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• His Majesty tours TRIP’s laboratories, was briefed by number of students on their projects
• Madaba-based university has graduated nearly 8,000 students, with employment rate of 92% within six months of graduation

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday inaugurated the Technology, Research and Innovation Park (TRIP) at the German Jordanian University, which is aimed at enhancing technology and research at GJU, while contributing to scientific progress in Jordan and support economic growth.

During the visit, His Majesty toured TRIP’s laboratories and was briefed by a number of students on their projects, which utilise technology to offer innovative solutions, according to a Royal Court statement. 

The King was also briefed on cooperation between GJU and the special communications commission of the Jordan Armed Forces - Arab Army through the establishment of an artificial intelligence research headquarters at the university.

His Majesty also attended GJU’s 20th anniversary celebration, which included a joint presentation on the university's achievements, graduates, and future vision by GJU President Ala'aldeen Al Halhouli and Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences President Manuela Schwartz.

According to the presentation, the university's programmes focus on applied education and practical training, through partnerships with 120 German universities and 5,000 German companies and factories

The university has graduated nearly 8,000 students in bachelor's and master's programmes, with an employment rate of 92 per cent within six months of graduation.

During the ceremony, His Majesty bestowed the Silver Jubilee Medal on Andreas Geiger in recognition of his role in promoting cooperation between GJU and the Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences in Germany, and for his contributions to the founding of GJU, the statement said. 

Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Azmi Mahafzah, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti, German Ambassador to Jordan Bertram von Moltke, and a number of senior officials and officers attended the ceremony.

AMMAN — HRH Crown Prince Hussein on Tuesday held meetings with heads of state and delegation attending the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) hosted by Azerbaijan in Baku.

His Royal Highness met with Kuwait Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah, Yemen Presidential Leadership Council Vice Chairman Abdullah Al Alimi, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, Finland President Alexander Stubb, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, Rwanda President Paul Kagame, and President of the Spanish Government Pedro Sánchez, according to a Royal Court statement.

The Crown Prince conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Abdullah to heads of state and delegation, stressing Jordan's keenness to strengthen bilateral relations and expand areas of cooperation.

During his meeting with President Aliyev, His Royal Highness commended Azerbaijan’s efforts in hosting COP29, stressing the importance of prioritising climate efforts in refugee-hosting countries, the statement said.

Discussions at the meetings covered the dangerous regional developments, with His Royal Highness stressing the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, calling for stepping up the international humanitarian response in Gaza by maximising aid and ensuring its uninterrupted flow.

The Crown Prince warned of the unprecedented challenges hindering the work of UNRWA in Gaza and in all its areas of operation.

His Royal Highness stressed that peace and security cannot be achieved without a political horizon for the Palestinian issue, on the basis of the two-state solution, to fulfil the full legitimate rights of the Palestinians, according to the statement.

Also on Tuesday, Crown Prince Hussein met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, and stressed the importance of stepping up the international response to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, according to a second Royal Court statement.

At the meeting, held on the sidelines of COP29, the Crown Prince stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as de-escalation in the region.

Prince Hussein called for allowing international humanitarian organisations to undertake their duties in Gaza and the region, warning of the consequences of the unprecedented challenges hindering the work of UNRWA in Gaza and the West Bank.

His Royal Highness commended Secretary-General Guterres’ diplomatic efforts to achieve stability in the region, and the technical and capacity building support provided by UNICEF and UN agencies operating in Jordan, the statement added.

Also on the sidelines of COP29 on Tuesday, the Crown Prince met with European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) President Odile Renaud-Basso.

The meeting covered cooperation between Jordan and the EBRD, with Prince Hussein underscoring the importance of supporting public-private partnership projects, and key sectors such as green energy, tourism, water, transportation, and high-value industries, according to another Royal Court statement.

The Crown Prince expressed appreciation for the EBRD's support for Jordan's Economic Modernisation Vision, which aims to accelerate economic growth and job creation.

The EBRD president stressed the bank's commitment to supporting development and investment projects in Jordan, including the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project (the National Water Conveyance Project) within the EBRD’s new country strategy for Jordan (2025-2030), noting the bank’s keenness on supporting opportunities for transformation into a green economy.

His Royal Highness also met with Green Climate Fund Executive Director Mafalda Duarte, and discussed means of enhancing cooperation between Jordan and the GCF, the statement added.

