United Nations in Jordan

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Jordan:

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30 June 2025

Community-led Climate Actions to Boost Resilience in Jordan

Across Jordan, a quiet yet powerful transformation is underway. Communities, young leaders and women are using the power of climate action to lead the way for a greener, more equitable and resilient Jordan. From schoolyards to rooftops, communities across the country are restoring ecosystems, creating jobs and cultivating hope for the future.The UN in Jordan team is working closely with the Government and international partners to support these locally led efforts, demonstrating what inclusive climate action looks like in practice: community-focused, driven by innovation, and sustained by cooperation and collaboration.As Jordan faces an increasing number of environmental challenges, including rising temperatures, water scarcity, land degradation and biodiversity loss, these initiatives chart a path toward a greener transformation and show that climate resilience is not a distant goal but a collective journey, powered by shared purpose. Under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator and in line with its 2023-2027 strategic priorities, the UN in Jordan team mobilises technical expertise to support national initiatives to tackle these issues, promoting climate adaptation and building resilience at several levels. Beekeeping for climate resilience and livelihoodIn the forested hills of Jerash and Ajloun Governorates, wildfires and droughts increasingly undermine biodiversity and agriculture. One local resident, Afaf Nizami, leverages beekeeping to reverse the trend while providing opportunities for members of her community, particularly women, to boost their livelihoods. As the Chairwoman of the Al-Nashmiyya Charitable Society for Women and Child Development, Afaf has long worked to support vulnerable women and children in her community. But with the increasing frequency of wildfires, unpredictable rainfall, and extended dry spells, Afaf saw the need for a new kind of empowerment, one rooted in resilience, sustainability and nature-based solutions.Her community-based organization was selected as one of six beneficiaries of a joint initiative led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Government of Japan. The initiative integrates disaster risk reduction with sustainable livelihood development in Jerash and Ajloun.Through this programme, Afaf and her colleagues received training on fire prevention, flood response, drought mitigation and beekeeping. In addition to the knowledge that Afaf acquired, she also received 90 inhabited beehives, six modern honey extractor machines, stainless steel tanks, harvesting gear and marketing tools. This equipment was everything she needed to turn the training she received into an income stream to boost her livelihood.“This isn’t just about producing honey. This is about securing a future for women-led associations, generating income and building food security in our communities. With the right tools, we are now able to launch real, sustainable products,” said Afaf.For her, beekeeping has become a symbol of what is possible when the right strategic and infrastructure support complements technical training and local know-how. Her association is now developing a community apiary, where women can learn, work and earn an income together, reclaiming economic agency while contributing to environmental restoration.The impact goes beyond Afaf’s association. Expanding on this initiative and in partnership with national authorities, two governorate-level Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) committees were established in Jerash and Ajloun. These committees are helping integrate grassroots resilience into broader regional planning. Further, these activities revitalised efforts to strengthen ecosystem rehabilitation and sustainable land use while placing communities at the centre of climate adaptation efforts.Bringing climate action to the classroomIn the industrial city of Zarqa, two 23-year-olds—Mahdi and Ruba—are taking climate action in their community where it matters most: in classrooms with the next generation.As Youth Climate Leaders under the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF)’s Sawn programme, the duo co-created Climate Friends, a grassroots environmental initiative aimed at educating schoolchildren about climate change through interactive games, storytelling and creative learning tools. “We targeted this age group because children are the future,” explains Ruba. “Whatever they learn at an early age stays with them, and we wanted those lessons to be about care for the Earth.”This engagement brought sustainability into classrooms in a playful and engaging way. Children learned about recycling by building toys from plastic cups. They explored concepts of biodiversity through planting seeds and water conservation by simulating rainfall in miniature ecosystems. Mahdi and Ruba aimed to send a simple yet powerful message that resonates with young students: “If we take care of the environment, the environment will take care of us.”For Mahdi, the work was deeply personal. “In Zarqa, the air quality is only getting worse. You see trash everywhere. But being part of this initiative gave me something more than frustration—it gave me hope,” he says. “Hope that youth, when united, can raise awareness, take action, and actually change things.” The Sawn programme, a partnership between the Jordanian Ministry of Youth, the Ministry of Environment and UNICEF, and which was implemented by the non-profit Generations for Peace, has engaged with youth climate leaders like Mahdi and Ruba. This initiative aims to cultivate their leadership with the right training and provide them with opportunities to participate in national and global fora on climate change. With generous support from the Kingdom of the Netherlands through the PROSPECTS partnership, these young leaders are rolling out climate advocacy initiatives across Jordan’s 12 governorates, creating a ripple effect of awareness, responsibility and change.“The children understood more than we expected,” Ruba reflects. “ They reminded us that a cleaner Jordan is possible if we start early, and we start together.”Smart innovation for water securityIn Irbid and Mafraq, where water is both life and limitation, young Jordanian innovators forge new paths toward climate resilience, bringing prototypes. Under the “Scaling Up Water Innovation for Climate Security” initiative, supported by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) through the SDG-Climate Facility, a group of visionary young entrepreneurs is proving that water scarcity can be met with ingenuity, not despair.Seven youth-led Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are at the heart of this transformation. They are deploying a mix of AI-powered irrigation systems, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, hydroponic solutions, vertical gardens and green wall technologies—each tailored to Jordan’s harsh climate and fragile ecosystems. One youth founder proudly shared, “Our startup reduced water use by 20 per cent while increasing crop yield. This isn’t just about agriculture. It’s about innovation, survival and responsibility.”But the project’s reach extends far beyond these seven companies. More than 25 startups in the sustainability space were trained in financial modelling, value proposition design, and customer development. Most beneficiaries, 63 per cent, were young people under 30, making this initiative a powerful model of youth-centred, impact-driven entrepreneurship. From Irbid’s university halls to Mafraq’s farmlands, these innovations are already bearing fruit.For example, two start-ups, Smart Green and SmartWay to Innovation, are revolutionising household farming by using data to optimise water use. Other startups, Senara, Green On, and iPlant, introduced urban farming models that are redefining food production in water-scarce neighborhoods. Al-Yaqout for Agricultural Investments and KeyLife Electronics developed soil enhancement and water retention products, helping farmers grow more with less resources. Guided by the Youth 2030 strategy, the initiative also ensured long-term sustainability by training beneficiaries in system maintenance and transferring technical knowledge and ownership to the communities.Jordan’s community-led leadership is demonstrating the critical role of local action in building climate resilience. With the support of the UN in Jordan, these innovative approaches make the case that putting the community, including women and young people, in the driver’s seat of sustainable development paves the way for a prosperous, sustainable future.

