National Dialogue Introduces the Tawasol Network: Advancing Local Crisis Response under WPS
The Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), in partnership with UN Women, convened a national dialogue on April 7, 2026, at the Landmark Amman Hotel, marking 25 years of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and providing a platform to reflect on local approaches to crisis response and social cohesion in Jordan. The dialogue brought together representatives of women- and youth-led civil society organizations from southern and selected central governorates, alongside government institutions, UN agencies, international organizations, and research actors. Discussions focused on connecting local experiences with national frameworks, while strengthening coordination and preparedness in inclusive and community-responsive ways. Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Nicolas Burniat, UN Women Country Representative, and Dr. Hanan Alkhrissat, Head of Tafila Women’s Charitable Association and representative of the Tawasol Network, who reflected on the continued relevance of the WPS agenda and the importance of supporting locally grounded initiatives. Burniat stated, “Women, youth, persons with disabilities, and local communities are indispensable to effective crisis management. Their close connection to communities, including in remote areas, and their deep understanding of local needs, resources, and priorities make their inclusion a matter of necessity, not representation. Their engagement is critical to support the work of official institutions and contribute to an integrated, inclusive crisis management system that ensures no one is left behind.” Dr. Hanan Alkhrissat described the event as both a launch and a call to action, reaffirming that women’s participation is vital for advancing peace, particularly in crisis contexts, in line with Jordan’s commitments under UNSCR 1325. She stressed that success should be measured by the ability to reach the most vulnerable and marginalized communities, as this is fundamental to justice. She also highlighted the Tawasol Network as a platform for sharing knowledge, experience, and capacity, while promoting partnerships that generate sustainable, long-term impact. The Tawasol Network was introduced by Eng. Zainab Alkhalil, Programs Manager at ARDD, outlined its role as a collaborative platform supporting women’s engagement in crisis prevention, preparedness, and response within Jordan’s WPS framework. Building on earlier work in southern Jordan, ARDD and UN Women Jordan expanded the initiative in 2025 to align with the implementation of the Second Jordanian National Action Plan for UNSCR 1325 (JONAP II). In its current phase, Tawasol seeks to strengthen coordination between local organizations and national processes while promoting more inclusive and locally informed crisis management approaches. The first panel discussion, moderated by H.E. Ms. Asia Yaghi, Member of the Jordanian Senate and representative of Al Nahda Women Network, focused on experiences from southern Jordan. Contributions were shared by Dr. Azzam AlShamayla of Al-Shehabiyya Charitable Association in Karak, Dr. Aida Khattab of the Women’s Committees for Ma’an Governorate and the Jordanian National Forum for Women, Ms. Abla Alhajaya of Al-Hessa Charitable Association in Tafila, Ms. Qutna Alhwetat of Women of the Villages in Al-Disi Association, and Ms. Eman AlHourani, Women, Peace and Security Programme Specialist at UN Women. Together, they reflected on how women-led organizations have contributed to crisis response and social cohesion in their communities. AlHourani emphasized: “The launch of this national dialogue marks a strategic step toward institutionalizing inclusive crisis management in Jordan, grounded in strong partnerships between government and civil society. Through our investment in strengthening local networks such as Tawasol, we are enabling women and community-based organizations to play a central role in building resilient and prepared communities.” Dr. Aida Khattab noted that crises extend beyond Southern Jordan, with Amman also facing unemployment, water scarcity, climate change, and growing pressures on communities. She praised the dedication of local leaders, stressing the need for greater recognition and resources to strengthen their impact. She also commended national organizations such as ARDD for supporting local leadership and called for a shift toward proactive crisis management. The second panel, moderated by H.E. Ms. Ruba Matarneh of the Jordanian National Forum for Women and representative of the Jordan National NGO Forum (JONAF), explored partnerships between civil society, government, and international actors. Participants included Ms. Buthaina AlAjlouny, Director of the Women’s Empowerment Directorate at the Ministry of Social Development; Ms. Huda Aeish from the Jordanian National Commission