The Director of The Center for the Study of Natural and Cultural Heritage(CSNACH) at the German-Jordanian University (GJU) participated in the pioneering scientific seminar entitled: "The Role of Cultural Heritage Museums in Strengthening National Identity", organized by the School of Archaeology and Anthropology at Yarmouk University under the patronage of Princess Dana Firas. The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Mahmoud Al-Shayyab and Dr. Amjad Deifallah Al-Nasser, alongside a gathering of academics, experts, and representatives of national museums.
The seminar witnessed special recognition from Princess Dana Firas for Prof. Dr. Nizar Abu Jaber, appreciating his continuous efforts as a founder and member of the Jordanian National Committee of ICOMOS, and his active contributions to preserving Jordanian heritage and promoting the protection of historical sites.
During the scientific sessions, Dr. Abu Jaber delivered a lecture entitled: "Public Dissemination of Earth Sciences in the Face of Official Neglect and Societal Need: Jordan as a Model", highlighting the role of GJU in reinforcing national identity by showcasing the kingdom’s unique geological excellence, emphasizing that understanding the history of the Earth forms the cornerstone of understanding human civilization.
Abu Jaber also reviewed the projects overseen by the Center for Natural and Cultural Heritage at GJU, focusing on raising awareness of the "Jordanian Geological Identity" through specialized exhibitions and scientific competitions aimed at connecting youth with their natural environment, inspired by Princess Dana Firas’s statement that "museums are no longer confined to physical walls." He further revealed the university’s efforts to propose the establishment of a "Specialized Phosphate Museum" within heritage buildings in Russeifa, representing a vital part of Jordan’s industrial heritage at risk of disappearance, highlighting the challenges and difficulties faced by this ambitious project.
At the conclusion of his participation, Abu Jaber emphasized the urgent need to establish a specialized national geological museum as a reference documenting Jordan’s geological story scientifically and accurately, free from fictional narratives, contributing to educational tourism and deepening attachment to the land and its resources.
The seminar concluded with strategic recommendations calling for updating historical narratives in museums and employing technology to connect generations with their heritage, ensuring the sustainability of national identity in the face of contemporary challenges.