‘Jordan's ambition, its principled positions are guarantees of its progress’

AMMAN — HRH Crown Prince Hussein attended on Tuesday the graduation ceremony of the 40th class of post-graduate students at Yarmouk University for the academic year 2018-2019, where he handed over certificates to 226 graduates.

In a speech delivered at the ceremony, the Crown Prince stressed that Jordan, built by the will and determination of the previous generations, will continue progressing through the ambition and resolve of young people who are the homeland’s most precious asset, according to a Royal Court statement.

Addressing the graduates, the Crown Prince said: “Jordan now looks to you, awaiting your positive role in its progress. Do not withhold your determination. Be ambitious for yourselves and for Jordan. Carve your way through rock when obstacles face you. Support students in the classrooms and soldiers on the borders with your knowledge and spirit; for the homeland — my brothers and sisters — is our most precious asset.”

Following is the full translation of HRH Crown Prince Hussein's speech:

“In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful,

Prayers and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammad,

University President,

Dear graduates,

Students and faculty of Yarmouk University,

Distinguished guests,

Peace, God’s mercy and blessings be upon you.

I am delighted to be among you today, to join the fortieth graduating class at Yarmouk University, and to be in Irbid, a precious city that is very dear to our hearts — the Irbid of the past, present and future.

I am proud and humbled to be speaking to you here from the same podium where my grandfather Al Hussein — may his soul rest in peace — and my father His Majesty King Abdullah II — may God grant him long life — once stood and addressed the vanguard of young Jordanian graduates.

Brothers and sisters,

Congratulations on graduating. Congratulations on your success. May success be your permanent companion. May you excel and succeed further. A thousand congratulations!

There is no doubt that your journey has not been easy, and would not have been possible without having the opportunity and ambition. When ambition and opportunity meet, success is guaranteed.

I will begin with opportunity, because those who gave it to you — and the credit belongs to them after God — are here with us today. Their eyes are full of joy and pride, for they have sacrificed so that you receive an education, and they have spent sleepless nights and prayed night and day for you. I speak on behalf of all graduates when I say to the parents out here: Thank you, from every son and daughter. Your blessings, your pride and your trust have always been the driving force. Thank you for your support and sacrifice.

As for ambition, I see an abundance of it here. You have persevered and worked hard day and night for years to get here today. Your ambition, like that of your homeland, does not take the easy way out.

Jordan’s ambition is the ambition of its sons and daughters. Our ancestors did not find easy fortune, so they worked hard, carving cities out of rock. They studied, passed on the knowledge and travelled the world with their experience. No one can deny the capabilities and professionalism of Jordanians, nor their ability to withstand adversity.

This determination is inspired by our values and our principled positions that keep Jordanians strong and unshakeable despite difficult challenges — always unwavering on our principles, priorities and, above all, our dignity.

This is why Jordan, its leadership and people, will not relinquish the custodianship of holy sites in Jerusalem.

This is why Jordan welcomes those seeking refuge with open borders and open arms.

This is why Jordan is the most beautiful, the most secure and the most harmonious, despite everything.

Distinguished guests,

Jordan’s ambition and its principled positions are the guarantees of its progress.

Today, the world is witnessing rapid changes and economic challenges. Our country is no exception. The future may seem ambiguous, but we are absolutely certain that Jordan did not and will not take any step backwards. It will continue to move forward, as it always does.

Graduates,

As scholars, you — and all the young men and women of this generation — are entrusted with this nation, which, in turn, is fully confident in your persistence to participate in its progress and to base your decisions on facts and reliable information.

Do not allow suspicion and destructive views to kill your dreams. Carve out your own path to open up new horizons. Here, I will quote what His Majesty said from this very podium: ‘In the future, you will be the ones who create job opportunities, not those who seek them.’

Distinguished guests,

This nation was built and has progressed through the ambition and determination of our parents and grandparents, because they believed in Jordan; they believed that they themselves are its most precious asset. And you, the youth of this nation, are its most precious asset. You are its fortitude and hope, no matter what the sceptics and the cynics may claim.

Jordan now looks to you, awaiting your positive role in its progress. Do not withhold your determination. Be ambitious for yourselves and for Jordan. Carve your way through rock when obstacles face you. Support students in the classrooms and soldiers on the borders with your knowledge and spirit; for the homeland — my brothers and sisters — is our most precious asset.

Peace, God’s mercy and blessings be upon you.”