for Women; Mr. Abdulaziz Khalid Alzibn from the Ministry of Interior; Ms. Ebaa Hamed from the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; and Ms. Majd Suleiman from the International Rescue Committee. Discussions focused on enhancing coordination, strengthening institutional linkages, and supporting sustained engagement between stakeholders. AlAjlouny highlighted the Ministry’s support for implementing UNSCR 1325 through stronger legal protections, shelters, and leadership training for women in crisis management. She emphasized the vital role of civil society and charitable organizations as community partners, noting joint initiatives and grants that advance the WPS agenda. Looking ahead, she underscored the importance of partnerships and social networks in delivering sustainable impact through a new social cohesion project across Jordan. The dialogue also included a knowledge-sharing session led by Ms. Leen Masoud, Research Officer at ARDD’s Renaissance Strategic Center, who presented findings from a recent policy brief on social cohesion in southern Jordan. The session highlighted how community-based approaches contribute to resilience while identifying areas where further support and coordination are needed. Ms. Masoud noted: “Women-led CBOs are essential to strengthening social cohesion, but closing funding and capacity gaps, especially in South Jordan, is critical. Investing in these organizations and aligning policy with practice is key to building resilience and inclusive crisis response systems.” The event concluded with a discussion on next steps for the Tawasol Network, including its structure, sustainability, and role within broader WPS efforts in Jordan. Participants emphasized the importance of continued dialogue, inclusive participation, and sustained engagement across all levels. This dialogue is part of the “Tawasol – Strengthening Crisis Management” initiative, implemented by ARDD under the Women’s Access to Justice Program, in partnership with UN Women, and supported through the JONAP Pooled Fund.
Al-Nahda Youth Network Convenes Workshop on Crisis Management within Its Participatory Capacity Development Framework
As part of its ongoing efforts to support adaptive and locally grounded approaches to development, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), through its network, the Al-Nahda Youth Network, convened a focused online workshop on crisis management on April 8, 2026. The session brought together youth leaders and representatives of civil society organizations working in the youth development sector. It provided a space to reflect on practical responses to complex and evolving challenges, with particular attention to sustaining community-focused work under conditions of uncertainty. Discussions addressed elements of critical thinking, risk awareness, and adaptive planning. The workshop combined conceptual framing with practical application. Participants engaged in scenario-based exercises exploring different types of crises, including organizational disruptions and broader contextual shocks. The sessions introduced tools for risk mapping, stakeholder coordination, and decision-making under pressure, while also examining approaches to communication and continuity planning during emergencies. Facilitated by Mr. Bara’ Obaidat, a practitioner in leadership and management with experience across Jordan and the Gulf, the workshop adopted a participatory format that encouraged peer exchange and grounded reflection on real-world scenarios. As Miral Murad, Kidoze Times CEO, one of the participants stated, “The workshop reinforced that regardless of one’s professional background, there are always vital lessons to be uncovered in a crisis, especially as we navigate an increasingly unpredictable global landscape.” Obaidat also reaffirmed that “True resilience is not a reaction triggered during an emergency; it is a structural foundation built long before the crisis arrives. The rigor we apply today to planning, training, and simulation is precisely what translates into tomorrow’s protection for our communities and institutions.” The workshop was implemented as part of the Al-Nahda Youth Network’s participatory capacity development framework, one of the network’s core areas of engagement for the 2026–2027 cycle. Within this framework, the network, as one of ARDD’s platforms, works to strengthen the capacities of youth actors and civil society organizations through collaborative learning, structured dialogue, and practical skill-building. The Al-Nahda Youth Network aims to connect youth actors with civil society practitioners and institutions across the Arab region, with a growing emphasis on more coordinated and sustainable forms of engagement. This includes advancing partnerships, supporting knowledge exchange, and fostering approaches that link youth participation to tangible and local context-responsive outcomes.
