Panel Discussion by ARDD: Amman is the Story of its People, Centered Around Active Youth
“Urban planning plays an important and pivotal role in preserving Jabal Amman’s distinctive urban heritage while addressing contemporary challenges such as population growth, urban improvement, traffic congestion, among others. Hence, it is imperative to pay attention to the importance of civic participation by the people of area, especially the youth, as part of this planning, so that they have a say in determining their needs in order to shape their future.” With these remarks, consultant at the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), Eng. Marah Al-Khayyat, presented the first panel discussion of the “Jabal Amman: Past, Present and Future” initiative, under the title: “Urban Planning”, which was held on Monday, October 28, 2024, where planning, heritage and urban development expert, Dr. Rami Al-Daher, and Eng. Dima Abu Diab, program coordinator at The United Nations Human Settlements Progrmme (UN-Habitat) and member of the Jabal Amman Committee (a committee launched by ARDD in partnership with multiple entities with diverse expertise to promote meaningful civic participation in the planning of Jabal Amman by developing a comprehensive and sustainable urban plan to revitalize the area). This panel discussion comes within the activities of the “Hope is a Picture that’s Worth a Thousand Words” project, sponsored by the Swiss Embassy in Jordan, which will represent the past, present and future of Jabal Amman through the eyes of young photographers, who will participate in panel discussions with field experts on the important issues that the project focuses on, namely : Urban planning, environmental concerns, tourism development, social and cultural fabric, and economic development. Meanwhile, the results of the competition and panel discussions will be translated into policies based on the visions of young people for their participation in the development of their societies in all aspects. During the speech he gave about Jabal Amman: “the neighborhood with its cosmopolitan nature and forgotten modernity”, Al-Daher described Amman as the city of “hats”, as it has set itself apart since its inception by opening its arms to people of all origins and beliefs, pointing out that Amman has set an example of brotherhood, coexistence, and social responsibility. In this context, Al-Daher called for highlighting the architectural identity of Amman as an authentic Arab city. Al-Daher pointed out that the studies conducted about Amman in the early nineteenth century were not of real interest in working to highlight the city’s landmarks. He also saw that schools, hospitals, political parties and old hotels were an important part of the modernization project of Amman, which is the largest and most densely populated city in the Kingdom. “The story of Amman is the story of its people,” he said, noting that it was schoolteachers, doctors and merchants who built Amma, stressing that the real danger to the Jabal Amman area lies in the lack of understanding of its historical heritage and social fabric, as well as the changes that are at odds with the cultural vibe of the area. The expert emphasized the need for young people to have an active role in the city by protecting its heritage, shaping the future of their communities, and developing initiatives aimed at preserving its identity, specifically at this stage in the Jabal Amman neighborhood, explaining in a related context that community participation in urban planning improves the quality of life. On the most prominent urban planning challenges for the city of Amman, Al-Daher explained that neglecting the participation of residents, monopolizing decision-making, in addition to the lack of work by regulatory and service bodies as an integrated team and the lack of funding are among the most important of these challenges, indicating that privatization has increased the obstacles faced by urban planning and its sustainability, in addition to the lack of involving multiple disciplines in urban planning, as it is usually limited to engineers and architects only, without considering other basic fields such as anthropology, geography, environmental sciences, and others. On community participation in the urban planning process, Abu Diab stressed the importance of listening to the voice of young people in identifying needs, stressing the right of the community to participate in urban planning processes and setting priorities for development as a human right, with the need to focus on the including of all segments of society in this context. Regarding UN-Habitat, Abu Diab pointed out that it works on the basis of the vision that community participation leads to a better urban future, as it supports the development of integrated, inclusive and sustainable cities and human settlements, capable of providing an adequate standard of living for children, youth, women and men, and that enjoy governance and resilience to shocks. For their part, the youth participants in the session stressed the need to raise awareness among students in schools, universities and institutes about the importance of heritage and civilization, in addition to the importance of building and producing societal and cultural knowledge among young people, and to have a broader outlook and horizon to bring about positive change in society, whether at the local or national level, which is a national responsibility of governments and civil society, while warning of the need to have initiatives to qualify young men and women to engage in civil work. According to the participants, there is a decline in the Arab world in terms of critical studies related to civilization, heritage and urban planning, noting that involving communities in the decision-making process related to urban planning empowers individuals to have a voice in decisions that affect their neighborhoods, streets and urban environments.
