Within the framework of the coordination efforts of the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) and to support and enhance cooperative work regarding the goals and vision of the Jordan National NGOs Forum (JONAF), ARDD held several focus group discussions with JONAF’s members in both Amman and Irbid and with various members online.
The focus group discussion titled “Towards a Futuristic Strategic Approach to Enhancing Capabilities and Stimulating Innovation.” held by JONAF, which was established in 2016 through an initiative by national and local CSOs and local associations, gathered input and suggestions for designing a comprehensive strategy to achieve sustainable progress over the next three years. The sessions also focused on enhancing JONAF’s capabilities and developing performance indicators to achieve its goals.
Over the course of the two-day sessions held on July 8-9, 2024, JONAF members recommended expanding membership based on specialization and sector. They also emphasized supporting projects aimed at improving the livelihoods of women and youth, as well as all refugees and local communities. Additionally, they called for strengthening JONAF members’ capacities in administration, finance, financial management, and networking, in addition to enhancing their capacities in promoting inclusive education and providing psychological support to vulnerable people in society.
JONAF’s members stressed the importance of focusing on the forum’s presence in all governorates, establishing activities there, and stimulating support for political, civil, and economic participation projects and their sustainability, while increasing the coalition’s participation in international and local coordination platforms, and strengthening the role of members in the areas of advocacy and mobilization.
JONAF’s efforts and work are being continuously evaluated, with a focus on highlighting consensus on its priorities. The outcomes of these efforts will enhance operational capabilities and develop new initiatives that serve the strategic goals of the coalition and its members, thereby strengthening its role in promoting development and democracy in Jordan.
These sessions come within “Localize to Sustain” project, funded by the European Regional Development and Protection Program (RDPP III) for Jordan and Lebanon, which is supported by Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the European Union, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.