Reclaiming the Future: Women, Peace, and Justice in the Arab World
ARDD Launches Campaign Marking the 25th Anniversary of UNSCR 1325 and the 16 Days of Activism: Reaffirming Women’s Leadership in Peace, Justice, and Dialogue Amman — 6th October 2025 — The Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) marks the anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security during the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence with a renewed call to action: to uphold the rights, leadership, and voices of Arab women in building peace and advancing justice across the region. Adopted twenty-five years ago, Resolution 1325 remains one of the most visionary commitments of the international community — recognizing that peace cannot be achieved or sustained without women’s participation. Yet today, as wars and displacement continue to devastate communities, the region faces another challenge: the normalization of militarization as trade. ARDD warns against turning conflict into a marketplace — where the exchange of weapons replaces the exchange of ideas, and where militarization undermines the very foundations of peace. The organization calls on all stakeholders to end militarization as a trade practice, and to open genuine channels of dialogue, reconciliation, and cooperation that prioritize human dignity over political or economic gain. To commemorate this milestone and in alignment with the 16 Days of Activism, ARDD is launching the regional campaign “Reclaiming the Future: Women, Peace, and Justice in the Arab World.” This campaign highlights the struggles and achievements of women in conflict and post-conflict contexts, reaffirming ARDD’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that women lead the conversations on peace, justice, and recovery. “UNSCR 1325 is not just a resolution; it is a moral compass reminding us that no nation can build peace through militarization or exclusion,” said Samar Muhareb, ARDD’s Chief Executive Director. “We call on the world to stand with Arab women — from Gaza to Sudan, Syria, and Yemen — who continue to hold the line for peace, justice, and humanity. Their courage lights the path toward a region built on dialogue, solidarity, and shared security.” She added, “We must also invest in women’s economic, political, and social empowerment as an integral part of regional stability — because women’s leadership is not only a moral imperative, but a strategic necessity for a just and sustainable peace.” Campaign Goals Through this campaign, ARDD calls on governments, international partners, and civil society to: Strengthen women’s meaningful participation and leadership in peace negotiations, transitional justice, and reconstruction processes; End the militarization of economies and prioritize dialogue, diplomacy, and social investment; Ensure accountability for violations against women and girls in conflict zones; and Invest in women’s economic, political, and civic empowerment as a foundation for sustainable peace. ARDD’s campaign is both a celebration and a call to action — a reminder that peace is not born from power but from participation, and that the future of the region depends on dismantling systems of violence and restoring spaces for women’s voices to shape a just and lasting peace. Campaign Highlights and Events As part of the campaign, ARDD, through its programs and Renaissance Strategic Center, and in collaboration with its partners and networks, will organize and feature a diverse set of activities across research, dialogue, and advocacy, including: Seminar: “Redefining Peace and Liberation: Palestinian Women and Global Feminism” — 6 October 2025, presented by Dr. Mariam Abu Samra, Senior Researcher and Coordinator, Renaissance Strategic Center – ARDD. Dialogue Session: “Ordinary Choices, Extraordinary Impact: Women in Finance and Leadership” — 7 October 2025, held at ARDD Premises – Jabal Amman, featuring H.E. Kholoud Saqqaf, Former Minister of Investment, and Dr. Adli Kandah, Strategic Expert in Economics. Publishing a series of policy briefs and reports focusing on women’s and youth’s political and civic participation, leadership, and peacebuilding roles across the region as part or New Generation GenG, She Leads Project and others Event to launch ARDD_RSC Study on TFGBV in Jordan Legal Awareness Sessions, blogs, analysis articles, and various media products highlighting women’s agency in leadership, peacebuilding, and social transformation across different contexts in the Arab region. 25 Years of WPS: Local Women Leading Crisis Response and Social Cohesion Event and the launch of the Tawasol Project in November Various participation and representations in national and international events during the period of the campaign from 6th October till 10th December 2025. These initiatives aim to inspire solidarity, amplify women’s and youth voices, and foster a culture of inclusive dialogue and shared responsibility for peace and justice. Further events and activities will follow throughout the campaign period, continuing to shed light on women’s leadership in advancing peace, justice, and equality across the Arab region.