Policy Dialogue Focuses on Enhancing Climate-Resilient Social Integration of Syrian Refugees in Jordan – Amman, October 29, 2024
The policy dialogue “Policy Strategies for Enhancing Climate-Resilient Social Integration of Syrian Refugees in Jordan” is part of ARDD’s Migration, Displacement, and Statelessness Program and is supported by CGIAR’s MENA Regional Climate Security Hub. The collaboration reflects a commitment to advancing climate resilience and social cohesion through evidence-based policy and partnership. This dialogue aimed to address the need to shift from short-term humanitarian aid to strategies that promote long-term sustainability and resilience, focusing specifically on Syrian refugees in Jordan with the goal of bridging the gap in programming that supports host communities and refugees in jointly building climate-resilient livelihoods. It also explored how refugee contributions can strengthen the resilience of Jordan’s food, land, and water systems, with a particular emphasis on the inclusion and empowerment of women and youth as outlined in the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. Martina Jaskolski, a CGIAR climate, peace, and security policy scientist, highlighted research findings that advocate a shift from humanitarian aid to sustainable livelihoods for Syrian refugees. Interestingly, the CGIAR research initiative HER+ adds a gender lens to the discussion. Frans Schapendonk, climate security specialist at CGIAR gave a summary of a report conducted by CGIAR based on financial health in the agricultural sector and the inclusion of Syrian refugees. The dialogue tackled the complex challenges at the intersection of climate change, displacement, and peace and security. It aimed to develop strategies that enhance self-reliance among Syrian refugees, promote social inclusion, and build effective social protection systems in Jordan aiming to contribute to Jordan’s broader efforts to support both refugee and host communities in achieving sustainable development. The policy dialogue presented actionable recommendations based on data-driven analysis and attendees worked together to identify successful models and best practices for integrating climate resilience into social inclusion and safety net development. Moreover, the event aimed to strengthen collaboration among sub-national, national, and international stakeholders, fostering policy development and future interventions that enhance social and economic integration. The organizers call on policymakers, community leaders, international partners, and the private sector to adopt a collaborative and data-driven approach, in turn creating a more inclusive and resilient future for both refugees and host communities in Jordan. Mariam Abu Samra, Coordinator of the Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC) at ARDD and Senior Researcher within the “Migration, Displacement, and Statelessness” Program, stated that, although Jordan has made critical strides in supporting Syrian refugees’ access to work and basic services, formidable challenges persist. Legal, economic, and social barriers continue to constrain Syrian refugees’ ability to achieve self-sufficiency. Policy recommendations should focus on: Sustaining access to affordable work permits for Syrian refugees, Decoupling social security requirements from work permits to increase accessibility, Expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) options to improve employment prospects, Enhancing legal aid services to support refugees’ rights and protections. Localization The discussion following the organizers’ presentations highlighted several key points for enhancing the social integration and resilience of Syrian refugees in Jordan: – Cash-for-Work Initiatives: Emphasis was placed on cash-for-work programs to provide immediate income support while fostering community engagement. – Joint Loan Program Development: Participants discussed designing joint loan programs to empower refugees and host community members in starting small businesses and fostering economic self-reliance. – Group Networking and Peer Support: Implementing a group approach was suggested, including networking events where Syrians can act as trainers, sharing skills and experiences with peers. – Targeted Skill Assessments: The importance of conducting skill assessments in sectors with high demand was underscored to ensure that training aligns with market needs. – Digital Inclusion: Digital inclusion efforts were recognized as vital, with a focus on bridging the digital divide to enhance employment opportunities. – Hiring Quotas for Syrian Refugees: Discussions also considered introducing hiring quotas to encourage more inclusive labor market practices. – Local Policy and Adaptation Plans: Attendees emphasized the role of local policies and adaptation plans in ensuring that refugee integration strategies align with Jordan’s broader social and economic goals. To conclude, a coordinated effort between Jordanian authorities, NGOs, and the international community will be essential to support Syrian refugees in achieving dignified livelihoods, stability, and long-term social cohesion in Jordan’s society and economy.
