The government has adopted an effective approach to engaging with citizens by going directly into the field and listening to their needs and concerns. This approach reflects a firm commitment to the Royal Letter of Designation and emphasizes the importance of physical presence in bridging the gap between the government and the people.
In governorates such as Tafileh, Jerash, Ajloun, Karak, Mafraq, Ma’an, and others, the impact of these field visits has become apparent. Citizens are not asking for much—just decent infrastructure, basic services, and a sense that they are not forgotten. These visits have only confirmed what has long been known: persistent development gaps require action that goes beyond listening.
International experiences offer instructive examples. Tunisia supported small enterprises and empowered families economically. Morocco activated community partnerships to co-design solutions based on actual needs. Egypt used artificial intelligence to better target social support, enhancing efficiency and reducing waste.
Rwanda, for its part, implemented the “Imihigo” system for local accountability, while Indonesia launched the “LAPOR!” platform, allowing citizens to submit complaints and feedback directly from their mobile phones—a step that improved responsiveness to citizens’ needs. These examples demonstrate how technology and community involvement can bring real change when paired with strong political will.
What about Jordan? The potential is there, but more effort is needed to connect field visit outcomes to a central database that informs public policy. There is also a need to deploy smart tools, build strong local partnerships, and enable feedback mechanisms to capture citizens' voices.
Nevertheless, challenges persist. Jordan’s digital infrastructure remains uneven, with clear gaps between the capital and peripheral areas. Promising platforms like “Sanad” have yet to fully realize their impact. Digital capacity is limited, and the use of modern technology at the local level is still weak.
This calls for investment in a unified digital infrastructure, capacity-building for local staff, and expanded telecommunications services—especially in rural regions. Technology is no longer a luxury; it is a key enabler of transparency, efficiency, and citizen engagement.
Field visits often uncover urgent needs that were not planned for—such as roads, schools, or clinics. While meeting those needs is critical, such interventions must not occur without allocated funding within the national budget. It is therefore essential that upcoming central government budgets include contingency lines to accommodate local development needs that may arise during field visits, in full compliance with fiscal laws and procedures.
Notably, some field visits in recent years have helped revive dormant development projects, such as restarting a housing initiative in a southern village or rapidly funding emergency road repairs in a northern town. Though limited, such responses highlight what is possible when field engagement is followed by implementation and flexibility. It would also be beneficial to consider establishing a permanent coordination unit within the government dedicated to following up on the outcomes of field visits and translating observations and recommendations into actionable local development plans, in coordination with relevant ministries and municipalities. The findings from these visits can also help prioritize spending within local government budgets, ensuring alignment with real needs identified on the ground.
Ultimately, the true value of field visits lies in their alignment with local development efforts. They must move beyond symbolic gestures or media coverage to result in collaborative, actionable plans involving municipalities and the private sector. Publishing the results of these visits in accessible language enhances transparency and enables public follow-up. Engaging municipalities and communities in both evaluation and implementation fosters a sense of ownership and reduces resistance to change. Development does not emerge from reports alone—it begins when a leader stands among the people, listens, decides, and follows through. When decisions are informed, budgets are ready, and technology is in place, the field becomes a genuine platform for justice and progress.