Jana Al-Harbaawi of Al-Ahliyya Amman University Wins Second Place Worldwide in International Visual Storytelling Initiative

Jana Al-Harbaawi, a student in the Digital Media and Graphic Design Department at the Faculty of Architecture and Design at Al-Ahliyya Amman University, has won second place in the final competition of the international initiative Capture the Future – Global Youth Storytelling Initiative for People & Nature. The final stage of the initiative concluded in Italy, where the results were announced in the presence of the winners. This achievement further strengthens the University’s students’ presence in international forums and competitions. The achievement is particularly significant given the initiative’s broad international reach. It attracted 745 youth submissions from 98 countries and was connected with more than 120 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves around the world, bringing together young people, visual storytelling, technology, and issues related to people and nature in an international experience. Al-Harbaawi’s advancement to the final stage followed a comprehensive preparation and follow-up process at the Faculty of Architecture and Design. The process began with introductory and specialized workshops for students on the initiative and its requirements, followed by identifying students interested in participating and organizing a field visit to the Dana Biosphere Reserve to develop visual experiences and ideas. The Faculty also supervised the students’ work, completed the submission procedures, and digitally archived the entries. After Al-Harbaawi was selected to participate in the international stage, the Faculty and the University continued to provide academic and organizational support throughout the various stages of the competition. This included developing the final project with which she competed and ultimately won second place worldwide, despite being one of the youngest participants in the competition. This achievement reflects Al-Ahliyya Amman University’s commitment to supporting and empowering its students to reach international platforms and connecting academic education with practical experience and global competition. It also highlights the University’s efforts to strengthen students’ engagement in design, digital media, and visual storytelling addressing contemporary humanitarian and environmental issues. The achievement further underscores the importance of identifying, developing, and systematically supporting student talent, helping transform participation in international initiatives into meaningful academic and practical experiences that enhance students’ skills and strengthen the University’s presence at regional and international forums.