النهضة العربية (أرض) والجمعيات المحلية في تحالف “جوناف”: معاً لتعزيز جهود المناصرة المجتمعية
في إطار تعزيز قدرات المناصرة لأعضاء التحالف الوطني الأردني للمنظمات غير الحكومية (جوناف)، وبما يمكنهم من تمثيل احتياجات المجتمع والاستجابة لها بفعالية أكبر، عقدت التحالف ومنظمة النهضة العربية للديمقراطية والتنمية (أرض) ورشة لتعزيز قدرات الجمعيات المحلية في التحالف بمجال المناصرة، وذلك يوم 26 أيلول/ سبتمبر 2024. وسعت الورشة التي تأتي ضمن إطار مشروع “نحو المستقبل: استكشاف فرص الاستدامة المحلية”، بتمويل من البرنامج الأوروبي الإقليمي للتنمية والحماية لدعم الأردن ولبنان، إلى دعم الدور الاستراتيجي لتحالف جوناف كمنصة للمناصرة لتنمية قدرات الجمعيات، وتعزيز التعاون والخبرات بين أعضائه، فضلاً عن تمكين منظمات المجتمع المدني الوطنية، حيث قام تحالف جوناف بالتعاون مع النهضة العربية (أرض) بعقد أكثر من ورشة متخصصة للجمعيات المحلية في هذا السياق. ولضمان تعزيز محلية قطاع سبل العيش في الأردن من خلال اتباع نهج متعدد الجوانب يركز على تعزيز قدرات المجتمع المدني المحلي، شارك في الورشة 9 جمعيات من أعضاء التحالف الذي تأسس عام 2016، وهي: “الأمل للتنمية الاجتماعية الخيرية النسائية، شركة درة المنال للتنمية والتدريب، تجمع لجان المرأة الوطني الأردني، رعاية الطفل الخيرية، خطوة أمل الخيرية، سيدات الرفيد الزراعية، سيدات قرى حوض الديسي، شركاء للأفضل، وجمعية الشابات المسيحية”. من ناحيتها، بينت مستشارة برامج المرأة والشباب في مركز النهضة الاستراتيجي في النهضة العربية (أرض)، د. سناء جلاصي، أن هذه الجهود المشتركة تهدف إلى تعزيز قدرة المجتمع المدني، كما تساهم في تلبية احتياجات المجتمع المحلي بفعالية، وتجعلها أكثر استعدادًا للاستجابة للتحديات وتحقيق أثر ملموس على مستوى المجتمعات التي تخدمها، إضافة إلى المشاركة في رسم السياسات لتحقيق تأثير مستدام في مجالات التنمية والتغيير الاجتماعي. بدورهم، أوصى المشاركون الأعضاء على ضرورة تعزيز المعرفة للمنظمات المحلية في مجالي المناصرة وبناء الاستراتيجيات، ودعم المبادرات التي تصب في تحسين سبل العيش للمجتمعات المحلية، لا سيما تلك التي تخدم النساء والأسر من مجتمعات اللجوء، وكذلك تشجيع المشاريع المدرة للدخل واستدامتها، وتشجيع المشاريع الصغيرة والمتوسطة من خلال تسهيلات خاصة في السنوات الخمس الأولى. فيما تأتي هذه التوصيات انسجاماً مع رؤية التحالف لتعزيز العمل الإنساني المحلي ومنح منظمات المجتمع المدني دوراً فاعلاً في رسم السياسات.