Euro-MENA Initiative: Europe Must Match Recognition of Palestine with Action
Recognition risks becoming a distraction if not acted upon. Symbolism cannot replace real measures, because a State on paper is meaningless while its people are being destroyed and its territory continually annexed. The Euro-MENA Initiative (ARDD Europe) warmly welcomes the growing number of European states that have taken the historic step of recognizing the State of Palestine. France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Andorra, Monaco, and Portugal have now joined Sweden, Ireland, Spain, Norway, and Slovenia in affirming Palestine’s statehood, alongside the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. With these recognitions, Europe is no longer a bystander: it is becoming a decisive arena in the struggle to translate recognition into justice, accountability, and self-determination for the Palestinian people In welcoming these steps, ARDD Europe also affirms that recognition must be a policy, not a posture: it carries concrete third-state obligations and must be paired with steps that protect civilians, end unlawful practices, contribute to justice and accountability, and uphold international law more generally. Yet here lies the central tension: Europe is moving, but the European Union as a whole is not. While a growing number of states recognize Palestine, others, including Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Hungary, continue to hold back, leaving the Union divided at a decisive moment. This hesitation reflects a broader pattern: the EU as an institution has too often been reactive rather than principled, responding to the genocidal assault on Gaza and the relentless expansion of settlements in the West Bank with late condemnations and short-term humanitarian appeals. Since October 2023, Gaza has been subjected to ethnic cleansing and destruction on a catastrophic scale. The ICJ’s provisional measures in South Africa v. Israel (26 January, 28 March, 24 May 2024) confirmed a plausible risk of genocide and imposed binding obligations on all states. The International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants (November 2024) reinforced the principle that accountability cannot be deferred. European publics, courts, and parliaments have pressed their governments to act. However, like recognition now, these steps will be meaningful only if they are elevated to the EU level, transforming isolated actions into a coherent European policy of justice and accountability. On settlements, despite clear legal rulings by the World’s highest court, the EU has delayed decisive measures. It has failed to adopt a coordinated arms embargo, to enforce a ban on settlement goods and investments, and to give full effect to the ICJ’s advisory opinion of 19 July 2024 and the acceptance thereof by the vast majority of the UN General Assembly in September 2024, which obliges states not to recognize or assist Israel’s unlawful annexation of Palestinian territory and its various other international wrongful acts. The EU has yet to ban settlement trade, suspend the EU–Israel Association Agreement, or halt arms and technology transfers that entrench annexation. This gap between recognition and responsibility undermines Europe’s credibility and weakens the force of its words. For Europe, and the European Union, recognition of Palestine at this moment of the worst genocide of the 21st century is a test of whether states are willing to act in defense of the principles they proclaim: the universality of human rights, the rule of law, and the rejection of impunity. If matched by policy, embargoes, sanctions, and other accountability measures, and genuine support for Palestinian governance, Europe can help shift the balance toward justice. If not, Europe’s role on the world stage made fade into oblivion. The Euro-MENA Initiative for Democracy and Development represents a forward-thinking strategic framework aimed at deepening understanding and fostering cooperation between Europe and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It addresses pressing regional and global challenges in the context of rapid societal and geopolitical transformations. Established in 2024 in Brussels, Belgium, by the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), the initiative aspires to build strategic partnerships that drive stability, prosperity, and sustainable development across these interconnected regions.