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10 July 2025

From dropping out to dreaming big: Ghazala’s second chance at Makani

Every year, Makani centres provide vulnerable children, including over 2,500 children from the Dom community, with safe and inclusive spaces where they learn, play and build friendships.At a UNICEF-supported Makani Centre, 13-year-old Ghazala radiates the bright and joyful energy of someone who has found a space where she belongs. “Makani is just so beautiful,” she says with a wide smile. “The facilitators are so kind to me and I learn so much here.” Ghazala lives with her parents and six siblings and is from a marginalized Jordanian minority community known as the Dom, which historically has been a nomadic group. As the family speaks Turkman at home, Arabic was difficult for her to learn - until she found the support she needed at the Makani centre. “We don’t speak Arabic at home, but here, I learned it along with mathematics and many other activities that I did,” Ghazala explains. Because of seasonal migration of the Dom community, Ghazala’s education was disrupted, and she was out of school for a few years. “I dropped out of school when I was only in Grade 2,” she recalls. “But I’ve been attending the Makani centre for many years now - I can’t even remember how young I was when I started.” A Place to Learn and BelongMakani, which means “My Space” in Arabic – is exactly that for Ghazal: a place to learn, feel safe and express herself freely. UNICEF and its partners established Makani centres across Jordan to provide vulnerable children from all backgrounds access to learning, protection, and psychosocial support in safe and inclusive environments. “Makani is not just a place for learning,” Ghazala says. “I have so much fun here. My favourite activity is painting.” And when Ghazal talks about painting, her face lights up. “Painting makes me feel so good,” she says. “Creating things out of my imagination, expressing my feelings using colours – this is the nicest thing. When I see my finished painting, I feel like all my emotions are there.” Sometimes Ghazala finds it hard to express her feelings with words - but never with colours.“I like to paint flowers, girls in dresses, and smiley faces,” she says. “I colour them like a designer! Smiley faces give me positive energy, and they make other people, who see my painting, smile too.” Creativity, Confidence, and CommunityAt Makani, Ghazala has found what every child deserves: a safe space, community of friends and trusted adults, all who help her thrive. “I have so many friends here, and it feels great,” she says. “We talk, share our thoughts and feelings, and play together. My life feels so colourful because of the things I have – my loving family, my beautiful friends, and this amazing centre where I can be myself.” The facilitators at the Makani centre have left a lasting impact on her life. “I feel safe here,” Ghazala says. “I’ve never been shouted at. The facilitators are kind and understanding. They treat me like family.” Through her time at the Makani centre, Ghazala has also gained important life skills and the confidence in how to navigate challenges that may arise. “The facilitators taught me how to stand up for myself and ask for help when I need it,” she says. “They taught me to always speak to an adult I trust, like my mom or someone at Makani centre.” A Future Full of DreamsGhazala is full of big dreams and she’s not afraid to share them. “My mom always wanted to finish her education before getting married, but she didn’t get the chance. I want to change that,” she says confidently. The Makani centre has given Ghazala the support and encouragement she needs to chase that goal. “I hope one day I can go back to school and continue learning,” she says. “Makani is helping me get there.” UNICEF is grateful for the European Union for helping us reach the most vulnerable children and adolescents with integrated services through the Makani programme in Jordan, including over 2,500 children from the Dom community.This story was originally published by UNICEF and written by AbdelMajid El-Noaimi. To learn more about UNICEF’s work in Jordan, visit the link below.https://www.unicef.org/jordan/