ARDD Advocates for Refugee Rights and Localization Strategy at the 95th UNHCR Standing Committee
In the final week of March 2026, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) participated in the 95th UNHCR Standing Committee meeting. This high-level gathering served as a critical forum for addressing urgent humanitarian needs and provided a strategic platform to engage with diplomatic missions, international partners, and UNHCR officials dedicated to the protection of refugees and displaced persons. The discussion sadly remarked the ongoing challenges, especially those faced by the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where persistent instability, conflicts, and economic pressures have left 4.2 million refugees and 14.6 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) grappling with increasingly dire circumstances. Invited by Independent Diplomat (ID), as part of a collaborative initiative with the International Council for Voluntary Agencies (ICVA), ARDD’s participation underscored its impactful work in Jordan and affirmed its role as a leading civil society organization. The ARDD delegation highlighted its vital approach to refugee protection and support, by emphasizing legal protection, evidence-based research and advocacy carried out by its Legal Aid Department, further amplified through ARDD’s think tank hub, the Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC). The 95th UNHCR Standing Committee occurred at a pivotal juncture, shaped by heightened regional geopolitical tensions and a challenging financial landscape marked by significant funding shortfalls. It also followed a major leadership transition: Barham Salih assumed office as the 12th UN High Commissioner for Refugees on January 1, 2026. Under his new administration, UNHCR is navigating a strategic restructuring to improve operational efficiency and implement a “humanitarian reset” to modernize the agency’s operations amidst severe financial constraints. UNHCR is currently navigating a significant funding gap for 2026, with a 20% decrease from the previous year. This bleak reality has prompted a strategic restructuring focused on efficiency, private-sector partnerships, and a shift from direct aid delivery to supporting national systems and local actors. While UNHCR noted positive impetus following the December 2025 Global Refugee Forum, where ARDD was also participating, stakeholders cautioned that these gains remain fragile. Rising operational costs and the scale of ongoing displacement crises continue to place immense pressure on host nations, necessitating sustained and flexible international support. A central theme of the UNHCR plenary discussions was an ambitious global objective: the commitment to reverse the rising trend of forcibly displaced people, halving the number of them by 2035. Achieving this goal requires a huge, coordinated effort from all stakeholders, including international donors and host countries. In Geneva, ARDD framed its contributions around a steadfast commitment to advocating for the rights of all refugees without discrimination. Through bilateral meetings with UN agencies and diplomatic missions, facilitated by ID, ARDD emphasized the strategic necessity of supporting local organizations in implementing effective humanitarian responses. As a leader and member of several national and regional networks, ARDD advocated for a more inclusive humanitarian architecture that elevates the voices of local actors in shaping the policies that directly impact their communities. During the meetings, ARDD had the opportunity to explain how its initiatives are specifically tailored to the Jordan’s complex legal landscape, where refugees often face significant barriers to legal recognition. Through its Legal Aid Department, ARDD provides fundamental services, including: Pro Bono Representation & Protection: Ensuring the most vulnerable have access to justice; Civil Documentation Support: Securing vital records, such as birth and marriage certificates, that serve as the primary gateway to healthcare, education, and formal employment; Community Awareness & Policy Advocacy: Bridging the gap between grassroots needs and national policy-making to expand the “protection space” for civil society organizations. ARDD emphasized that legal aid is a fundamental protection tool. This positively resonated with a broad consensus among participants. Furthermore, stakeholders underscored the urgency of enhancing the operational environment and the protection space for those organizations working with and for refugees, recognizing them as the primary drivers of community-led, context-responsive solutions. In conclusion, ARDD remains committed to working alongside UNHCR and its partners, making sure that the 2035 objective of halving the number of forcibly displaced persons translates into tangible solutions and opportunities for both displaced populations and host communities throughout the MENA region. Central to this commitment is ARDD’s position in the localization agenda, which advocates for a fundamental shift in the humanitarian approach. By championing the unique role and agency of local actors, ARDD will continue to ensure that the new architecture of global humanitarian response is built upon the expertise, knowledge, resilience, and voices of the communities we serve.