Ahead of the 25th Anniversary of UNSCR 1325: What’s next for the WPS Agenda in the Arab States?
As part of the WPS dialogues series, the Renaissance Strategic Center at ARDD and the Swedish Dialogue Institute for the Middle East and North Africa, co-hosted a webinar entitled: ”Towards the 25th Anniversary of UNSCR 1325: What’s Next for the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda in the Arab States?” on Thursday, October 24, 2024. The webinar, which falls in the WPS week, brought together more than 50 experts, policymakers, academics, civil society members, and the public, focusing on stakeholders involved in advancing WPS across the Arab region, was addressed by Suzanne El Houssari from the WPS Working Group for Arab States, Sanaa Qasmieh, Team Leader of Tamasok, Chemonics, and Dr. Salma Al-Nims, consultant in gender and social inclusion field, while the webinar was moderated by Dr. Eleonora Banfi, Director of the AL-Nahda Women’s Studies at RSC. The session discussed the efforts required to meet the unique needs of the Arab region, how to advance the WPS agenda, and prepare for a review of Security Council Resolution 1325 ahead of its 25th anniversary. For her part, El Houssari shared updates on the Women, Peace and Security Working Group for the Arab States, and outlined the key points for a White Paper to be submitted to the UN Security Council in 2025. As for Qasmieh, shared insights and recommendations from the recent WPS conference in Amman, and stressed the need to overcome regional obstacles to implementing the Security Council resolution. In turn, Dr. Al-Nims discussed ongoing progress for the WPS in the region, the challenges hindering the agenda’s implementation, and the government’s role in promoting the agenda in the Arab region. In conclusion, participants stressed the importance of donor cooperation with partner countries to support and protect civil society organizations, ensure safe spaces and equitable distribution of resources, and carry out legal reforms in countries to institutionalize national action plans for WPS as necessary to enhance accountability, implementation and commitment, as well as adapting the resolution framework to suit local contexts while maintaining universal principles.
ARDD Launches “Hope is a Picture that’s Worth a Thousand Words” project’s activities
As part of its efforts to enhance youth civic participation, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), launched on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, the activities of the “Hope is a Picture that’s Worth a Thousand Words” project, specifically the “Jabal Amman: Past, Present and Future” competition, which seeks to represent Jabal Amman’s past, present and future through young photographer’s eyes. According to the competition criteria, 25 young men and women, selected by a specialized committee, out of 63 applicants, will participate in dialogue sessions with field experts on issues of urban planning, environment, tourism, social and cultural fabric, and economy, under the guidance and direction of the Renaissance Strategic Center’s team in ARDD. Where the selected applicants will join five focus groups on these issues to produce a policy brief will shared with decisionmakers and stakeholders to enhance dialogue and contribute to sustainable development in the Jabal Amman area, in addition to share their photos in an exhibition. In turn, Nadine Khoury, Project Manager at ARDD, explained that this project, which supported by the Swiss Embassy in Jordan, would help young people create a larger space that allows them to participate through art in their communities. She emphasised the importance of this initiative in enhancing the skills of new generations, and highlighting the role of culture and arts in addressing societal issues in order to contribute to enhancing governance, sustainability and participation in identifying needs. For her part, Marah Khayat, consultant at ARDD, who will work with the youth throughout the project, explained that art is an influential tool in youth civic engagement on various social and cultural issues, and in raising awareness of rights. She stressed that forms of artistic expression, such as photography, murals, and public performances, allow young people to build deep connections with their communities, encourage dialogue within them, and promote social change within their communities.