Unyielding Will: Syrian Refugee Camps’ Students Face Challenges with Success
“I used to study under small lamps when the electricity went out… determination was the strongest weapon for success.” With these words, Muhannad (a pseudonym) from Za’atari Camp summarizes his journey with the General Secondary Education Certificate Examination (Tawjihi), capturing in a single sentence the hope of hundreds of Syrian refugee students who have found in education a final refuge to hold on to the future. Amid these circumstances, hundreds of Syrian students continue their studies with remarkable perseverance. They still succeed in turning challenges into human stories that inspire others and remind us that education is the last window of hope in the face of protracted displacement. Success is achieved through education despite the realities of exile and the pressures of economic hardship. What stands out most about these successes is that each story carries within it a message of hope and resilience—affirming that education is not merely an academic pursuit, but a daily act of resistance against despair. As part of its mission to uphold the right to education as a cornerstone of development and social justice, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) continues to comprehensively monitor the education system in Jordan through the National Alliance for the Future of Education in Jordan (NAFE), which aims to enhance opportunities for quality and inclusive education. This aligns with ARDD’s own Education Strategy, launched to ensure access to quality education and provide lifelong learning opportunities for all as essential pillars for poverty reduction and sustainable social transformation. The organization has also worked to strengthen access to inclusive education through projects such as “Investing in the Future”, “Education for the Future”, and “Enhancing Learning to Improve Life Opportunities for Students in Jordan”, in addition to initiatives like “Empowering Each Other”, “Comprehensive Access of Children to Justice”, and “Our Right”. These initiatives targeted the most marginalized groups, including refugees and children with disabilities. Success Stories from the Camps Behind the percentages and statistics lie human stories filled with determination. Students from Azraq Camp, Za’atari, and Mrajeeb Al-Fhood did not stop at the daily difficulties, but transformed them into motivation for persistence and success. Sidra (a pseudonym) affirmed that the road was not easy. Many days she felt exhausted, but the psychological support from her family and teachers was the biggest motivator to continue. She explained that she did not succeed just for herself, but to prove that a girl in the camp can achieve her dreams no matter the circumstances. Reham (a pseudonym) said that the Tawjihi exam was not just an academic milestone for her, but the beginning of a longer journey. She wanted to serve her community and be part of change, especially for girls who think opportunities are out of reach”. She emphasized that success gave her greater confidence that education is the only way to break the cycle of challenges they face daily. Mahmoud (a pseudonym) reflected that success was not just a personal achievement, but a gift to his family who sacrificed so much for him. He wanted them to feel that all they endured was not in vain. Nizar (a pseudonym) described his persistence by saying he always told himself if I do not build my future myself, no one will. His success was not just personal joy, but a message to anyone who thinks camp life means the end of ambition. On the contrary, it is the beginning from which patience is learned and hope is created. Abdel Jabbar (a pseudonym) explained that he often faced fatigue and exhaustion, but the image of his family waiting for his success kept him going. Success, he said, is a proof that effort never goes to waste, and that a person can change their reality no matter how harsh. “I dream of completing my university studies and contributing to building a better future for my community”, he added. Maram (a pseudonym) used to repeat that circumstances will not determine her future. The path may be full of obstacles, but in every obstacle she sees a new opportunity to stand firm. Multi-Stakeholder Support In this regard, ARDD stresses the importance of strengthening educational and psychological programs inside the camps, providing accurate data in cooperation with the Ministry of Education to facilitate planning, and expanding university scholarship programs that open new horizons for successful students. It also calls for highlighting success stories in the media to inspire other students and promote a culture of determination—affirming that education is not just numbers in gradebooks, but a force capable of rebuilding hope and shaping change. Education: A Renewed Space of Hope The success stories of Tawjihi students in Syrian refugee camps are not just individual tales, but living testimony that education remains an investment in the future and a pillar of human dignity. These students, through their modest means and great determination, have proven that the camp is not the end of a dream, but may be the starting point toward a new hope—paving the way for return to their homeland to participate in its reconstruction, or opening opportunities for dignified living and positive contribution in any society they settle in. Even if success rates seem modest compared to normal conditions, in the camps they represent an extraordinary achievement. While students continue their journey with steady steps, the most important question remains: will the future be wide enough to embrace their ambitions, or will it remain suspended within the limits of the camp? These successes carry within them a message to the international community: investing in refugee education is not limited to building individual skills, but is an investment in long-term peace, development, and stability. Note *Mrajeeb Al-Fhood Camp, also known as the Emirati-Jordanian Camp, was officially closed as of July 1, 2025.
