A Day of Pride and Progress

Reflecting on Jordan’s Independence Day

Every year on May 25th, Jordanians celebrate more than just a date on the calendar. Independence Day marks a turning point in the country’s modern history — the moment in 1946 when Jordan emerged as a fully sovereign state, free from the British mandate. Under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah I, the newly independent Hashemite Kingdom began to build its identity on the foundations of dignity, unity, and aspiration.

In the decades since, Jordan has evolved through challenges and change, while staying true to its values. The path has not always been smooth. The region has known its share of unrest, but Jordan has consistently demonstrated resilience and a remarkable ability to balance tradition and progress. This strength is reflected in its people — in their warmth, their steadfastness, and their collective commitment to coexistence.

Today, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Kingdom continues to advocate for reform, dialogue, and peaceful cooperation — both within its borders and across the region. Jordan’s role as a voice of moderation and a haven for those in need has become a defining part of its identity.

But as we raise our flags and remember the past, it’s also worth asking: What does independence mean to us now?
Is it just a historical victory, or is it something we live and carry with us — every day, in every choice we make?

For many Jordanians, independence is the right to imagine a better future. It’s the ability to speak freely, to participate meaningfully in public life, to question decisions, and to express dissent with dignity. It’s about belonging to a nation where every voice counts — where women and men, youth and elders, urban and rural communities all have a place in shaping the future.

It is this spirit — grounded in liberal values like freedom, pluralism, and civic responsibility — that keeps Jordan moving forward.

Jordan’s youth, in particular, carry this promise in their hands. They are not just future leaders; they are change-makers today. Through education, innovation, and civic engagement, they breathe life into the ideals of independence — not by repeating slogans, but by living the values those slogans stand for.

Will we continue to build a society where every individual feels heard and respected?
Can we foster a culture where critical thinking and dialogue are encouraged, not feared?
Are we ready to pass on a legacy of freedom not just as heritage, but as practice?

These are the questions that matter — the ones that connect the dreams of 1946 with the challenges and hopes of 2025.

Throughout this journey, many institutions and individuals have played a role in supporting progress. For over 40 years, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom has proudly stood alongside Jordanians — partnering with local communities, civil society, and young people to support initiatives that promote human rights, democratic values, and liberal education.

Because independence is not only about the past. It’s about what we choose to do with it today — and how we pass it forward, with care, courage, and conviction.

As we celebrate this national milestone, may we remember that true independence is not just inherited — it is lived, renewed, and protected by every generation.