Middle East University hosted the Cultural Forum, featuring broad and high-profile participation from expatriate Arab students representing more than 10 countries. The event embodied the richness of Arab cultural diversity and reflected the values of civilisational convergence and humanitarian understanding championed by the university as an inclusive academic environment for diverse cultures and backgrounds.
The forum was held under the patronage of the chairman of the university’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Yacoub Nasereddin, and in the presence of the president of the university, Professor Salam Al-Mahadin. The event also brought together high-ranking diplomatic delegations, local community dignitaries, prominent national figures from various sectors, academic and administrative staff, and a large gathering of students.
In this regard, Dr. Nasereddin remarked that this beautiful celebration is inherently a celebration of a single university family. He noted that these displays and interactive exhibitions serve as an expression and embodiment of a grand Arab home with all its diverse cultures, customs, and traditions. He emphasised that no barriers or boundaries separate these cultures, as they are united by shared hope, objectives, and destiny.
Furthermore, Dr. Nasereddin underscored the significant attention His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein dedicates to education as the most crucial pillar in nation-building. He highlighted that when His Majesty speaks of youth empowerment, his vision for Jordanian youth encompasses all Arab youth and their role in the broader Arab Renaissance, as well as their active contribution to contemporary human life across civilisational, intellectual, cultural, and technological dimensions. He added that it is equally applied to the initiatives led by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah. The university has consistently been keen to adopt this vision by deepening student interaction through various activities and establishing a knowledge-based university community within a noble value system, allowing students to embark on public life equipped with principles that serve themselves, their nations, and their Arab Ummah.
Presented by media figure and academic faculty member at the Faculty of Media, Dr. Hazem Al-Rahahleh, the forum featured artistic and heritage performances presented by the participating Arab student communities, showcasing the features of their cultural identities and folklore. In tandem with the performances, a cultural exhibition introduced visitors to the customs, traditions, arts, traditional attire, and cuisines that distinguish each participating country, creating a scene that reflected the beauty of diversity and a unified sense of Arab belonging.
Ultimately, the forum provided an invaluable opportunity to enhance communication among students of various nationalities and consolidate the values of mutual respect and cultural understanding. Consequently, this exposure contributes to shaping an open-minded university character capable of interacting positively within multicultural environments.
The organisation of this forum, as a matter of fact, aligns closely with MEU’s vision aimed at preparing students who possess cultural and humanitarian awareness. It reinforces the ethos that diversity is a source of strength and enrichment and that dialogue and communication form the bedrock for constructing cohesive, open societies.