ARDD and Comenius Leadership Group Continue Exchange on Leadership in the Arab Region
On September 17, 2025, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy & Development (ARDD) hosted a seminar for the Comenius Leadership group from the Netherlands, held as part of the Comenius Course on Diversity of Leadership. This seminar built on previous exchanges and collaborations between ARDD and Comenius. The program featured a lecture by Dr. Mariam Abu Samra, Coordinator of the Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC), and a session led by Zina Darwish, Senior Program Development Officer at ARDD. Discussions with participants explored themes such as resilience, governance from decolonial perspectives, and women in leadership, offering space for mutual learning and reflection on leadership in the Arab region.
Season’s Market: Experts Highlight the Importance of Supporting Markets to Strengthen Livelihoods
Popular markets in Jordan are among the most vital economic and social spaces, connecting local communities while generating job opportunities and promoting economic empowerment for diverse groups, including refugees. In the face of mounting economic challenges, investing in and supporting these markets has become critical to advancing sustainable livelihoods and creating inclusive employment opportunities. Against this backdrop, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) organized a panel discussion on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Jara Market – Tajalla Association in Jabal Amman, as part of the Summer Bazaar and the wider Season’s Market initiatives. The discussion, held under the title “Popular Markets in Jordan: Toward a Sustainable Economic Model – Challenges and Opportunities”, brought together experts and researchers concerned with issues of the local economy and social development. The session, which explored the current state, challenges, and opportunities for developing popular markets, is part of an ongoing study by ARDD’s Renaissance Strategic Center. The study aims to strengthen these markets in Jordan and provide practical recommendations to support their role in creating inclusive and sustainable livelihoods for both Jordanians and refugees. The panel featured contributions from researcher and writer Dr. Kamal Mirza and journalist and researcher on poverty, development, and society Dr. Ahmad Abu Khalil, with researcher Khaled Jumaa from the Renaissance Strategic Center moderating the discussion. Dr. Mirza emphasized: “Popular markets are social and cultural spaces that reflect the identity of local communities, while also generating job opportunities and empowering marginalized groups. Supporting them should go beyond infrastructure to include legislation and policies that encourage innovation and sustainability.” Dr. Abu Khalil added: “Popular markets have a long history of social and cultural exchange. They are a mirror of people’s daily experiences and ways of life. Developing these markets requires a deep understanding of vendors’ needs and behaviors, and genuine dialogue between government, the private sector, and civil society to develop sustainable, practical solutions. This is essential to enabling markets to create real livelihood opportunities for local communities, including refugees, and integrate them into the local economy.” Participants in the discussion highlighted the need for a clear definition and criteria for popular markets, whether through official recognition or flexible, community-based frameworks. They stressed that these markets often emerge as grassroots initiatives responding to local needs and should be recognized not only as sources of income but also as cultural and heritage spaces that preserve community identity. The dialogue also underscored the importance of organizing markets through participatory approaches that engage all stakeholders—including the private sector—to ensure sustainability. Speakers emphasized that decision-making about popular markets must strike a balance between the vision of local communities and the perspectives of policymakers. They noted that planning and managing these markets is inherently complex, encompassing not only economic aspects but also social, developmental, security, and integrated urban planning dimensions. Alongside the discussion, the Summer Bazaar—organized under the project “Future Forward: Unlocking Sustainable Local Opportunities”, with support from the EU Regional Development and Protection Programme for Lebanon and Jordan—offered a vibrant platform for entrepreneurs to present their creative ideas to a diverse audience, including local communities, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations. The Bazaar showcased a wide variety of handmade products, ranging from artworks, accessories, clothing, and organic soap to homemade food. It celebrated the creativity of both Jordanians and refugees and featured entertainment activities for children of all ages. Vendors also gained valuable opportunities to network with associations, marketing platforms, and new clients, strengthening the sustainability of their businesses in the local market. The event drew a large audience, with participants who had undergone training to enhance their market access and networking skills expressing their appreciation for such initiatives. As one participant noted: “The Bazaar was a wonderful opportunity to showcase our products, build partnerships, and collaborate with new outlets such as antique and handicraft shops. It boosted our confidence and encouraged us to expand our projects.” Looking ahead, the Season’s Market will continue next winter with a new range bazaars. ARDD and the Jordan National NGO Forum (JONAF) reaffirmed the importance of exploring local livelihood opportunities, supporting startups in Jordan, and promoting sustainable economic initiatives.