Tawazon- Promoting the Voice and Leadership of Women Activity Launches the Arab Women Leadership Academy
The Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), as a part of the USAID- Tawazon – Promoting the Voice and Leadership of Women activity, launched the first training phase of the Arab Women Leadership Academy (AWLA) program to develop the leadership abilities of women in Jordan and enhance their role in their families and communities. Over a period of three years, AWLA will train 500 women from different backgrounds, age groups, and fields of expertise from all over the Kingdom. This first AWLA group includes 70 women from Irbid, Amman, Balqa, Aqaba and Ma’an governorates. The training program will take place over the period of 6 months and will support the women’s civic and political participation and their leadership in the public and private sectors and civil society. Tawazon Activity Chief of Party Roselle Agner said, “The Tawazon Activity aims to promote women’s voices and increase their impact by enforcing gender-sensitive legislative frameworks, encouraging behaviors and social norms that support women’s participation and removing barriers to implementing this participation, as well as developing their leadership competencies”. The program organizers stressed the need to prepare a new generation of women leaders capable of assuming leadership roles in their communities, by providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills, providing a safe environment for women, and integrating efforts between all sectors and institutions that support women’s access to leadership roles. AWLA is one of the most prominent leadership programs targeting ambitious women in Jordan through practical training methodologies, that enable them to develop their leadership competencies to amplify their voices and contribute to the formation of a more inclusive and empowering society.
Mental Health and the Challenges Facing Youth in Refugee Communities in Jordan
A Youth for Youth Dialogue Session held by RSC Interns
Marking World Mental Health Day, the Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC) hosted a youth-led dialogue session on 10th October 2024, with participants from the Iraqi, Palestinian, Yemeni, Syrian, and Sudanese refugee communities, focusing on the mental health challenges facing refugee youth in Jordan. This session, which focused on amplifying the voices of refugee youth, came after a youth for youth dialogue session held on August 6, 2024, addressing mental health challenges faced by young people in Jordan. Led by Brigid O’Connor and moderated by Zaynab Jebur, two RSC interns, the session brought together 20 participants, including refugee youth and mental health professionals from Caritas Jordan. Dr. Rasha Safadi, a protection officer, and Dr. Lana Sonbar, a mental health and protection officer, contributed their expertise alongside other practitioners. The following are the key issues discussed during the session: Overview of Mental Health in Refugee Communities in Jordan Brigid and Zaynab presented research conducted by the RSC internship program on mental health in refugee communities in Jordan, highlighting the unique challenges they face regarding mental health outcomes, services, and support. Jordan is home to over 730,000 refugees, making it the country with the second-largest refugee population per capita globally. Most refugees come from Syria, Palestine, Iraq, Sudan, Yemen, and Somalia, with each community facing different challenges depending on their legal status and access to services. The fact that Jordan is not a signatory to the Geneva Convention complicates this further. – Syrian Refugees: Over 643,000 Syrian refugees reside in Jordan, with nearly half (48%) being under the age of 15. This group faces significant mental health challenges, compounded by the trauma of displacement and the lack of long-term stability. – Iraqi Refugees: A study conducted in 2017 on 171 Iraqi refugees in Jordan revealed that over half of the sample suffered from high anxiety levels, and 42.8% reported high stress. These findings indicate ongoing mental health struggles linked to the traumatic experiences of conflict and displacement. – Palestinian Refugees: PTSD is less prevalent in Palestinian refugee communities compared to other groups, likely due to the higher number of second-generation refugees. However, teenagers in this community remain vulnerable to social isolation and limited educational opportunities, while women aged 15-40 are at higher risk of stress due to the pressures of early marriages and caring for children. – Sudanese and Yemeni Refugees: Jordan hosts nearly 5,000 Sudanese refugees, most of whom are classified as “non-border” refugees. These individuals face severe racial discrimination and are often viewed as visa overstayers rather than legitimate refugees. Similarly, 12,700 Yemeni refugees live in Jordan, many of whom enter the country on medical visas and overstay, leading the Jordanian government to view them as irregular migrants. As of 2018, only 41% of Yemeni refugees were registered with the UNHCR, further limiting their access to essential services, including mental health care. Understanding the Term “Mental Health” The session explored participants’ definitions of mental health, encouraging them to reflect on their experiences. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders and exists on a continuum that affects people differently. Participants’ definitions were insightful, providing an intimate understanding of their mental health experiences. For example, an Iraqi participant described mental health as “feeling comfortable with oneself,” reflecting his belief in the importance of self-acceptance for well-being. Determinants of Mental Health Participants identified social, economic, environmental, and sociopolitical factors as the primary determinants of mental health. – Generational Trauma: Some participants highlighted the impact of generational trauma stemming from their experiences in conflict zones. One participant shared: “I lived through two wars, and I still remember bombs going off around us in Syria when I was 11. These memories stay with me.” – Economic Instability: The lack of job opportunities and economic prospects in Jordan is another critical issue. One Palestinian participant remarked, “There are no job opportunities for us.” Economic challenges often exacerbate feelings of hopelessness, with some refugees contemplating dangerous migration routes in search of a better life. As one Syrian participant noted, “Many people try to cross from Libya to Europe or the US because they see no future in Syria or Jordan.” – Stigma: Stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant barrier to seeking care. One participant emotionally recounted how her family refused to support her attempts to seek psychological help due to cultural stigma. She said, “When my dad found out, he became angry and said I wasn’t allowed to go.” Coping Mechanisms and Self-Care Given the scarcity of mental health services and support structures, participants shared the coping mechanisms they use to manage their well-being. – Living in the Present: One participant explained, “I live each day in the present and try to keep a schedule to bring structure into my life.” – Self-Reliance: Many participants emphasized self-reliance, with one saying, “I help myself by myself.” Others mentioned turning to friends for emotional support or using self-reflection to process their feelings. – Education and Work: The role of education and employment was seen as vital for maintaining mental well-being. One participant shared how his involvement in various work projects gave him purpose, while others discussed participating in community programs, such as those offered by the Collateral Repair Project (CRP). Redefining the Term “Refugee” The session concluded with a powerful discussion about the term “refugee.” Participants expressed frustration with the negative connotations associated with the label. One participant stated, “People think of us as hopeless and dependent, but this is not true. We are human beings with our own lives, achievements, and aspirations.” Another participant added, “I’m not a refugee; I have a name, and I should not be reduced to refugee status.” Participants suggested replacing the term with هوية إنسانية (human identity) to better reflect their experiences and identities. Recommendations Raise awareness about mental health in refugee communities and encourage open discussions. Advocate for more accessible mental health services, particularly for underrepresented communities. Reform the language and provision of care, prioritizing refugee
RSC and GMI Sign MoU to Enhance Knowledge Sharing and Strengthen the Aid Sector
ARDD’s think tank, the Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC), and the Global Mentoring Initiative (GMI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster dialogue and improve governance structures in the international aid sector. The agreement, signed in September, focuses on facilitating dialogue among stakeholders, generating joint knowledge and evidence, and exploring solutions to enhance civic space internationally and nationally. It aligns with ARDD’s and RSC’s broader objectives under the Arab Transformation program framework, which emphasizes Civic Space, Civil Society, and Localization. GMI is a values-driven social enterprise dedicated to improving organizational practices, particularly in international cooperation and crisis contexts, offering practical solutions to support organizations in challenging environments. The partnership also aims to develop high-quality partnerships that address systemic challenges in the aid sector. The collaboration will enhance knowledge sharing by providing access to resources in English and Arabic, strengthening local and regional development efforts. To launch the partnership, RSC and GMI will host a webinar series titled “Collaborative Action for Collective Impact” throughout the year, bringing together experts and stakeholders to discuss collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the future of the aid sector, with a focus on governance structures and civic space enhancement.