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18 June 2025

Holding On — Stories of Survival and Dignity in Zaatari Camp

The familiar bustle of the camp’s streets, once lively with the chatter of children and the aroma of shared meals, had given way to a quieter rhythm. For many here, the idea of returning home no longer belonged to the realm of dreams. It was being weighed, not with hope alone, but with careful reflection. Abu Hamzeh Holds on to Dignity and Hope Amid Rising HardshipThe supermarket, one of the two contracted by WFP, was quieter than usual. As shoppers moved between shelves, eyes careful and carts modest, a man in his late forties caught the eye. He moved with quiet confidence, selecting items with purpose: rice, lentils, cooking oil, a few other basics. That man was Abu Hamzeh. A father of six, five daughters and a young son, two of whom were born here in the camp. His smile stayed as he welcomed the idea of a chat, inviting us over with the warmth only found in places where hospitality is offered not from abundance, but from generosity of spirit.“We’ve lived here for nearly thirteen years,” he said. “It’s not easy, but it’s home because we’ve made it one. And because we have no other.”Like many others in the camp, Abu Hamzeh’s family depends on WFP monthly assistance to meet their food needs. But over the past two years, reduced cash assistance has meant reduced food portions.“The assistance we get is the reason my children don’t go to sleep hungry,” he said. “Even if it’s less than before, it’s what keeps us going. Without it, I don’t know how we would manage. It gives us a little peace… and dignity.” “We used to get more,” he said, pausing as he glanced at his modest cart. “Now, it barely lasts the month. Still, without it, I don’t know what we’d do.”There’s a deep, quiet pride in Abu Hamzeh, a kind of strength that refuses to wear itself on the outside. But even that strength flinches when talk turns to Syria.“My house in Daraa is in rubble now,” he said, voice steady but eyes clouded. “Even if I wanted to return, there’s no roof for my children. No work. Just debts from trying to live here.”His words held no bitterness. Only the resignation of someone who has done the math and found that the numbers don’t add up. Not yet. Then, as he steadied his cart to leave, he added, almost to himself: “Things are still uncertain for my family. At least here, with the little we have, we can still carry on.”Alia and Naseem Find Strength in Family and the Will to RebuildJust a few caravans down the road, a different kind of scene unfolded. Quieter still, yet just as telling. Alia stood outside her shelter, hands deep in a basin of green fava beans. The pods were dark, a little too soft, with edges that had started to blacken — likely bought at a discount from the informal market at Zaatari camp. She sorted through them methodically, saving what she could. Her husband, Naseem, stood near her, his gaze steady, resting on the empty mattresses where their children usually sat after school.The triplets are thirteen now, born just two months before the family fled Syria. Today, they were at school — something Alia and Naseem take great pride in. Education is their anchor.“We’ve sacrificed a lot to keep them going to class,” Alia said, brushing her hands on her dress. “If there’s one thing we can give them, it’s a chance to learn. Something we hope no war can take away.”Back in Syria, Alia worked at the national electricity company. Here in the camp, she found short-term work under a rotating program with an NGO, but that ended two months ago when the project was cut due to funding shortfalls. Naseem hasn’t been able to work for years. A war injury left him with lasting damage in both legs, and a heart condition limits him further. “It’s been harder since I stopped working,” Alia said. “We try to stretch what we have, but it’s never enough. Food assistance has gone down, and daily expenses keep going up. We’re doing our best, but some days, it just feels like too much.”The family now finds itself walking a tightrope, surviving day by day, while quietly weighing the possibility of returning to Syria. Not because they believe things are better, but because they’re running out of options.“We’ve thought about going back,” Naseem admitted. “At least there, we might be able to live with relatives. Start again, even if it means starting from nothing.”But debts, some JOD700 owed to local shops, keep them rooted for now.“I can’t leave without paying back what we owe,” Naseem said, voice low but firm. “These people trusted us. I want to be able to look them in the eye and say we didn’t run. That we left with clean hands.”“I remember our first nights here, sleeping in a tent with three newborns,” he added. “If we have to do it again, we will. Whether it’s here or back home, life keeps testing us. But with patience and belief, we’ll rebuild. Even if it’s one brick at a time.”Donor support has enabled WFP to assist the most vulnerable Syrian refugees in Jordan through some of the most challenging times. Contributions from partners such as the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) had played a vital role in past years, helping families like Abu Hamzeh’s and Alia’s access the food they rely on. As the context continues to evolve, and with resources stretched thin, continued support is urgently needed to ensure vulnerable families are not left behind.

