UNDP and Global Affairs Canada transform waste management into opportunities

The Canadian Ambassador to Jordan joined UNDP and government partners on a field visit to the “Mitigating Climate Change through Solid Waste Management in Southern Jordan” project, highlighting efforts to mitigate climate change through solid waste management and green economy initiatives.

This initiative, which is funded by Global Affairs Canada, is transforming how waste is managed in Jordan while also creating green jobs and new business opportunities for communities. Since its inception in 2022, the project has supported 86,970 people, including residents and tourists. Additionally, through it a state-of-the-art 15 Ton/day Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) spanning 2,000m² was established and rehabilitated the Shoubak transfer station, improving waste efficiency for four municipalities in Southern Jordan. It is estimated that the project has facilitated 130 job opportunities, training 50 women and 50 youth in waste management, entrepreneurship, and circular economy skills, culminating in four new women-led green businesses in the area. 

In welcoming the Canadian Ambassador, HE Tarik Khan, to the field visit, the Resident Representative of UNDP Jordan, Randa Aboul-Hosn highlighted that as a key partner, Global Affairs Canada is helping UNDP Jordan in strengthening the resilience of critical regions by unlocking Jordan’s potential to stimulate private sector-led innovation and advancing nature-based solutions, which remain at the heart of climate action for a sustainable future. 

During the visit, the Canadian Ambassador to Jordan and UNDP representatives toured the Shoubak MRF and Transfer Station, which demonstrates advanced waste recovery and recycling efforts. The visit also included the Al Anbat Women Association, showcasing hydroponic farming as a sustainable livelihood and the Al-Jawhara CBO, featuring women-led circular economy initiatives such as wool waste recycling.

For his part Canadian Ambassador to Jordan stressed that Canada is proud to support UNDP and the Government of Jordan by strengthening waste management systems and creating economic opportunities in Ma’an Governorate. He went on say: “We support innovative solutions for the environmental and economic challenges in Jordan.”

Through partnerships with Global Affairs Canada and local communities, UNDP continues to drive effective, inclusive, and accountable governance, which is pivotal for addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation and ensuring an equitable energy transition across key sectors. Strategic initiatives in solid waste management create ecosystems conducive to private sector investment, innovation, job creation, and the development of resilient local supply chains.