High-Level Michigan Delegation visits ARDD to discuss international support for the Question of Palestinian
On October 1st, 2024, a distinguished delegation from the state of Michigan, USA, headed by His Excellency Mr. Abdullah Hammoud, Mayor of Dearborn, conducted a pivotal meeting at the headquarters of the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD). The visit aimed to fortify international support for the Palestinian cause amidst ongoing regional challenges, considering in particular the implications of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) crisis, for Jordan and Palestinians in the region. The meeting brought together representatives from Jordan’s most prominent civil society organizations committed to the Palestinian cause: Medical Aid for Palestinians (Map Jordan), the Arab Group for the Protection of Nature (APN), and Tawoon (The Welfare Association). These organizations, each with a long-standing history of advocacy and service, provided a detailed analysis of the situation on the ground, highlighting the impact of the Gaza conflict on Palestinian communities both regionally and globally. MAP provided critical insights into the health challenges facing Palestinian refugees, particularly in Jordan. The organization presented its ongoing work in providing medical services, addressing the acute healthcare needs of the displaced population, and tackling systemic barriers in accessing healthcare for vulnerable Palestinians. They emphasized the dire consequences of the current financial shortfall at UNRWA, which has severely hampered the provision of essential medical services. APN brought to the forefront the severe ecological and agricultural devastation caused by the wars on Gaza and current genocide, discussing its efforts to restore agricultural resilience in Palestinian territories and support food security initiatives. The organization underscored the need for urgent international attention to the environmental impact of the war, stressing the intersection of ecological destruction and human rights violations. Tawoon (The Welfare Association), a major player in regional humanitarian efforts, elaborated on its role in supporting education, economic development, and cultural preservation within Palestinian communities. They highlighted the importance of sustained international advocacy and the need for coordinated efforts to ensure the protection of Palestinians’ historical and political rights. ARDD, as the host of the meeting, presented its extensive work in advocating for the rights and dignity of Palestinian refugees particularly through the development of the Question of Palestine program at the Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC). The program provides a platform for critical reflection and a localized knowledge production on the most compelling socio-political and historical issues of the Palestinian question and the Palestinian refugee crisis. Within this framework the program supports access to legal aid for Palestinian refugees. During the meeting, the Michigan delegation, which represents the largest Arab-American community in the United States, expressed deep concern for the ongoing humanitarian and political crises impacting Palestinians. H.E. Mr. Abdullah Hammoud reaffirmed the delegation’s commitment to forging lasting partnerships between the Arab-American community in the United States and Jordanian organizations working on the Palestinian cause. He emphasized the importance of developing a nuanced understanding of the complexities on the ground in order to facilitate more effective advocacy within U.S. institutions. The delegation highlighted the importance of their visit in strengthening their knowledge of the condition of Palestinians and the impact of the Gaza war on the whole region with on-the-ground data, to better strategize and represent the interest and most pressing issues for the Arab Community in USA during the current election campaign. The discussions further explored avenues for future collaboration, focusing on creating stronger ties between these civil society organizations and international stakeholders. The potential for cooperation between MAP, APN, Tawoon, ARDD, and the Michigan delegation was seen as an important step in enhancing the reach of their efforts. This cooperation aims to raise awareness in the United States about the plight of Palestinians, while also supporting the work of local organizations in delivering much-needed services. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to establishing a framework for ongoing dialogue and cooperation, which will enable to advocating for the rights of Palestinians and their call for justice.