What to Expect from the 80th United Nations General Assembly
By Maria Mariani As the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) opened on September 9 in New York City, world leaders are gathering amidst unprecedented challenges in peace, security, and global governance.[1] This year’s assembly is not merely a forum for diplomatic dialogue; it rather comes at a critical and fragile time for addressing urgent crises that threaten global stability and security, particularly in light of ongoing war on Gaza, rising geopolitical tensions, and dramatic financial cuts to the humanitarian aid, having drastic consequences for the world’s most vulnerable. The forthcoming UNGA has been anticipated by a significant point of controversy, emerged with the United States’ decision to withhold or revoke visas for Palestinian Authority and Palestinian Liberation Organization officials, preventing their attendance.[2] Despite that move, in a landmark vote on last Friday, 142 nations adopted the Saudi-French New York Declaration for an independent Palestinian statehood, giving new momentum to the two-state solution.[3] This vote, reflecting an unprecedented global consensus for international recognition of Palestine safeguards and Palestinian right to self-determination, now paves the way to the next UN conference on the two-state solution, co-chaired by Riyadh and Paris, on September 22, where a number of states including France, the UK, Canada, Belgium, and Australia have pledged to formally recognize the state of Palestine.[4] This is the latest step in growing international pressure on Israel to end its war on Gaza, which has killed more than 64,000 people, injured tens of thousands, and created famine conditions amid a worsening humanitarian catastrophe. This war serves also as a stark reminder of the UN’s foundational mission to promote peace and security worldwide, as outlined in its Charter[5] and in the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.[6] With the humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalating, the urgency for decisive action is undeniable and so far, the UN system has failed to provide realistic responses. The relentless attacks on the people, the recurrent violation of the international humanitarian law, the impunity in which occupying countries act casts a shadow over the future of multilateral institutions and the international legal framework designed to protect individuals and uphold justice. Compounding these challenges is the UN’s ongoing funding crisis, which has reached a critical point. The Trump administration has undertaken widespread cuts to foreign aid, including hundreds of millions to UN agencies and caps on further spending, which is a significant scale-back, as the US remains the largest funder of the UN, providing about $13bn in 2023.[7] Many member states struggle to fulfill their financial commitments, severely hindering the Organization’s capacity to respond effectively to crises. This situation not only undermines the UN’s operational effectiveness but also raises questions about its legitimacy as a global governing body. If the UN cannot secure adequate resources to fulfill its mandate, its role will continue to diminish. Moreover, the current funding model is increasingly perceived as inequitable, with calls for reform growing louder. More countries from the Global South, in particular India, Brazil, China, South Africa, are demanding a more substantial role in shaping the UN’s agenda and decision-making process. This call for greater representation is not simply a matter of equity; it is essential for effective governance in an era where power dynamics are globally shifting. The UN must adapt to reflect the diverse realities of a multipolar world, where different perspectives are crucial in addressing the complex challenges of peace and security. This push from the South is not an attack to the multilateral world or a call to dismantle the UN system, rather it is an opportunity to remake the system of global governance, to suit ends more precisely, and also to serve people more directly, since these countries represent most of the world’s population. Conclusively, as we are witnessing an alarming rise in violence and instability, spanning from the Arab region to Eastern Europe and beyond, it is imperative for world leaders to confront the pressing challenges of our time with urgency. The consequences of inaction are already proven to be dire, as the war on Gaza is highlightening how debilitating major-power division can be with millions of lives at stake. Therefore, during this UNGA, member states are once more urged to turn their pledges and commitments into tangible results. The success or failure of these efforts will be critical, not only in determining the future credibility, relevance and effectiveness of the UN, but also in reshaping the current multilateral system. If member states fail to act decisively and courageously, we risk a scenario where the world is governed by the strongest and most aggressive players, threatening international stability and security. Word leaders must then unite in a concerted effort, strongly affirming their responsibility to promoting and safeguarding the principles of humanity, solidarity, justice and peace, as they pledged to do when when they adopted the UN Charter. [1] https://www.un.org/en/high-level-week-2025 [2] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/29/us-denies-visas-for-palestinian-officials-ahead-of-un-assembly [3] https://www.arabnews.com/node/2615205/middle-east [4] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/9/illusions-stripped-away-what-to-know-about-the-80th-un-general-assembly [5] https://www.un.org/en/about-us/un-charter/full-text [6] https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights [7] https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jul/06/the-un-is-our-best-defence-against-a-third-world-war-as-trump-wields-the-axe-who-will-fight-to-save-it
