The Aqaba Green Entrepreneurship Hackathon commenced on Tuesday in Aqaba, marking a key event during Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024. Organized by the Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship at Princess Sumaya University for Technology, the event is supported by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and the Aqaba Governorate Council, in cooperation with the Ministry of Planning and the Royal Scientific Society through the "Irada" initiative. The hackathon aims to foster innovative ideas that contribute to sustainable environmental solutions. Ramzi Kabariti, Commissioner for Youth and Community Development at the ASEZA, who presided over the opening ceremony, highlighted the significance of such initiatives in empowering youth and enhancing their skills. He emphasized that the hackathon is not merely a competition but an opportunity to promote teamwork, creativity, and social skills among young people. Kabariti noted that the ASEZA's support aligns with its strategy to empower youth from vario us sectors, including students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators. He underscored the Authority's commitment to creating an enabling environment where youth can present and develop ideas that contribute to sustainable development in areas such as renewable energy, waste management, urban development, and climate change mitigation. University President Wijdan Abu Haija reaffirmed the institution's dedication to integrating sustainable development goals into its academic programs and creating job opportunities for young people, thereby contributing to economic growth. Since its inception, the Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship has been committed to raising awareness among youth and the local community while promoting sustainable environmental practices, Abu Haija said, noting that these efforts help preserve natural resources for future generations. Muhammad Obeidat, Director of the Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship, described the hackathon as a unique platform for youth to showcase the ir creative talents and turn their ideas into viable projects. He stressed that the event enhances the participants' ability to compete in the labor market and drives sustainable development. Obeidat added that the first-place winner will receive a cash prize to help launch their project, along with specialized entrepreneurship training. Winning projects will also be incubated by the Royal Scientific Society and the "Irada" program, offering participants further opportunities to secure support from potential employers to develop and implement their ideas. Source: Jordan News Agency