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Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Independent Election Commission Musa Maaytah, in the presence of the University President, sponsored the graduation ceremony of twenty-nine UOP students enrolled in the "I Participate/Universities" program,

The program aims to introduce students to fundamental concepts on participation in political life through a series of training and interactive dialogue sessions which promote the values of participation and democracy and give young people the skills and knowledge they need to play an active role in political life and decision-making and to become active players in their societies.

In his speech to the graduates, Maaytah said, "Today we are working with you to realize the vision of Jordan: to empower youth and women and enhance their participation in political and partisan life, engage universities in dialogue and public action, and realize a number of national concepts, most importantly democracy, partisan work, the rule of law, political participation, national identity, human rights, and respect for the opinions of others."

"The constitutional amendments and developments in the election and party laws have given women and youth a wide space to enter the arena of political life without harassment or restrictions," Maaytah added.

The President of the University of Petra, Prof. Rami Abdel-Rahim, said, "The University of Petra has, through its Council of Deans and the Deanship of Student Affairs, embarked on implementing the Royal vision to engage the youth in political parties since it was first launched by His Majesty King Abdullah II, adding that the Council of Deans then discussed the relevant instructions and means of implementation based on a plan formulated in accordance with directions supplied by the Ministry of Higher Education, and a new office was created at the University of Petra to empower promising leaders".

The University President added, “We have seen developed countries producing parties that represent the public with programs aimed at advancement and growth of the nation. With the love we have for our country and the energy and intellectual capabilities of our youth, we are capable of contributing to the prosperity and development of the nation through national parties that represent the people".

Mahdi Shawabkeh, speaking on behalf of the graduates said, "Jordan is now developing and growing, so we need to be actively participating in making history rather than just living it. With the resources available to us and the support we receive from His majesty and several institutions, we can move with our country into new horizons. What our country needs is a national partisan movement with feasible programs that address the concerns of the people".​

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