In 2021, Diwanieh — an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized a public dialogue event in Amman under the title:

“Could Amman Become a Green City?”

The event focused on discussing environmental sustainability, urban planning, and the future of green development in Jordan’s capital. The dialogue explored ways to create a more environmentally friendly city through sustainable infrastructure, green spaces, public transportation, and community-driven environmental initiatives.

The session brought together urban planners, environmental experts, engineers, and members of the community to exchange ideas on the challenges facing Amman as a rapidly growing city and the opportunities for building a healthier and more sustainable urban environment.

The event featured several distinguished speakers, including:

• Engineer Shada Al-Sharif
• Engineer Hanna Salameh
• Engineer Suha Al-Shishani – Greater Amman Municipality
• Engineer Rima Odeh – Greater Amman Municipality

The discussion highlighted the importance of sustainable city planning, environmental awareness, and cooperation between public institutions and local communities in shaping a greener future for Amman.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Diwanieh — an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized an online public dialogue event under the title:

“There Is No Place for Women in the Jordanian Labor Market.”

The online discussion focused on the challenges facing women in Jordan’s labor market, particularly in light of the economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The dialogue explored issues related to women’s employment opportunities, economic participation, workplace barriers, social protection, and gender inequality within different sectors.

The event brought together experts, policymakers, and community members in a virtual discussion that examined the realities of women’s participation in the workforce and the importance of creating more inclusive economic policies and supportive work environments.

The session featured several distinguished speakers, including:

• Ahmed Awad, Director of the Phoenix Center for Economic and Information Studies
• Sanaa Al-Banawi, Knowledge Management Specialist at the Jordanian National Commission for Women
• Mohammad Awda Yassin, Assistant Director General of the Social Security Corporation for Administrative and Financial Affairs
• Rumouz Sadiq, Founder and CEO of the “Mirayti” website and application

The discussion highlighted the importance of empowering women economically, addressing structural challenges in the labor market, and promoting equal opportunities to support sustainable social and economic development in Jordan.

In 2019, Diwanieh – an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized a public dialogue event in Amman under the title:

“Is There a Place for the Arabic Language in This Era?”

The event focused on discussing the status of the Arabic language in a rapidly changing world shaped by globalization, technology, and digital communication. The dialogue explored the challenges facing the Arabic language in education, media, business, and everyday life, while also highlighting its cultural and historical significance.

The session brought together public figures, professionals, and members of the community in an open discussion about the future of the Arabic language and the importance of preserving linguistic identity while adapting to modern developments and global trends.

The event featured several distinguished speakers, including:

• Her Excellency MP Dr. Dima Tahboub
• Mrs. Valentina Qassisieh
• Engineer Rami Adwan
• Engineer Bashar Arafeh

The discussion emphasized the role of language in shaping cultural identity, strengthening communication between generations, and preserving the richness of Arab heritage in the modern era.

In 2016, Diwanieh — an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized a public dialogue event in Amman under the title:

“Foreign Investments Have Not Served the Jordanian Economy.”

The event focused on discussing the impact of foreign investments on Jordan’s economic development and whether these investments have effectively contributed to job creation, economic growth, and improving living conditions for citizens. The dialogue explored challenges related to investment policies, economic reform, and the balance between attracting foreign capital and supporting national economic interests.

The session brought together economic experts, policymakers, and members of the public in an open discussion addressing the realities of the Jordanian economy and the role of investment in achieving sustainable development.

The event featured distinguished speakers, including:

• His Excellency Senator Dr. Taher Kanaan
• His Excellency Senator Dr. Muhammad Al-Halaiqa

The discussion highlighted the importance of developing investment strategies that strengthen the national economy, support local industries, create employment opportunities, and contribute to long-term economic stability in Jordan.

In 2016, Diwanieh — an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized a public dialogue event in Amman under the title:

“Is There a Place for Youth in the Labor Market?”

The event focused on discussing the challenges facing young people in accessing employment opportunities in Jordan and the growing gap between education outcomes and labor market demands. The dialogue explored issues related to unemployment, economic participation, skills development, and the future of youth employment in the country.

The session brought together policymakers, economic experts, media figures, and young participants in an open discussion about the realities of the labor market and the need for policies and initiatives that empower youth and create sustainable employment opportunities.

The event featured distinguished speakers, including:

• Former Prime Minister Dr. Omar Razzaz
• Mrs. Jumana Ghunaimat

The discussion highlighted the importance of investing in youth capabilities, supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, and strengthening the connection between education, training, and the evolving needs of the labor market in Jordan.

In 2015, Diwanieh — an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized a public dialogue event in Amman under the title:

“Educational Curricula Are Responsible for the Decline in the Cultural and Artistic Awareness of Youth.”

