a unified Arab voice in their meetings
by increasing the number of Arab parliaments’ representatives in such Group,
promoting interest in science and technology and future studies in all fields,
as well as raising awareness of the importance of science and technology
attributed to their positive impact on societies.

During the meeting, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh
welcomed the attendees, expressing his gratitude and appreciation to HE Mr. Al
Dughmi for hosting the Group's permanent headquarters at the Jordanian
Parliament.

He further affirmed his full support for
the principles and objectives of establishing the High-level Parliamentary
Action Group for Science and Technology of the Arab Parliament; chaired by MP
Khaled Abu Hassan, through the implementation plan of a comprehensive strategy
based on the principles of science, technology, and innovation. This is for the
purpose of achieving the sustainable development goals in all Arab countries as
well as achieving their 2030 goals in cooperation with the Arab Parliament, the
National Arab parliaments and Councils.

Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh also made several
suggestions, most considerably to name the group the ‘Arab Parliament Action
Group for Digital Transformation’, and to cooperate with the Islamic
Development Bank in Jeddah; which in turn provides necessary financing services
for development projects in the Arab countries.

Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh called for issuing a
media bulletin that sheds light on the initiative and explains to both
decision-makers and citizens the objectives of the Group and the strategic plan
that will be carried out. That is in addition to Jordan’s role in hosting this
initiative to raise people’s awareness on the importance of joint Arab action
and this project in particular.

For his part, President Al Dughmi, said
that the critical stage we witness nowadays needs exceptional efforts to
develop joint Arab action mechanisms and strengthen its political, legislative
and economic efficiency, especially in the fields of technology and knowledge.

He stressed the importance of integrating
science, technology and innovation in the Arab parliaments’ business policies
and enabling their members and employees to contribute to defining the
priorities of their countries and integrating science into political and
parliamentary action.

He also expressed his aspiration that this
step could positively contribute to the development of science, technology and
innovation in the implementation of development plans in the Arab countries in
accordance with international standards and indicators that take into account
the particularity of the Arab culture.

Mr. Al-Asoomi stated that Jordan's hosting
of the Group's headquarters indicates the Arab people’s recognition of the role
and the efforts of Jordan reflecting its leading role in serving and promoting
the joint Arab action. He also praised the efforts is Majesty King Abdullah II
in advocating for the Arab important issues, primarily the Palestinian Cause
and boosting the prosperity of the Arab nation in all fields.

Mr. Al-Asoomi added that the idea of
establishing the Group strengthens the belief in the importance of engaging
science and technology in the services of joint Arab action, especially as
science and technology are becoming the driver for development and the pillar
of progress in all fields. He stressed the importance of creating a comprehensive
legal, ethical and institutional system by which safe and sustainable
utilization of science and technology can be attained.

For his part, MP Abu Hassan outlined the
inspiring and the prominent role that the High-level Parliamentary Group is
expected to play by introducing new insights and ideas as well as forming tools
and mechanisms that  benefit from
technology opportunities in various fields.

Abu Hassan said that ‘investing in human
capital is the best means to achieve development and progress within societies,
which strongly necessitates having a greater presence and impact on the global
scientific and technological fields,”. He added, that the Arab countries should
be able and ready to deal with the challenges and problems that emerged as a
result of the scientific and technological revolution.