The Crown Prince highlighted Jordan as an early pioneer in the region in renewable energy, and its progress in green energy and climate-smart agricultural solutions, despite water-related challenges.

Prince Hussein underscored the need to scale up support for the National Water Conveyance Project, emphasising its vital role in enhancing water security, advancing climate adaptation efforts, and addressing the additional challenges of hosting refugees.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Environment Minister Muawieh Radaideh, Planning Minister Zeina Toukan, and Director of the Office of the Crown Prince Zaid Baqain attended the meetings.

AMMAN — Deputising for His Majesty King Abdullah, HRH Crown Prince Hussein participated on Tuesday in the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) hosted by Azerbaijan in Baku.

Crown Prince Hussein delivered Jordan’s address at COP29, which is held with the participation of heads of state from around the world, as well as heads of delegation and representatives of international and economic organisations.

The Crown Prince thanked President Ilham Aliyev and the people and government of Azerbaijan for hosting this important summit, according to a Royal Court statement. 

“We have gathered here under the banner of solidarity: The family of nations joining as one to protect the planet we share,” he said, adding, “We all know that without common action, we are destined to fall short.”

“Yet, we meet at a moment when faith in our ability to stand together is broken. When global norms, including the UN Charter and the Geneva Conventions, are being flouted with impunity. When trust in the international community to stand up for its own values has collapsed. When humanitarian violations are broadcast daily, for the whole world to see, yet continue to be ignored and dismissed without consequence.”

Crown Prince Hussein urged joint global efforts and solidarity to save lives, saying, “Saving our planet must start from the premise that all lives are worth saving. The solidarity we need depends on embracing that truth.”

“Yet, over the past 13 months, the world has stood by as thousands of Palestinians have been killed in Gaza—the majority women and children. How can we work together for our shared future, when some are deemed unworthy of one?”

He explained that ongoing violence in the region undermines peace and security beyond its borders. “In the end, this will benefit no one.”

While the Middle East is already exposed to the harsh realities of climate change, including heat, drought, loss of biodiversity, the Crown Prince explained that the war is “compounding environmental challenges, for Gaza and beyond.”

Citing a recent United Nations Environment Programme study on the contamination of land, water, and air in Gaza as a result of the destruction of sewage and waste management systems, Crown Prince Hussein said, “Entire communities are now graveyards of debris.”

Another study found that rebuilding Gaza will result in total emissions higher than the annual emissions of more than 135 countries, he said.

“An inclusive, just approach to the climate challenge requires that we address the links between climate, peace, and security,” the Crown Prince said. 

The Crown Prince explained that global refugee communities and their hosts are some of the most vulnerable to climate change, referring in this regard to the global Climate-Refugee Nexus Initiative His Majesty launched during COP27. “Fifty-eight countries have signed on to date—and we invite others to join.”

“One in every three people living in Jordan is a refugee, and our infrastructure is feeling the strain. We face rising demand on stressed resources and services, including water, health, and education. And while we in Jordan have made significant strides in clean energy, water conservation, and climate-smart agriculture, these efforts are not enough.”

“We need to rally communities around climate action and secure a better future for our youth and generations to come.”

He added that the Kingdom is implementing climate policies while grappling with the impacts of conflict, “yet we cannot solve these twinned crises alone.”

As the Summit works toward a New Collective Quantified Goal, Crown Prince Hussein underlined the need to “prioritize refugee-hosting countries, especially those in climate hotspots, and ensure that global climate financing mechanisms uphold accountability and transparency for all.”

“Just as urgently, we must rebuild trust in the international community itself, and acknowledge past failures. Our inability to collectively do what is right is turning us into passive observers… fully aware, yet unwilling to act.”

Quoting His Majesty King Abdullah as saying “no one is a bystander in the fight for life on Earth, the Crown Prince said, “That means fighting against climate change, fighting for peace, and fighting to alleviate human suffering together.”

“Because every life is worth fighting for.”

The Jordanian delegation to COP29 included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Environment Minister Muawieh Radaideh, Planning Minister Zeina Toukan, Director of the Office of the Crown Prince Zaid Baqain, and Jordan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Omar Nahar.

SHOUBAK — Marking this year’s United Nations Day, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Jordan celebrated a promising initiative aimed at advancing sustainable waste management practices and creating economic opportunities in Jordan’s southern municipalities.