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06 May 2025

Leaving No One Behind: EMIS as a Path to Inclusive Education in Jordan

In today’s digital world, data is crucial for decision-making and policy development. The integration of refugee data into Jordan’s Education Management Information System (EMIS) is helping improve equal access to quality education for all students. This initiative, supported by UNESCO and funded by the European Union through the “Technical Assistance to Support Jordan’s Ministry of Education’s EMIS Platform for Enhanced Evidence-Based Decision Making” project, ensures that refugees are accessing and learning in the national education system. Jordan currently hosts over 620,000 refugees registered with UNHCR[1]. Previously, registering refugee children in Jordanian schools required multiple documents, including a UNHCR Asylum Seeker Certificate, a UNHCR refugee certificate, a passport, a birth certificate, and either a Ministry of Interior (MoI) card for Syrians or another form of identification, such as an ID card or the number provided by border authorities on the passport. Parents often had to visit schools and administrative offices repeatedly, delaying enrollment. Additionally, school administrators manually verified whether a non-Jordanian student was a refugee by checking their UNHCR Asylum Seeker Certificate each year, consuming valuable time and resources. Amira, a Somali refugee who arrived in Jordan in 2013, and Bar’a, an Iraqi refugee living in Jordan since 2012, both faced challenges in enrolling their children in school. Amira had to submit various documents, including Asylum Seeker Certificate, a passport, and a personal identification number—such as the number issued by border authorities on the passport— every year, making the process stressful and time-consuming, Now, with the alignment between EMIS and UNHCR database, all she needs is her UNHCR asylum seeker certificate for school enrollment. Similarly, Bara’a previously had to renew her son’s asylum seeker certificate, annually, visiting both UNHCR and the school for verification. With EMIS’s automated validation process, her son’s status is verified electronically in seconds, eliminating the risk of lost documents and saving time.The updates to Jordan’s EMIS platform simplify the verification of the protection status of the refugee automating the process. Instead of requiring parents to submit multiple documents, EMIS instantly validates the necessary information, reducing administrative burdens and allowing for faster student registration. Ensuring a valid Asylum Seeker Certificate number. Remains essential, as it serves as proof of refugee status and enables students to be exempted from school fees.This automation ensures that refugee students can be enrolled in school promptly, avoiding delays and disruptions in their education. It also frees up teachers to focus on their primary task—teaching.Beyond efficiency, EMIS enhances coordination between the Ministry of Education, UNHCR, and relevant partners, ensuring educational resources target the most vulnerable students It provides policymakers with reliable data to better understand refugee students’ needs, track their educational progress, and address learning gaps, ensuring they receive the necessary support to succeed academically. By minimizing data entry errors and improving inter-agency coordination, this initiative reinforces Jordan’s leadership and commitment to inclusive education. Few refugee-hosting countries have effectively disaggregated basic education data by protection status in their national EMIS. Jordan is leading the way, offering valuable insights for other countries seeking to replicate these efforts. Through the integration of refugee data into EMIS, Jordan is making important strides toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all. This collaboration and commitment to innovation demonstrate how data-driven solutions can create a future where every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive—without delay. -END- “The Technical assistance to support Jordan’s Ministry of Education’s EMIS platform for enhanced evidence-based decision making” was jointly designed with the MoE, UNESCO and the European Union in 2022 to support the MoE’s strengthening of its enabiling environment for OpenEMIS, through the operationalization of its EMIS Policy, while also supporting the MoE to migrate their EMIS towards a sustainable and robust hosting solution. In addition, enhancements to Jordan’s EMIS were done to improve data quality, accuracy and utilization, including enhanced data on refugees.

