KOICA supports UNICEF vulnerable youth project

AMMAN — The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Country Director Dongsung Seo and UNICEF Acting Representative Shairose Mawji met on Tuesday to formally announce the start of a three-year partnership that will see $6 million for the project “Support for Equitable Opportunities, Social Cohesion and Climate Resilience for Vulnerable Youth and Communities in Jordan as Part of the Humanitarian-Development Nexus”.

According to a statement from UNICEF, this contribution from KOICA will provide much-needed funding to build the climate resilience of communities living in remote and vulnerable areas of Jordan by improving their access to safe water and sanitation. 

Children and young people will be empowered through climate change education and environment advocacy in climate action clubs. Additionally, the partnership will harness young people’s creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit to support their successful transition to adulthood. Much-needed digital skills enhancement activities will also be offered to vulnerable youth to prepare them for future-ready employment.

“I am delighted to announce that UNICEF Jordan and KOICA are once again working together to support the vulnerable groups of women, youth, children and those with disabilities in Jordan,” Dongsung Seo said.

“We believe that another success story will be created with the long-established teamwork of KOICA and UNICEF and the participation of the competent Jordanian government and local partners,” he said. 

“UNICEF warmly welcomes the continued commitment and generosity of the Korea International Cooperation Agency,” Mawji said. “Jordan is already on the frontline of the climate change crisis. This funding will support UNICEF’s efforts to build the resilience of children and young people, who are most at risk, to live in a climate-changed world,” she added.

Last month, KOICA co-supported the Local Conference of Youth Jordan, a youth-led event held in advance of the UN Climate Change Conference. Over 100 young people, mobilised from every governorate in Jordan, attended the two-day event to develop solutions and recommendations for urgent climate action on a national and global level, the statement said.