Funded by the Government of Canada, the "Mitigating Climate Change through Solid Waste Management in Southern Jordan" project is transforming waste practices in areas such as Petra, Shoubak and Ashaari, with a vision for greener, economically beneficial waste management that could set an example for the entire Kingdom.  

“Every year in October, the UN celebrates its founding anniversary. This year, we chose to celebrate the 79th anniversary of the UN with the people of Jordan and to participate actively in the work that is happening here,” Sheri Ritsema-Anderson, UN Resident Coordinator, told The Jordan Times. 

“The UN is more than a symbolic entity, we are an entity that supports humanity, and in Jordan, that means supporting the communities of Jordan in all parts of the Kingdom,” she added. 

The initiative includes the Shoubak Municipal Waste Transfer Station, a key site in efforts to streamline municipal waste processes, reduce carbon emissions, and generate green economy jobs, particularly for women and youth. 

Built on the successes of the previous projects implemented in the north of Jordan, the focus is not only environmental but also economic, opening doors to entrepreneurship in the green sector. 

Focus on local involvement 

The project is expected to benefit nearly 86,000 Jordanians indirectly, with an emphasis on gender equality, as half of these beneficiaries are women. 

“This is not just about waste,” UNDP Resident Representative in Jordan Randa Aboul Hosn told The Jordan Times. 

“It is about transforming solid waste into economic products that can bring income to the community. New technologies are often met with hesitation, but once people see the benefits, enthusiasm takes hold,” Aboul Hosn added.

Over 100 community members have already been empowered to establish entrepreneurial opportunities through local Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), promoting women’s involvement and sustainable practices in waste management and the circular economy.

Tackling gas emissions with local solutions

Jordan’s journey towards sustainable waste management comes with challenges. Municipal waste in Jordan has traditionally been a major contributor to the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for roughly 12 per cent of its overall emissions. 

Municipalities across Jordan are financially strained, recovering only half the costs of waste management in the best cases. With over 90 per cent of Jordan’s municipal waste ending up in landfills, the need for sustainable, economically viable solutions has never been greater. 

The waste management cycle involves collection, transfer, and treatment, with the Shoubak facility focusing on the crucial transfer stage.

By optimising waste collection routes and rehabilitating efficient transfer stations like the one in Shoubak, the project aims to drastically cut fuel consumption and emissions. 

“We redesigned waste routes to minimise fuel use. Instead of multiple small trips to landfills, waste is now brought to transfer stations and then transported in larger loads, reducing emissions significantly,” noted Murad Shishani, project’s coordination manager for the waste management programme at UNDP.

The project is distinctly Jordanian, using locally sourced machinery and employing Jordanian workers. It underscores Jordan’s potential to contribute to climate solutions through national resources and local participation. 

“The goal is long-term, to set an example of how waste management can reduce greenhouse gases while turning waste into resources for a circular economy,” Shishani added.

Ultimate goals

Aboul Hosn emphasised the project’s focus on community involvement and adaptability. 

“There is no 'one-size-fits-all' approach to this type of project if we want to replicate it to other regions of the Kingdom. Setting up these facilities with the involvement of locals means studying the ecosystem carefully and understand it. We are not only solving today’s waste problems but building capacity to continue these efforts long after the project ends,” she said.

“We want to equip municipalities with the knowledge and skills to meet climate challenges head-on,” Ritsema-Anderson said, adding that although the UN’s role in Jordan is more often associated with refugee support, the organisation has been deeply involved in sustainable development for decades.

AMMAN — The Foresight for Food Systems Transformation (FoSTr) programme, in cooperation with the National Alliance Against Hunger and Malnutrition (NAJMAH), and hosted by the Jordan Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD), on Tuesday organised a workshop that focused on strategies and scenarios for transforming food systems in Jordan.

The workshop examined action needed to achieve sustainable, nutritious food systems, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Funded by the Dutch government and implemented by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), FoSTr collaborates with the Wageningen Environmental Research at Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands and the University of Oxford in the UK. 

JOHUD Executive Director Farah Daghistani highlighted the fund's commitment to addressing such intersecting issues as governance and gender equality, adding that JOHUD, approaching its 50th anniversary, is actively working toward sustainable development goals in community empowerment.

She referred to JOHUD’s efforts to create a meaningful impact by driving systemic change in areas such as food security, good governance, access to finance, and environmental sustainability. 