Despite widening humanitarian funding gaps, JONAF and ARDD provide food vouchers to 480 families in Jordan during Ramadan
As humanitarian assistance programs for refugees across the region continue to decline, initiatives led by civil society organizations are becoming increasingly vital to ensure that support continues to reach the most vulnerable families. In this context, the Jordan National NGO Forum (JONAF), in coordination with the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), and with support from Secours Islamique France, implemented a humanitarian initiative to distribute 480 food vouchers, each valued at 50 Jordanian Dinars, to vulnerable Syrian refugee families and Jordanian households from host communities across several governorates in Jordan during the holy month of Ramadan. The distribution was carried out through local associations that are members of JONAF across multiple governorates, reflecting the growing importance of localization of humanitarian action and the critical role that civil society organizations play in reaching vulnerable families within their own communities. ARDD commended the important role played by JONAF’s member organizations that contributed transparently to implementing the distribution this year. These include Khawla Bint Al-Azwar Association in Zarqa, Abu Alanda Social Development Association in Amman, Al-Karam Association for Needy Families and Orphans in Mafraq, and Al-Rafid Women’s Agricultural Association in Irbid. The initiative was implemented in coordination between ARDD and relevant national institutions in Jordan, including the Jordanian Ministry of Social Development and the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization, helping ensure stronger coordination of humanitarian efforts and directing assistance to the families most in need. This initiative comes at a time when the humanitarian sector in Jordan is facing growing challenges due to declining international funding for the Syrian crisis response, forcing many assistance programs to scale back support for refugees in recent years. The World Food Programme has warned in recent reports that funding shortages have already resulted in reductions to food assistance for refugees in Jordan. Meanwhile, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR has noted that many of the most vulnerable refugee families have been affected by reductions in cash assistance programs, leaving significant numbers of refugees without direct support during 2025 and 2026. In light of these challenges, humanitarian initiatives led by local civil society organizations, in partnership with international actors, are playing an increasingly important role in helping bridge funding gaps and maintain support for the most affected communities. This project forms part of a long-standing humanitarian partnership between ARDD and Secours Islamique France that began in 2013. Through this collaboration, the two organizations have implemented seasonal relief programs supporting vulnerable refugees and host communities across Jordan. Over the years, the partnership has assisted thousands of families through food parcels and voucher distributions, alongside other seasonal initiatives such as Qurbani (Eid Al-Adha sacrifice) programs. ARDD emphasized that joint humanitarian initiatives are becoming increasingly essential amid the current funding challenges. The organization noted that partnerships between local and international actors are key to sustaining assistance for vulnerable families while strengthening community solidarity. Food vouchers remain an effective tool in humanitarian response, enabling beneficiary families to select their essential food needs with dignity and flexibility, while also supporting local markets and contributing to local economic resilience. During the holy month of Ramadan, such initiatives carry particular significance, helping families meet their basic food needs while reinforcing values of solidarity and social cohesion. In the face of growing humanitarian challenges, ARDD and its partners within JONAF continue working to ensure that assistance reaches the most vulnerable families across Jordan.
Accountability on Stage: A Talk with UN Special Rapporteur oPt
Nearly 1,000 Voices Gather in Amman for a Public Dialogue on International Law, Corporate Responsibility, and Palestine Anchoring Justice, Legal Evidence, Civic Mobilization, and the Future of Accountability Discussing the Stories Behind the Reports and the Book When the World Sleeps: Lived Experience and Collective Memory The Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC) at the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), convened “A Talk with Francesca Albanese,” United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967. Held as part of RSC’s Question of Palestine Program, the event brought together nearly 1,000 participants, including Their Royal Highnesses Princess Basma bint Talal, Princess Ghaida, and Princess Dina Mired, alongside parliamentarians, senators, former ministers, diplomats, academics, civil society leaders, youth representatives, and members of the international community. The dialogue featured international lawyer and Chief Editor of the Palestine Yearbook of International Law, Dr. Anis Kassim, and was moderated by Adv. Samar Muhareb, Executive