UNESCO and Italy deepen partnership to support education in Jordan

Italy has reaffirmed its strong support for Jordan’s education sector through an additional contribution of €1 million to UNESCO’s Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) for the System Strengthening Partnership with Jordan’s Ministry of Education.  This brings Italy’s total contribution to the MPTF to €1.8 million and brings the total value of the SSP workplan at 8.6 million USD. This contribution underscores Italy’s ongoing commitment to advancing educational reforms that focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and resilience in Jordan’s education system.

The ceremony, held at Jordan’s Ministry of Education, was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Education, the Embassy of Italy to Jordan, UNESCO, and other MPTF partners, including Canada, Norway and Switzerland. Italy’s contribution is pivotal in ensuring the continued success of the System Strengthening Partnership Programme, which is designed to support the Jordanian government in strengthening its education sector through improved planning, data management, crisis response, and the optimization of educational infrastructure.

In his remarks, Prof. Azmi Mahafzah, Minister of Education, expressed gratitude for the continued international support: “The System Strengthening Partnership Programme aims to improve the educational environment that the Ministry seeks, as part of its plans, to achieve educational levels that emulate international experiences. We appreciate the role of the partners in providing additional support to the programme to achieve the vision of the Ministry of Education in providing an appropriate educational and learning environment for students."

Luciano Pezzotti, Ambassador of Italy to Jordan, highlighted Italy’s commitment to Jordan’s educational development: “Italy views education as a cornerstone of sustainable development and a vital element in the strong and enduring partnership between our two nations. This additional contribution to the UNESCO MPTF reflects our strategic commitment to supporting Jordan's long-term vision for an inclusive and resilient education system. 1 We are confident that by empowering the Ministry of Education through initiatives like the System Strengthening Partnership, we are investing in the future prosperity and stability of Jordan.”

Noha Bawazir, UNESCO Representative to Jordan, emphasized the importance of international collaboration: “Italy’s generous contribution today exemplifies the power of international solidarity in shaping the future of education. This contribution marks not just another milestone in our partnership, but a renewed commitment to strengthening the very foundation of Jordan's education system. Together, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient and inclusive education system in Jordan. UNESCO is proud to continue working alongside the Ministry of Education and our partners to support Jordan’s educational reforms.”

The additional €1 million contribution will support critical initiatives, including the development of Jordan’s new Education Sector Plan, which will guide educational reforms through 2030. These funds will also help optimize school infrastructure, integrate climate resilience into the education system, and assist in Jordan’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring quality education for all.

The partnership highlights the importance of collaboration and flexibility in addressing global challenges, ensuring that Jordan’s education system remains responsive, equitable, and future-ready.