JOHUD’s expansive network, including 52 centres nationwide and an extensive volunteer base, supports local communities in dealing with these challenges, she noted.

Daghistani and NAJMAH Secretary General Waleed Abd Rabbo stressed the need for a robust partnership model between the public and private sectors and civil society to achieve national development goals.

Abd Rabbo underscored the importance of transforming Jordan's food systems through focusing on food governance, market development, and active roles for private and civil society sectors.

Former assistant secretary general at the Ministry of Agriculture Mahmoud Rabee reviewed Jordan’s efforts toward food security, including the establishment of the Supreme Council for Food Security.

He cited the Amman Declaration on food systems transformation, highlighting Jordan’s leading role in the region for agricultural development and food security enhancement.

Suha Baytar from the Dutch embassy in Amman stressed that sustainable food systems are central to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the face of challenges impacting vulnerable communities, calling for stronger public-private partnerships to achieve these goals.

Oxford University’s Jim Woodhill expressed pride in collaborating with Jordan to address food security, underscoring the need for a sustainable approach in light of global crises, climate change, and natural disasters.

AMMAN — The Independent Election Commission (IEC) continued its series of consultations with political parties on Tuesday, led by Chairman Musa Maaytah and the IEC’s Board of Commissioners.

The discussions aim to review recent electoral processes, strengthen successful practices, and address areas needing improvement within a “lessons-learnt” framework, according to an IEC statement. 

Maaytah highlighted the pivotal role of political parties in the electoral system, aligning with the political modernisation vision outlined by His Majesty King Abdullah. 

He also stressed the shared responsibility of all parties in achieving a successful transition to a more party-centred political landscape, moving away from individual-driven dynamics to foster greater cooperation.

Reaffirming the IEC's dedication to electoral integrity, Maaytah stressed the commission's consistent application of the law throughout the election process. 

He also highlighted plans for training programmes aimed at political parties, focusing on boosting organisational skills and refining campaign strategies in preparation for future elections.

Maaytah also outlined the IEC's goals for modernising electoral advertising, noting that the commission seeks to designate specific areas for campaign materials and encourage the use of digital and social media platforms for campaign outreach.

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Tuesday outlined a strategic plan to accelerate the development of the northern city of Irbid, prioritising the completion of delayed projects and stimulating growth in the industrial, agricultural and tourism sectors.

Chairing a Cabinet meeting in Irbid with local council representatives and community leaders, Hassan underlined the government's commitment to encouraging investment in the northern region to create job opportunities and drive sustainable economic progress, according to a Prime Ministry statement.

"Our presence here reaffirms our commitment to connect with communities across the Kingdom and respond directly to their needs. Successful economic modernisation requires targeted development across all governorates, strengthening productive sectors and supporting citizens in both urban and rural areas", he said.

The Cabinet meeting in Irbid was the second after a similar one in the southern governorate of Karak. The government plans a series of similar meetings across the Kingdom.

Hassan began his tour to Irbid by inspecting the progress of the new Princess Basma Hospital, a key healthcare project in Jordan’s second largest governorate, with trial operations planned for early 2025 and full services expected by the end of next year.

Agriculture, a key sector for Jordan's food security, was also highlighted in the Prime Minister's development plan for Irbid. He highlighted Irbid's competitive advantages and the promising future of the food industry.

Hassan announced upcoming field visits with the Minister of Agriculture to assess the needs of the sector and explore ways to support its growth.

One major project on the horizon is the establishment of a new central market in Irbid, the Prime Minister said.” The project is a promising investment venture between the government and the municipality.”

Reflecting on recent visits to other governorates, Hassan noted that the government has implemented initiatives based on feedback from citizens and local stakeholders, stressing that he is “personally monitoring the progress of these initiatives and is committed to continuing monthly cabinet meetings in various governorates.”

This approach, he explained, is aimed at developing a long-term vision in cooperation with elected councils and local organisations, based on available resources.

He reiterated the government's commitment to review local administration-related laws in the coming year to support the role of elected councils.

Expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people, Hassan expressed pride in the Kingdom's support for the Palestinians and emphasized Jordan's ongoing efforts to stop the aggression and help them meet their legitimate rights in their homeland.