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03 February 2025

The Lifeline of Water: Asmahan's story in Za’atari Camp

In Za’atari camp, Asmahan, an Arabic teacher at a Makani centre, lives with her husband and six children. Their journey to Jordan began in 2013 after fleeing the war in Syria.The early days in the camp were tough. Asmahan recalls the daily struggle for clean water. "We had to carry water home in buckets and queue every day at public taps," she says. The lack of privacy at public washrooms made life even harder.Things began to change with UNICEF's intervention. The installation of water and wastewater networks transformed their living conditions. "These networks have allowed us to have water in our own houses, toilets, and kitchens, giving us a sense of normality," Asmahan explains. Living in Za’atari has taught Asmahan and her family the true value of clean water. "Unlike Syria, water here is very limited, and if we are not careful, we will run out of water before the next round of water distribution," she says. Most of their water is used for hygiene, a crucial aspect of camp life.Asmahan has instilled the importance of water conservation and hygiene in her children. "Thankfully, all of them have learned well, and we never run out of water as a result," she proudly shares.Her daughter Shahd, though shy, demonstrates how her teachers and mother taught her to wash her hands properly, a small but significant step in maintaining health in the camp.Asmahan's story is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of families in Za’atari. It highlights how access to clean water, made possible through UNICEF’s support, is critical in improving their lives.Za’atari camp, home to over 78,500 residents, benefits from UNICEF's water, sanitation, and hygiene services. Established in 2019, these household-level systems ensure stable access to clean water, safe sanitation, and reduced operational costs, enhancing residents' quality of life.By AbdelMajid Al-Noaimi, UNICEF JordanFor more information about UNICEF's work in Jordan, please visit their official website:UNICEF Jordan

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12 December 2024

Building a stable future – Eyad Al Merjawi’s journey to decent work and social protection in Jordan

ZARQA (ILO News) — Eyad Al Merjawi, a 41-year-old refugee from Syria, has called Jordan home since 2013. Settling in the city of Zarqa, 30 km northeast of Amman, Eyad struggled to find work without the necessary permits—an obstacle to many refugees. Eyad’s journey took a positive turn, with support from Jordan’s Social Security Corporation (SSC), jointly with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, under the PROSPECTS partnership funded by the Government of the Netherlands.The Start of the Journey Eyad's journey to stable employment in Jordan began with one essential step: securing his documentation through UNHCR’s registration system, a key tool in providing refugees with access to rights and services. In Jordan, without proper registration through UNHCR, refugees cannot access basic services such as public healthcare, education, or even employment opportunities

