A number of participants, familiar with the strategy, were invited to attend the conference; they include members of universities, ministries, governmental and non-governmental organizations, embassies, donors and the media.

During the initiation of the project, His Majesty the King stressed the need to increase participation in the modern knowledge-based economy in order to improve the employment prospects of young Jordanian citizens entering the workforce.

In parallel with the development of the strategy, two important priority areas will be addressed; capacity building in basic web-technology skills for courseware development and the introduction of well respected international standards for certification of basic computer skills and knowledge.

The long term strategy aims to further develop the IT sector in Jordanian universities by incorporating it in academic programs, setting up facilities for research, teacher training and creating policies and incentives for IT incorporation. Furthermore, the strategy seeks to establish partnerships between Jordanian Universities and the local industry on the one hand and leading Western Universities on the other hand.

Each student shall be prepared to use communication systems effectively in order to access information and online facilities that are being set up; such as e-government services, and build skills needed by prospective employers. Students shall therefore, be encouraged to acquire a strong competence in generic uses of ICT in their daily activities. Moreover teacher training shall focus on the introduction of computer-based pedagogy theory and practice into the teaching degree program and into continuing education for practicing teachers.

It is important that the strategy is consistent with studies and initiatives recently developed in Jordan. An extensive study comprising a detailed action plan and a complete set of activities to implement the strategy is proposed. In this regard the objective of the conference is to present the strategy, obtain suggestions and feedback from the concerned parties and explore the different avenues for its implementation in the country.

Speeches were delivered by, H.E Dr Walid Ma'ani, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mr. Ove Bjerregaard, UNDP Resident Representative a.i , Dr. Amr Azzouz Senior Program Specialist in Engineering and Technology at the UNESCO Cairo Office and H.E. Dr. Mohammad Halaiqah deputizing for H.M. King Abdullah II.