Director of ARDD, presented by Adv. Mary Nazzal Batayneh, justice activist, barrister, and impact-driven entrepreneur. Opening the evening, Adv. Mary Nazzal Batayneh emphasized the importance of translating legal analysis into collective action and public engagement: “This evening is about understanding the moment we are living in, and how principled legal work can be transformed into meaningful action toward accountability.” Honoring Principled Leadership Moderating the dialogue, Adv. Samar Muhareb underscored that the gathering was also intended as recognition of principled leadership within international human rights work: “Tonight, we gather not only to listen, but to honor Francesca Albanese — a voice of courage and integrity whose work reminds us that international law must remain anchored in justice and human dignity.” Muhareb reaffirmed ARDD’s commitment to sustaining inclusive spaces where legal scholarship, policy dialogue, and civic engagement intersect. Shedding light on economic responsibility and contemporary conflict, Dr. Anis Kassim introduced Albanese’s latest report and reflected on the significance of her contribution to contemporary international legal discourse: “Francesca Albanese stands among the strongest contemporary defenders of dignity, peace, and justice. Her reports present rigorous legal analysis and documented facts that will remain essential to international accountability efforts.” He emphasized the critical role of independent legal documentation in informing judicial processes and preserving the historical record. Albanese’s report From Economy of Occupation to Economy of Genocide, examines the intersection between economic systems and situations of occupation and conflict, raising important discussions regarding corporate responsibility and international legal obligations. Albanese noted that modern conflicts increasingly operate through interconnected global economic and technological structures, shaping realities far beyond traditional political arenas. During her talk, Francesca Albanese reaffirmed the legal foundation of her UN mandate: “My role is to document and monitor violations of international law — no more and no less.” Addressing regional concerns surrounding Israeli expansionist political narratives, she cautioned against interpreting developments solely through territorial frameworks: “If we see this only as territorial expansion, we misunderstand it. It is a project of domination that does not necessarily require boots on the ground.” Her remarks situated the Palestinian question within broader transformations affecting governance, technology, and power relations within the contemporary international system. The evening also marked the Jordan presentation of Albanese’s book When the World Sleeps, written alongside her UN reporting work. Moving beyond technical legal discourse, the book presents Palestine through encounters with individuals whose lived experiences illuminate the human realities behind legal terminology. Reflecting on the book’s purpose, Albanese explained: “I wanted to tell how I came to understand Palestine, not only through law, but through people and their stories.” Now translated into eighteen languages, the publication reflects growing international engagement with accessible approaches linking international law, lived experience, and collective memory. The event concluded with a public book signing attended by participants from diplomatic, academic, and civil society communities. At the conclusion of the discussion, H.R.H. Princess Basma bint Talal expressed appreciation to Ms. Albanese for her steadfast dedication to advancing international legal accountability and for amplifying principled voices working toward justice and human dignity. ARDD also extends its sincere appreciation to the Government of Jordan for its continued support in enabling constructive dialogue and facilitating spaces that bring together international expertise, civil society, and public engagement around issues of regional and global importance. ARDD further extends its gratitude to the Landmark Hotel Amman, partners, and participants whose contributions enabled a meaningful and widely attended exchange.
Breaking Barriers: 300 Men and Boys Engage to Support Women’s Leadership in Jordan
In many communities across Jordan, social norms continue to influence perceptions of leadership and decision-making roles. “Empowering Each Other – Phase 8,” implemented by ARDD in partnership with UN Women, aimed to address these dynamics by engaging men and boys in structured dialogue on women’s leadership and gender roles. Between November 2025 and January 2026, ARDD conducted 11 two-day dialogue sessions at UN Women OASIS centers across Jordan. The sessions focused on examining the social and household-level factors shaping women’s participation in leadership and decision-making, emphasizing the role of men and boys in influencing these spaces. Approximately 300 men and boys from diverse age groups and backgrounds participated in the sessions, which were held across southern, central, and northern governorates. The dialogues provided facilitated spaces for participants to reflect on prevailing norms, discuss community practices, and consider how these norms affect women’s opportunities for leadership at both family and community