HPC releases 2021-2030 population strategy

AMMAN — The Jordanian economy’s inability to accommodate the increasing numbers of job seekers, and the high unemployment rates especially among youth and women, are among the central challenges to achieving Jordan’s population goals, according to the 2021-2030 National Population Strategy.

“The strategy is considered an essential reference document that includes indicators, outcomes and outputs that Jordan aspires to achieve, in cooperation with all partners at the national and sectoral levels,” according to the strategy.

Outlined by the Higher Population Council, the UNFPA-supported strategy is part of the council’s efforts to identify population-related issues to provide an enabling and favourable environment to enhance citizens’ well-being in Jordan.

The strategy responds to national and sectoral strategies, achieves the Sustainable Development Goals of 2030, and complies with Jordan’s commitment to international and regional conference decisions, building on lessons learnt from the previous National Population Strategy (2000-2020).

“Population issues are linked to development,” according to the strategy. 

The developmental gap among the Kingdom’s different areas and governorates, despite the availability of key services and infrastructure, reflects on the unbalanced distribution of the population in Jordan, the strategy demonstrated. 

In accordance with the strategy, the Higher Population Council as the political umbrella, will form a steering committee to monitor the implementation of the strategy, chaired by the secretary-general of the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation. It will also disseminate the strategy to sectors, ministries and relevant organisations.

The Higher Population Council will also facilitate workshops and meetings to raise awareness on the new strategy.