ARDD Hosts Training on Global Diplomacy Strategies and Local Realities
As part of its ongoing partnership with Independent Diplomat, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) hosted a specialized training aimed at strengthening the diplomatic tools of organizations working in Jordan and linking global perspectives with local realities. The training brought together staff from Tahfeez Association and ARDD, the official partners of Independent Diplomat in Jordan, alongside representatives of diplomatic missions, civil society organizations, trainers, volunteers, and refugees. The Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands delivered opening remarks, adding valuable insights on diplomacy to the discussions. Focusing on the history of refugee rights in Jordan, the program combined theoretical sessions with practical workshops designed to build effective strategies for engaging decision-makers and amplifying the voices of local organizations in global policy arenas. The training also drew on Jordan’s extensive experience with UNHCR, providing a unique perspective on connecting international frameworks with national policies. Community leaders shared their reflections on the experience. Samia, representing the Sudanese community in Jordan, said: “The training gave me the opportunity to use my personal experience in shaping effective diplomatic messages and linking local issues to the international scene.” Mohammed, a leader from the Yemeni community, added: “I gained practical skills to engage with decision-makers. I now feel that our voices can truly influence policy.” This initiative is part of a series of trainings that will continue throughout the coming year, aimed at empowering organizations working on refugee and humanitarian issues to strengthen their advocacy tools, highlight shared challenges with host communities, and engage international audiences. By doing so, ARDD and its partners seek to advance justice and fairness in global policies on asylum and displacement.
The White Dress: From a Difficult Childhood to Leadership and Empowerment
By Sondos Saleh, participant in the She Leads program When I was in third grade, my mother surprised me with three dresses: pink, white, and lilac. She told me to pick one for my elementary school graduation ceremony. I still remember my messy hair that day, but I chose the white dress anyway. I imagined myself wearing it proudly once my hair was styled for the big celebration. But life had other plans. Financial hardship forced me to leave school before graduation. The white dress never made it out of the closet. For years, it hung there — a painful reminder of a dream cut short. I grew up thinking acceptance meant surrender, that what we lose in this life could only be restored in heaven. My sister Sally, however, never let go of hope. I used to pray that she would never carry the same sadness I did. Then came the miracle: Sally was awarded a scholarship, then we joined the She Leads program, implemented by the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD). I wasn’t eligible — I was only sixteen — but on my birthday, I received the news that I had been accepted. It felt like a divine gift. That was the beginning of a new understanding for me: acceptance is not giving up. It’s about living, creating, and finding your own way. Circumstances are not a wall, but a force that can push you forward. With this mindset, I joined a six-month media training, and my journey truly began. Fear didn’t disappear overnight. It tried to pull me back into the “dark circle” I knew so well. But then another chance with She Leads came along. I hesitated until my mother reminded me: “Time passes quickly — don’t waste the opportunity.” Her words gave me the courage to keep going. In the program, Sally and I began addressing issues we saw every day: domestic violence, girls being denied education. In one session, we shared a symbolic image — a matchstick lighting a candle. They are different, yet they complete each other. Our message was simple but powerful: “We need one another to shine.” Step by step, I gained the tools to understand rights, politics, and advocacy. My team even won first place in an international competition on women’s empowerment in the labor market, competing with peers from Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt. Today, I am no longer just a statistic. I am an activist, a defender of girls’ and disability rights, and a UNICEF global ambassador. Yes, I have a physical disability. Yes, I use a wheelchair. But it doesn’t confine me — it gives me wings. As I often say: “It made me fly while sitting.” I even co-authored a regional policy brief on online violence against girls, and I traveled by plane for the first time in my life — to Lebanon. None of this would have been possible without my mother. She dedicated everything to us, hiding her exhaustion behind a smile, putting her own dreams aside. “Mama forgot herself for our sake,” I often say. “Our success is the fruit of her sacrifices.” After three years of challenges, Sally and I opened our own photography studio. We turned our knowledge into deeper understanding. Because knowledge alone isn’t enough — you need to truly make sense of it. That’s why I wrote a booklet on early marriage and girls’ right to education, titled Understanding Knowledge, to share the spirit of She Leads with the world. And what about the white dress? It finally came off the hanger. But this time, I didn’t wear it as a little girl at graduation. I wore it as a leader, an advocate, and a woman who transformed her story. The white dress no longer symbolizes a lost dream — it is now the dress of empowerment. And I must say: it has never looked more beautiful.