Jordan's stability and the welfare of Jordanians remain the Kingdom's top priorities, he said, stressing that a strong, united Jordan is essential to advancing its interests and supporting both the Palestinian and Arab communities.

Earlier the day, Hassan, accompanied by the Ministers of Health and Public Works and Housing, visited the site of the Princess Basma Hospital project.

The $110-million project covers an area of 85,000 square metres and has nine floors. It will initially have 566 beds, expandable to 650, out of which 60 beds reserved for intensive care.

AMMAN — A total of 99.9 per cent of the Kingdom's population is connected to the electrical system, with the average per capita consumption reaching 1,890 kilowatt-hours (kWh) in 2023, according to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources’ latest energy balance report.

The report, available on the ministry’s website, showed that 42 per cent of Jordan's imports of oil and fuel derivatives were crude oil, 24 per cent diesel, 21 per cent gasoline, 11 per cent liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), 1 per cent jet fuel, and 1 per cent kerosene, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Tuesday.

The report showed that the Kingdom imported 76 per cent of its energy, while 24 per cent came from domestic sources.

In terms of consumption patterns, the report indicated that LPG accounted for 13 per cent, gasoline for 34 per cent, jet fuel for 7 per cent, kerosene for 3 per cent, diesel for 39 per cent and fuel oil for 4 per cent.

Sector-wise, the transportation sector accounted for 42 per cent of the total consumption, buildings for 24 per cent, the commercial sector for 18 per cent, and the industrial sector for 16 per cent.

As for electricity, residential and government buildings consumed 46 per cent, industrial users accounted for 22 per cent, the commercial sector 17 per cent, agriculture and water pumping 13 per cent, street lighting 2 per cent, and electric transportation consumed less than 1 per cent.

Regarding the overall energy mix, crude oil and petroleum products accounted for 45 per cent of energy consumption, 31 per cent from natural gas, 14 per cent from renewable energy, 8 per cent from oil shale, 1 per cent from imported electricity, and 1 per cent from coal and lignite.

AMMAN — Foreign funding for non-profit organisations, associations, and cooperative unions in Jordan totalled JD45.5 million until the end of October, supporting 322 projects approved by the Cabinet, including JD1.44 million for five projects outside the Kingdom, mainly in Jerusalem and Gaza.

The US was the top donor contributing 34.4 per cent of the total funding, followed by Germany at 10.7 per cent, the UK at 9.5 per cent, and international organisations at 7.5 per cent.

Data from the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation on Tuesday revealed that registered associations received 57.1per cent of the total funding, while non-profit companies accounted for 40.4 per cent, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Other institutions received 1.9 per cent, and cooperative associations received less than 1per cent of the total funds.

A total of 136 associations were allocated JD26 million to implement 214 projects, while 68 non-profit companies secured JD18.4 million for 97 schemes. The average funding per project for non-profit companies was JD191,500, compared to JD121,400 for associations' projects.

Also, three other institutions (excluding companies and associations) received JD869,500 for five projects, while three cooperative associations secured JD300,300 for six projects, with average funding amounts of JD173,900 and JD 50,100, respectively.

The largest funding priorities have been social protection, youth, education, and economic development. 

The figures showed that social protection received the highest amount of support with JD9.1 million a accounting for 19.9 per cent, followed by youth programmes at JD6.97 million, some 15.3 per cent, education at JD3.6 million, 8 per cent, and economic development at JD3.34 million, 7.3 per cent.

Sectors such as ICT, infrastructure, tourism, and water received less funding.

AMMAN — The Jordan Armed Forces–Arab Army (JAF) on Tuesday carried out a new airdrop of humanitarian aid over southern Gaza, using a Royal Air Force C130 aircraft to deliver vital supplies.

The operation, organised in cooperation with the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO), aimed to support Gaza's residents amid difficult conditions and address urgent humanitarian needs in the war-torn Strip, according to a JAF statement.

The army reiterated its continued commitment to providing humanitarian, medical and relief assistance through airdrops and land convoys to alleviate the impact of the ongoing war on Gaza.

This endeavour is part of the Kingdom's continuous efforts to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in the besieged Strip and support them in light of the difficult circumstances imposed by the Israeli aggression on Gaza since the outbreak of the war.

To date, Jordan has conducted 123 airdrops since the start of the Israeli war on the besieged Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, in addition to 266 airdrops that were conducted in collaboration with other countries.