In this episode of the More Than First Responders podcast, Ciara speaks with Hashim, a lawyer by training and a passionate human rights advocate and humanitarian worker from Jordan. In the conversation he reflects on Jordan’s long-standing role in supporting its neighbours through crisis, including hosting refugees from the Syrian civil war, responding to the 2023 earthquake, and standing in solidarity with Palestinians. 

Hashim discusses how Jordan has established structures for youth participation in political life, but these platforms need to be fully leveraged and replicated within humanitarian decision making to ensure young people can shape the responses that affect their communities. The conversation highlights the importance of youth-led research in shaping evidence-based advocacy and policy, and the need to meaningfully integrate youth leadership into national response bodies. It is a thoughtful discussion about rights, responsibility, and the power of informed youth action in humanitarian settings.

⚠️ Context note: This episode was recorded in December 2024 and reflects the situation and views held at that time. Since then, the Assad regime in Syria has fallen and the country is now moving into post-conflict reconstruction.