ARDD Holds Dialogue Session on the New National E-Invoicing System
In line with the global shift toward digital transformation, the Jordanian government launched the National E-Invoicing System, which became mandatory in April 2025. The system, officially issued in 2022 under tax legislation, aims to digitize invoices to ensure accurate documentation of transactions, improve tax collection, and curb tax evasion. It represents a key step toward a sustainable digital economy, requiring close cooperation between the government and all sectors for successful implementation. In this context, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) held a dialogue session on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, as part of the New Generation project, focusing on the new National E-Invoicing System. The session brought together associations from the Coordination of Youth Institutions and the Jordan National NGO Forum (JONAF) to shed light on the system’s mechanisms and respond to questions from civil society organizations regarding its application. The session featured remarks by Ayman Khawaldeh, Director of the Invoicing Directorate at the Income and Sales Tax Department, with the discussion moderated by Rami Quwaider, Legal Advisor at ARDD. Khawaldeh outlined the main features of the system, emphasizing its flexibility, which enables taxpayers to join easily and without additional costs. He highlighted that the system helps speed up tax procedures, facilitates access to tax clearance certificates, and enhances transparency and trust between taxpayers and the authority. He explained that invoices are issued and stored electronically within a regulated system that meets invoicing and monitoring requirements, noting that registration is available through the department’s website using the taxpayer’s tax number and password. Khawaldeh stressed that the invoicing system is no longer just a digital platform, but a reform tool that reshapes the relationship between the state and citizens on the basis of transparency, accountability, and tax justice. The Income and Sales Tax Department first launched the system in late 2022, marking the start of companies joining the national invoicing network. Earlier this year, the legislative framework for the second phase was adopted, expanding application to local purchases of taxable goods and services through official invoices. Participants underscored the importance of regular evaluation to address potential loopholes, broadening the system to include more sectors, and ensuring it is supported by a balanced legislative framework that imposes penalties on violators without burdening compliant taxpayers. They also emphasized the importance of law enforcement in strengthening trust and transparency, and called for continued efforts to raise awareness of the invoicing system, particularly in the governorates and among nonprofit organizations, including civil society groups. The New Generation project seeks to strengthen partnerships between youth civil society organizations and encourage collective youth action through creative approaches that amplify young people’s voices and enhance their participation in the public sphere.