levels. Facilitators incorporated examples of women leaders in Jordan, including the election of the Eman Futaimat (إيمان فطيمات) as the first female mayor in Khirbet Al-Wahadneh in 1995, to illustrate how leadership roles have evolved. These examples supported discussions on how leadership is shaped by social context rather than gender alone. As noted by Mr. Muath Jaraera, a facilitator in Karak, leadership dynamics are often first negotiated within households, where support for women can influence broader community engagement. The sessions were designed as participatory workshops rather than lecture-based discussions. Participants worked collectively to identify social, economic, and structural barriers affecting women’s participation, and to outline practical actions that could contribute to more inclusive decision-making practices. Several facilitators observed changes in participants’ understanding over the course of the sessions. In Ajloun, Dr. Musa AlZyoud reported that while some participants initially expressed uncertainty about the purpose of the dialogue, many later articulated clearer perspectives on their role in supporting women’s civic engagement. Facilitators also highlighted the contribution of older and retired participants, who provided historical and community-based perspectives that enriched discussions. According to Mr. Omar Abu Bakar, these perspectives underscore that responsibility for supporting women’s leadership spans generations. Participants further noted the importance of education and economic participation as enabling factors for women’s sustained engagement in leadership and public life. Overall, facilitators observed meaningful shifts in participants’ understanding and attitudes regarding women’s leadership, highlighting how the dialogues supported reflection and awareness without attributing individual stories. As the program emphasizes the role of men and boys as partners in change, ARDD highlights that inclusive leadership requires collective responsibility. “Inclusive leadership is reinforced when men and boys actively support women’s participation, contributing to stronger community governance and social cohesion.” Engineer Zainab Alkhalil, ARDD Programs Manager Through Empowering Each Other – Phase 8, ARDD continues to explore approaches beyond women-focused interventions, particularly within family and community structures, positioning men and boys as stakeholders in efforts to expand women’s leadership opportunities. This initiative was implemented in partnership with UN Women and supported by the valued donors, whose contributions have been instrumental in enabling these critical dialogues and community-level interventions.
NAFE Launches AI-Supported Learning Dialogue
The National Alliance for the Future of Education (NAFE), in collaboration with the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), held its first stakeholder dialogue on AI-supported learning in Jordanian schools on 3 February 2026. This initial discussion marks the beginning of a series of engagements aimed at formalizing a structured AI network within the existing NAFE governance framework, and under Investing in the Future: Sustainable, AI-Enabled Learning Systems in the Jordanian Education Sector, implemented by ARDD in partnership with Vision Hope International, in collaboration with Branches of Mercy (BOM). In line with ARDD’s Education Program, the online session brought together NAFE members, Ministry of Education representatives, and key project partners to discuss strategies for implementing AI in classrooms and expanding digital learning opportunities for students. Participants explored governance and coordination mechanisms, emphasizing regular, well-documented network meetings, and contributed to shaping strategic priorities for AI integration in education. This dialogue sets the stage for NAFE members to actively advocate for a more widespread evaluation and adaptation of best-practice AI-supported learning across Jordanian schools, raising awareness of promoting innovative approaches to teaching and learning. During the session, plans were shared to launch a dedicated AI Committee within NAFE, which will work closely with the selected research partner, Integrated International, to develop a study assessing AI’s feasibility and impact in classrooms. The Committee will serve as a key advisory and coordination body, ensuring alignment between NAFE members, schools, and project objectives while guiding the research and future interventions. ARDD facilitated the session, highlighting the importance of collaborative approaches, evidence-based programming, and inclusive participation to strengthen educational quality and equity. Participants shared insights and experiences, identifying opportunities for innovative teaching practices, improved student engagement, and future collaboration. The meeting concluded with a roadmap for quarterly follow-up sessions, ensuring continuous dialogue, strategic advocacy, and systematic documentation to reinforce the network’s impact. This first NAFE stakeholder dialogue underscores the commitment of educators, policymakers, and partners to fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking learning ecosystem through evaluating AI integration methods and identifying localized best practices in this regard.