For Eyad, obtaining his work permit was a turning point. "It was not easy at first; I faced many obstacles just to get the permits needed for employment," he recalls. Eyad first obtained an asylum seeker certificate, which enabled him to secure his work permit and to legally work as a butcher in a shop in Zarqa. Support that makes a difference While having a job is important for ensuring financial stability for refugees, obtaining social security coverage is equally crucial to protect them from potential lifecycle risks. To help refugees better understand the social security system, SSC and UNHCR conducted a series of awareness raising activities in refugee camps and host communities. Eyad learned about the Estidama++ programme which supports vulnerable workers in enrolling in social security schemes, providing them with essential protection in navigating the uncertainties of life. Estidama++ is a social protection initiative in Jordan aimed at helping vulnerable workers, including refugees, access social security. Supported by Jordan's Social Security Corporation (SSC) and with technical support from the ILO, the programme provides subsidies to cover social security contributions, making benefits such as injury insurance, maternity leave, and pensions more accessible to informal workers in sectors like agriculture and small businesses. This support helps lower barriers to participation, creating a more inclusive and resilient workforce across Jordan. Through UNHCR's outreach, Eyad learned how Estidama++ could provide vital protections, such as coverage for work-related injuries. This knowledge empowered him to enrol in the programme, reinforcing the critical role that accessible information plays in helping refugees secure a safer and more stable future. Eyad remains hopeful for the future and is optimistic about the programme’s potential extension. “I hope it continues, not just for me but for others who need it,” he says. For Eyad, Estidama++ is more than a programme—it’s a path to self-reliance, giving refugees like him a chance to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope by securing formal and stable employment. A positive impact on refugees After enrolling in the Estidama++ programme in December 2023, Eyad has received a 100 JOD (approximately 140 USD) income support every three months. In addition, his employer, the shop owner, receives 30 JOD per month to help cover a significant portion of the shop’s social security contribution on Eyad’s behalf. This financial support has provided Eyad’s family of five with a much-needed safety while made the shop owner more inclined to retain Eyad as an employee, knowing that part of the social security cost is covered. Hope for the Future "Every day when I go to my job, I feel safe," Eyad shared. "Knowing that, even if something were to happen to me that would stop me from working, I know my family is protected through the programme." This added layer of security is not just a financial boost for Eyad and his family but also a key factor in strengthening his employment stability, showcasing how Estidama++ is improving lives and supporting vulnerable workers. Creating opportunities amid challenges Eyad is among eight thousand workers who have enrolled in social security in Jordan, thanks to the Estidama++ programme. This crucial support encourages small businesses to hire refugees like Eyad. His story is a testament to the resilience and the power of inclusive initiatives that foster economic and social stability for refugees in Jordan. *Contributed by ILO Jordan

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Press Release

11 September 2025

New child- and women-friendly protection facilities inaugurated in Zaatari and Azraq refugee camps

The Family Protection and Juvenile Department, in partnership with UNICEF and with generous support from the Government of Korea through the Embassy of Korea in Jordan, inaugurated new Child- and Woman-Friendly Facilities at the department’s branches in Za’atari and Azraq refugee camps. The initiative aims to strengthen protection services for vulnerable groups most at risk of violence, building on similar facilities previously launched at the department’s North Amman branch. The newly established facilities mark a significant step toward integrating national protection systems and reflects the strategic collaboration between the Public Security Directorate and UNICEF to enhance infrastructure and provide comprehensive services for children and women across Jordan.Key features of the new facilities include child- and woman-friendly interview rooms for survivors of violence, designed to ensure privacy, confidentiality, and psychological support. They also include a dedicated room for interviewing children in conflict with the law, a family dispute resolution room, a forensic medical clinic, and a fully equipped playground designed to provide a safe and supportive recreational environment for children.Brigadier General Ziad Al-Nsour, Director of the Family Protection and Juvenile Department, emphasized “This project is part of a strategic partnership with UNICEF, noting that these facilities will play a key role in improving the quality of services provided to children and women, as well as strengthening protection mechanisms to ensure a more humane and effective environment”.Shairose Mawji, UNICEF Officer in Charge, stated: "These new facilities represent a vital step forward in our shared mission to protect children and women from violence and ensure their access to safe, dignified, and supportive services. UNICEF is proud to work alongside the Family Protection and Juvenile Department and the Government of Korea to strengthen national systems and create environments where every child can thrive."Kim Pil-woo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Jordan, added, "Korea's contribution to the Child Protection Program is a clear expression of our continued commitment to humanitarian solidarity and human dignity. It also reflects our deep solidarity with Jordan, which has generously welcomed and hosted more than one million Syrians." He called for continued joint efforts to build a safer and more just future for children, women, and families, and reaffirmed that Korea will remain a steadfast partner in this vital journey.The ceremony concluded with a guided tour of the new facilities, underscoring the joint commitment to enhancing child and women protection systems and building a safer, more resilient society.