“Activating Localization towards Sustainable Impact”… JONAF Strategic Meeting
“Our journey started with one step, and we are still going forward on the journey of a thousand miles.” With these words, Dr. Sawsan Al-Majali, Consultant at Durrat Al-Manal Foundation for Development and Training (DMDT) and executive Board of the Jordan National NGO Forum (JONAF), summed up JONAF’s ongoing journey since 2016, during the strategic meeting held by the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) and JONAF, on Monday, September 23, 2024, entitled: “Activating Localization towards a sustainable impact”. According to Lena Halaseh, Project Manager at ARDD, the meeting, comes within the framework of the project “Towards the Future: Exploring Local Sustainability Opportunities”, funded by the European Regional Development and Protection Program to support Jordan and Lebanon. The project aims to develop a solid governance structure and standard operating procedures to institutionalize JONAF, and to strengthen the localization of Jordan’s livelihood sector through a multi-faceted approach focused on building the capacity of local civil society. In this context, Al-Majali said that “Since its inception in 2016, JONAF has played an active role in unifying the voice of civil society institutions, working with official institutions and authorities to contribute to the application of the localization of humanitarian work, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, activating the Women, Security and Peace, agenda and finding solutions to internal challenges such as coordination between institutions, institutional efficiency, building specialization, project sustainability, and advocacy, by communicating with policymakers to promote key issues related to humanitarian aid, development, and human rights.” Al-Majali then added that “The perception of civil society institutions that they are unable to provide the best and engage directly with the needs of society is a major challenge for these institutions, and this image must be changed,” stressing that the response to the Syrian refugee crisis and the concept of decentralization played a pivotal role in the emergence of the coalition. Al-Majali also pointed out that JONAF currently consists of about 50 organizations, covering the central, northern, and southern regions of Jordan, including a variety of civil society groups, community-based organizations, and founding partners. The development of membership criteria has ensured that each organization understands its roles and responsibilities within JONAF. Furthermore, the expansion of the coalition’s membership and organizational structure aimed to ensure its commitment to inclusiveness and sustainable community participation in promoting peace, security, and development in Jordan. Regarding JONAF’s future steps, Eng. Zainab AlKhalil, program manager at ARDD and coordinator of JONAF, explained that those are represented by “defining the shape of the Forum and the criteria for admission to membership, increasing the number of members, developing clear governance, strategy, and action plan for JONAF, continuing to set the objectives of the Forum and implementing them on the ground, as well as enhancing the active participation of all members and exchanging information among them, diagnosing priority strategic issues, as well as unifying the positions and discourse issued by members, and promoting the localization of humanitarian and development work, all the way to the representation of members before external strategic partners and international organizations. As for the results of the JONAF needs assessment, Dr. Sana Jelassi, Advisor for the Gender and Youth Empowerment Programs at ARDD’s Al Nahda Thought Center, pointed out that there is a need to design a comprehensive strategy that achieves sustainable progress over the next three years, and to discuss strengthening JONAF’s capabilities through dialogue on performance indicators, and developing it to achieve the Forum’s desired purpose. For her part, Iman Abu Qaoud, Networks Officer at ARDD, stressed the need to focus on JONAF’s presence in all governorates, holding its activities in them, and pushing to support and sustain political, civil, and economic participation projects, while increasing the Forum’s participation in international and local coordination platforms, as well as enhancing the role of members in the fields of advocacy and lobbying. Meanwhile, Executive Director of ARDD, Samar Muhareb, pointed out to the overall challenges facing civil society institutions, which are mainly problems within society itself, the gap between civil society and official bodies, as well as the multiplicity of legislation and government policies, in addition to the challenge of the relationship of these institutions with the funding bodies, and funding priorities in terms of the lack of project sustainability, stressing the importance of institutionalizing the work of civil society organizations and qualifying their workers, which in turn would reflect positively on society. Extensive discussions took place among JONAF members, during which they stressed “the role of JONAF in the emergency response plan for the COVID-19 pandemic by calling for providing assistance to the underprivileged groups, as well as supporting ARDD in their participation in the implementation of UN Resolution No. 1325 to address the humanitarian impact of the pandemic, as two emergency response plans were developed and implemented from the first week of the pandemic until 2021.” The members also said that “Local associations are best able to touch upon the needs of their communities and work professionally, especially with regard to the application of humanitarian standards, in addition to reaching beneficiaries such as the elderly and people with disabilities, as this was evident during plans to prepare and respond to seasonal or emergency aid or in crises”. The participants underscored the need to support local associations in all regions of the Kingdom, as well as promoting the sustainability of work between all institutions in a new strategic way, with the creation of a clear and continuous mechanism and agenda to achieve the objectives of JONAF, review its internal regulations, and re-institutionalize it over the next two years, taking into account the social and individual differences between workers in the organizations, in addition to preparing a research study to determine the training needs of workers in the local associations and organizations. The participants also went on to stress the importance of building specialization in the work of organizations, promoting the localization of humanitarian work to give civil society institutions a role in policy-making, and supporting the stability and resilience of local actors in civil society