Nidaa’ for Change Young Women Launch “Drug Prevention in Schools” Initiative in Collaboration with ARDD
Young women participating in the Nidaa’ for Change project launched the initiative “Drug Prevention in Schools,” marking the sixth youth-led initiative under the project. The initiative comes as part of the project’s efforts to support safer, more inclusive learning environments and strengthen girls’ leadership and community engagement. The initiative began with an interactive awareness session for schoolgirls in Amman. The session focused on drug prevention, as well as appropriate educational and legal approaches for responding to suspected cases within the school setting. Delivered through a participatory approach, the session was facilitated by Adv Rami Quweider, Legal Advisor at the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), in collaboration with the young women leading the initiative. The young women also delivered interactive activities aimed at raising awareness and encouraging critical thinking among students. This initiative aligns with ARDD’s Education Strategy and Program, and its efforts to strengthen community partnerships and contribute to national efforts to protect groups most at risk, particularly adolescents and youth. It also supports the implementation of the National Strategy for Drug Prevention (2024–2026) and reflects ARDD’s role as a founding member of The National Alliance for Combating Narcotics in Jordan. Alaa Danoun (18), one of the young women leading the initiative, shared: “This initiative was an important experience for me. It helped me develop my public speaking skills and become more confident, which also had a positive impact on my academic performance.” She added, “Our goal was not only to provide information, but to respond to the concerning signs we have recently observed in schools. We wanted to raise awareness among our peers and strengthen their ability to protect themselves, because we believe awareness is the first line of defense.” The initiative highlights the value of structured youth-led action that connects with national priorities and reinforces the importance of collaboration between civil society and relevant stakeholders to promote safer school environments. Nidaa’ for Change is implemented by ARDD as part of the IGNITE – Inspiring Girls and Grassroots Networks for Inclusive and Quality Education project, supported by the Rene Moawad Foundation (RMF), funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), and supported by the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The project targets girls aged 15–19 from refugee and marginalized communities in Amman and Mafraq.
Nidaa’ for Change Young Women Launch “Drug Prevention in Schools” Initiative in Collaboration with ARDD
Young women participating in the Nidaa’ for Change project launched the initiative “Drug Prevention in Schools,” marking the sixth youth-led initiative under the project. The initiative comes as part of the project’s efforts to support safer, more inclusive learning environments and strengthen girls’ leadership and community engagement. The initiative began with an interactive awareness session for schoolgirls in Amman. The session focused on drug prevention, as well as appropriate educational and legal approaches for responding to suspected cases within the school setting. Delivered through a participatory approach, the session was facilitated by Adv Rami Quweider, Legal Advisor at the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), in collaboration with the young women leading the initiative. The young women also delivered interactive activities aimed at raising awareness and encouraging critical thinking among students. This initiative aligns with ARDD’s Education Strategy and Program, and its efforts to strengthen community partnerships and contribute to national efforts to protect groups most at risk, particularly adolescents and youth. It also supports the implementation of the National Strategy for Drug Prevention (2024–2026) and reflects ARDD’s role as a founding member of The National Alliance for Combating Narcotics in Jordan. Alaa Danoun (18), one of the young women leading the initiative, shared: “This initiative was an important experience for me. It helped me develop my public speaking skills and become more confident, which also had a positive impact on my academic performance.” She added, “Our goal was not only to provide information, but to respond to the concerning signs we have recently observed in schools. We wanted to raise awareness among our peers and strengthen their ability to protect themselves, because we believe awareness is the first line of defense.” The initiative highlights the value of structured youth-led action that connects with national priorities and reinforces the importance of collaboration between civil society and relevant stakeholders to promote safer school environments. Nidaa’ for Change is implemented by ARDD as part of the IGNITE – Inspiring Girls and Grassroots Networks for Inclusive and Quality Education project, supported by the Rene Moawad Foundation (RMF), funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), and supported by the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The project targets girls aged 15–19 from refugee and marginalized communities in Amman and Mafraq.
ARDD Welcomes the EU Ambassador to Jordan
On Thursday, 12 February 2026, ARDD welcomed the EU Ambassador to Jordan, H.E. Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, to our headquarters in Amman for a constructive exchange with ARDD’s team. Discussions focused on the evolving civil society landscape in Jordan and across the MENA region, including shrinking funding opportunities and limited frameworks for the institutionalization of civil society in Jordan. The meeting underscored the importance of sustaining strong and meaningful dialogue between the EU and civil society actors in the Arab World, particularly in Jordan. The conversation also covered the newly established Euro-MENA Initiative for Democracy and Development and ARDD’s Brussels office (“ARDD Europe”), registered in 2024. Both aim to strengthen dialogue between European and Arab stakeholders and support the exchange of evidence-based knowledge on key regional priorities, including migration, the question of Palestine, and youth engagement. ARDD appreciates the Ambassador’s continued support for Jordanian civil society and for ARDD’s efforts.