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Press Release

10 September 2025

EU funding supports UNHCR and WFP refugee programmes in Jordan

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the World Food Programme (WFP) welcome EUR 22,850,000 of new funding from the European Union to support refugee programmes in Jordan. The contribution will help address the immediate needs of the most vulnerable refugees and their host communities, while also supporting efforts to strengthen the self-reliance of those with the potential to engage in work, wherever opportunities may arise.The funding will help maintain a social safety net for refugees who are unable to work due to age, disability, severe medical conditions, or other factors. For those with the potential to work, it will contribute to promoting self-reliance by leveraging and fostering skills and, where possible, connecting to livelihood opportunities through coordinated efforts with partners. This approach addresses both immediate humanitarian needs and helps those who are ready to take steps toward rebuilding their livelihoods.“We deeply appreciate the generous support of the European Union, especially during this challenging time when UNHCR and other partners in the refugee response are facing funding cuts limiting our capacity to assist refugees. This project will help to address the most immediate needs of different refugee groups and support the resilience of Jordan as a refugee host,” said Maria Stavropoulou, UNHCR Representative to Jordan.“We are grateful to the European Union for its partnership and support,” said WFP Representative and Country Director in Jordan, Antonella D’Aprile. “While WFP’s core cash assistance to refugees continues under significant funding constraints, this contribution of EUR 2.13 million will support complementary efforts to foster refugees' skills and employability, as limited access to livelihoods and income remains a key driver of food insecurity.”For his part, European Union Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, said: “The European Union remains a steadfast partner in responding to the refugee needs in Jordan, which has played a pivotal role in providing protection and stability to thousands of refugees forced to flee their homes. Over the next 18 months, nearly 200,000 people, representing 44,500 households, will receive vital assistance through the UNHCR. With this new project, we reaffirm our long-standing partnership with Jordan in supporting both refugees and host communities.”The project will help UNHCR to maintain its basic needs assistance, which serves as a lifeline for the most vulnerable refugees. Thanks to the support from the EU and other donors, UNHCR will be able to provide survival funds to around 200,000 refugees in communities and camps.

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Press Release

10 September 2025

Ireland contributes €1 Million to support UNICEF’s programmes in Jordan

The Government of Ireland, through Irish Aid, has announced a contribution of €1,000,000 to UNICEF to support its humanitarian action plan for children in Jordan. The funding will help address the urgent needs of vulnerable children and families, in line with the Jordan Humanitarian Response Plan.This latest contribution reflects Ireland’s continued commitment to supporting the rights and well-being of children. This flexible funding from Ireland enables UNICEF to direct resources where they’re needed most, ensuring timely and effective response to emerging needs. With this support, UNICEF will be able to provide critical interventions in multiple sectors as required, to ensure that the most vulnerable children and families receive the assistance they need."We are grateful to the Government of Ireland for our continued partnership and their generous support," said Shairose Mawji, Officer in Charge, UNICEF Jordan. "This contribution comes at a critical time, enabling UNICEF to continue supporting the provision of essential services to vulnerable children and their families."“Ireland continues to recognize the positive role which Jordan has consistently played in responding to the Syria crisis, particularly through its enormous generosity in hosting Syrian refugees.” Said Marianne Bolger, Ambassador of Ireland to Jordan. “Over many years and, in particular, the past nine months, we have all been inspired by the resilience of the Syrian people as they strive for a peaceful and inclusive future for their country.”“Ireland will continue to play its part in supporting this transition, including through maintaining the level of our funding for the Syria crisis in 2025 at over €21 million. As part of this support, I am very pleased that we have been able to continue our partnership with UNICEF Jordan in 2025 with this new grant of €1 million. Today’s announcement comes in addition to Ireland’s recent funding commitment of €7.7 million in core support to UNICEF’s work globally”. She added.