The event focused on discussing the role of educational curricula in shaping the cultural, artistic, and intellectual development of young people in Jordan. The dialogue explored whether current education systems adequately support creativity, critical thinking, artistic appreciation, and cultural engagement among youth.

The session brought together academics, policymakers, educators, and community members to exchange perspectives on the relationship between education and cultural identity, while addressing the challenges facing arts and cultural education in schools and universities.

The event featured several distinguished speakers, including:

• His Excellency Dr. Izzat Jaradat
• His Excellency Dr. Atef Adibat
• Her Excellency MP Wafaa Bani Mustafa
• His Excellency Mr. Ayman Al-Akour

The discussion highlighted the importance of strengthening educational and cultural policies that encourage creativity, artistic expression, and active youth participation in cultural life across Jordan.

In 2015, Diwanieh — an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized a public dialogue event in Karak under the title:

“The Performance of Karak Municipality Meets the Aspirations of Citizens.”

The event focused on discussing the role of Karak Municipality in meeting the needs of local residents and improving public services, infrastructure, and development initiatives within the governorate. The dialogue explored the relationship between municipalities and citizens, highlighting the importance of transparency, community participation, and sustainable local development.

The session brought together municipal officials, academics, community leaders, and residents in an open discussion about the challenges facing the city and the opportunities for enhancing municipal performance and civic engagement.

The event featured several distinguished speakers, including:

• Mayor of Karak, Engineer Muhammad Al-Ma’ayta
• Professor Abdul-Hay Al-Ramadin
• Professor Khalid Al-Dhamour
• Professor Ghaleb Al-Habashneh

The discussion emphasized the importance of cooperation between local authorities and communities in shaping development priorities and improving the quality of life for citizens in Karak.

In 2014, Diwanieh — an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized a public dialogue event in Amman under the title:

“Is There a Place for Free Art in Jordan?”

The event focused on discussing artistic freedom, cultural expression, and the challenges facing independent artists and cultural institutions in Jordan. The dialogue explored the role of art in society, the relationship between culture and public space, and the importance of supporting creative freedom and cultural diversity.

The session brought together artists, cultural leaders, and members of the public in an open discussion about the realities of the artistic scene in Jordan, including opportunities for young creatives, cultural production, and the need for inclusive spaces that encourage free artistic expression.

The event featured several distinguished speakers, including:

• Head of the Jordanian Artists Syndicate, Mr. Sari Al-Asaad
• Director of the Heritage Directorate at the Ministry of Culture, Mr. Hikmat Al-Nawaisah
• Director of Al-Balad Theater, Mr. Raed Asfour
• Cultural Director, Ms. Rusul Al-Nasser

The discussion highlighted the important role of art and culture in promoting dialogue, creativity, and social engagement, while emphasizing the need to support an open and vibrant cultural environment in Jordan.

In 2014, Diwanieh — an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized a public dialogue event in Balqaa under the title:

“Section 308 Is Insulting to Jordanian Women.”

The event focused on discussing Article 308 of the Jordanian Penal Code, which at the time allowed a rapist to avoid punishment if he married his victim. The dialogue addressed the legal, social, and human rights implications of the law and its impact on women’s rights and dignity in Jordanian society.

The session created an open platform for community discussion around gender justice, legal reform, and the importance of protecting women from violence and discrimination. Participants exchanged perspectives on the need for legislative change and stronger protection mechanisms for women and girls in Jordan.

The discussion was organized and led by the Diwanieh Team, reflecting the initiative’s commitment to raising awareness around critical social issues and encouraging meaningful public dialogue.

Article 308 was officially repealed in Jordan in 2017, marking a significant step forward in advancing women’s rights and legal reform in the country.

In 2014, Diwanieh — an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized a public dialogue event in Amman under the title:

“Is Banning Shisha a Decision in the Best Interest of the Jordanian Citizen and State?”

The event focused on discussing the social, economic, and public health implications of banning shisha in Jordan. The dialogue explored different perspectives surrounding public health policies, citizens’ rights, business interests, and the role of government regulations in protecting community wellbeing.

The session brought together government officials, health experts, business representatives, and members of the public in an open discussion addressing the impact of the decision on society, the hospitality sector, and public spaces across Jordan.

The event featured several distinguished speakers, including:

• Mayor of Amman, His Excellency the late Mr. Aqel Biltaji
• Former Minister of Health, Dr. Zaid Hamza
• Her Excellency MP Hind Al-Fayez
• Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Jordanian Restaurants Association, Mr. Issam Fakhr Al-Din

The discussion highlighted the importance of open civic dialogue in addressing public policy decisions and encouraging balanced conversations around health, economy, and community interests in Jordan.