ARDD holds a Digital Symposium on Participatory Governance in the Arab Region
The Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC), as part of the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), facilitated an engaging virtual discussion titled “Reimagining Participatory Governance in the Arab Region: Local Practices and Comparative Lessons from Karenni State.” The webinar aimed at advancing a new understanding of governance in the complex, challenging context of the Arab world, where prolonged conflicts, fragile institutions, and declining public trust have highlighted the limits of top-down approaches to civic engagement. In response, localized and participatory approaches—emphasizing civic trust, inclusion of youth and women, and proximity networks linking state and society—are increasingly viewed as essential to rebuilding legitimacy and resilience across the region. Against this backdrop, the case of Karenni State in Myanmar offered a powerful comparative lens: its locally driven governance structures, emerging amid conflict and institutional collapse, provide valuable lessons on decentralization, accountability, and community-based legitimacy that resonate with Arab contexts of fragmentation and transition. The RSC convened four esteemed panelists to reflect on these themes across two sessions, connecting regional governance debates with global comparative insights.The RSC brought four esteemed panelists together to discuss local governance frameworks within their country specialty across two sessions. The speakers for Session I, titled “Governance from Below in Conflict-Affected Settings – the Karenni State Experience,” included Khun Bedu, Vice-Chairperson of the Karenni State Interim Executive Council, and Khaldoon Bakahail, Senior Strategic Advisory at the Geneva Center for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) and former Yemeni Deputy Minister for Internal Administration. The speakers for Session II, titled “Conceptualizing Governance in the Arab Region – Challenges, Alternatives, and Emerging Models,” included Mohanad Adnan, Executive Director of Roya Development Group Iraq, and Deema Abu Thiab, Head of Country Programme: UN Habitat Jordan. Session I: Facilitated by Charles Petrie, ARDD Senior Advisor and former UN Assistant Secretary General, commenced the webinar by establishing its key themes. A starting premise is that when strong, central, many times oppressive, regimes collapse, the spaces vacated allow local governance structures to emerge. Attempting to try to reestablish a central authority – very much a Westphalian approach to governance – becomes almost impossible in the short to medium term. The examples of Somalia, Central African Republic, Libya, Yemen and Myanmar being among the demonstrations of this reality. There is thus a need to acknowledge the existence of these local governance structures and understand the contribution they can make in re-establishing a functioning State. Khun Bedu presented his unique experience in Karenni and their bottom-up federalism framework which prioritizes institution building, decentralizing power to local administrations, and improving local trust through transparency and accountability of the administrative structures. Khaldoon Bakahail expanded and applied these notions to the context of Yemen, explaining how fragmentation, and the essence of conflict itself, has laid the groundwork for local stabilization initiatives, and advocacy toward a more representative and federalist structure. The session then opened the floor for audience participation. Issues that were raised included climate change, food insecurity, and the role of external assistance. To the query of the role of external assistance, Bedu outlined Karenni’s attempt to establish a regional multi-donor trust fund. Bakahail strongly advocated for the international community to not intervene in Yemeni’s political power-sharing negotiations. Instead, the focus should be turned towards reviving the federal framework that had been agreed to in the past and that could ensure some levels of stability. Bakahail went on to say that the question of climate change and food insecurity must be addressed with a holistic approach, involving civil society, youth, and women. Local mitigation strategies should be tailored to provide opportunities for climate action. Session II: Facilitated by Mariam Abu Samra, Coordinator at the RSC, expanded the concepts explored in the first session and focused on the governance experiences characterizing differing contexts across the Arab region. Of primary importance was engagement from the ground-up, with emphasis on the participation of youth, the disabled, and women in identifying opportunities. Mohanad Adnan articulated how Iraq, as a country that experienced decades of conflict, has witnessed a power struggle between its federal parliament and its local and provincial councils. The fear that the provincial councils were siphoning too much power from the federal parliament – a conflict of authority – led to the dissolution of provincial councils. Adnan emphasized the role protests played in getting the youth greater recognition from the government, something that women and the disabled have yet to achieve. Deema Abu Thiab brought the discussion to the local Jordanian context, where UN Habitat works to engage citizens in shaping policies that will allow for a better urban future. In connection with Adnan, Abu Thiab explained how creative initiatives, such as the Jabal Amman Neighbourhood Planning project with ARDD, aim to encourage youth participation and the promotion of community-driven planning. When opened to the wider discussion with viewers, Abu Thiab and Adnan both expressed the immediate need for climate action initiatives pertaining to flash flood prevention in Jordan and water treatment mechanisms in Iraq. This discussion brought experienced individuals from a range of contexts together to explore the significance and potential of local governance in addressing the challenges of the Arab region and the world as a whole. Such questions as youth and female participation, as well as the threat of climate change were raised. Contrary to conventional perception, it was argued that conflict can form the necessary foundation for the emergence of viable local governance structures. Accepting this reality and building strategies incorporating local governance can contribute to future stability in the face of a constantly changing world.