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Press Release

03 September 2025

Smart investments and smarter water use in Jordan

Facing growing water scarcity, Jordan is piloting a new approach to make every drop count in agriculture by combining satellite data with farm-level economic analysis. The initiative links water productivity from space with on-the-ground data to provide practical evidence for smarter investment, stronger policies, and greater climate resilience. Traditional irrigation models often rely on assumptions that overlook real-world variation. Remote sensing offers a cost-effective alternative, showing precisely where water is used and how it generates value on the ground.This approach is the focus of a new study by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which was launched at a workshop in Amman this week, bringing together government agencies, research institutions, farmers, and private sector representatives.Water scarcity remains one of the region’s most pressing challenges,” said Erifyli Nomikou, Value Chain Competitiveness Associate at EBRD. “By supporting the private sector, EBRD helps channel investments and innovative solutions that enable farmers to boost productivity, access markets, and build resilience – while promoting more sustainable water use.”Participants at the workshop included the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Water and Irrigation, Jordan Valley Authority, National Agricultural Research Center, University of Jordan, Department of Statistics, farmer unions, water user associations, digital service startups, market outlets, and a pioneering citrus grower from the Jordan Valley.Citrus was chosen as a test case because, in high-value crops, factors like fruit quality, market access, and production costs can be as important as yields for farmers’ incomes. Irrigation and farming practices also affect both costs and efficiency. The study’s economic irrigation water productivity (EIWP) analysis captures this complexity.The study will apply FAO’s WaPOR tool, which tracks crop water use via satellite imagery updated every ten days at 20-metre resolution, and link it with on the ground data on farm management practices, yields, costs and prices. This will produce the first integrated assessment of both water productivity (crop output per unit of water) and water value (income per unit of water) in Jordan’s citrus sector.In his opening speech, Mohamed Alhiary, Secretary General at the Ministry of Agriculture, said, “Improving irrigation efficiency in Jordan by just 10 percent could save over 50 million cubic meters of water annually, making a real difference for domestic and industrial needs. WaPOR allows us to measure evapotranspiration and compare it with production rates, providing accurate indicators of water use efficiency, and helping direct technical support to areas and periods where crops experience stress or low productivity.”Preliminary analysis has revealed wide differences across farms, driven by irrigation efficiency, tree density, fruit quality and market access. Linking agronomic and economic data showed which practices and policies generate the greatest returns.“By linking WaPOR with economic analysis, we can see not only where water is used efficiently, but where it creates the most value,” said Nabil Assaf, FAO Representative in Jordan. “This is vital for farmers seeking profitability and for governments shaping evidence-based policy.”[EL1] International experiences also informed the workshop, with lessons from Morocco and from the West Bank. Findings from a study on improving the economic water productivity of date palms in the West Bank were shared, showing how better farm and irrigation practices, enhanced fruit grading, and stronger farmer–buyer links can reduce water use while increasing incomes.“This integrated approach is a first for Jordan. We can now pinpoint where water investments bring the greatest returns,” said Prof. Jawad Al-Bakri, University of Jordan.Practical information to guide policy uptake is central. The Ministry of Water and Irrigation, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Jordan Valley Authority will review how findings can guide water allocation, pricing and farmer support programmesNext steps include collecting field and market data, refining methodologies, and partnering with national stakeholders to sustain and expand water productivity and investment analyses. By combining innovative technology, investment insights, and collaborative policy dialogue, the initiative advances Jordan’s urgent goal: producing more and better food with less water, while boosting farm incomes. [EL1]Suggested quotation for review please

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