JOHUD, EU programme sign memorandum to boost renewable energy cooperation

AMMAN — The Jordan Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD) and the EU-funded Assistance to Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme in Jordan (REEE II-TA) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding to bolster cooperation in the renewable energy sector.

The memo aims to provide technical support to energy and environmental projects implemented by JOHUD and its community development centres in various governorates, according to a statement sent to The Jordan Times.

The agreement also includes training for JOHUD staff in the fields of renewable energy and energy efficiency, as well as the preparation of specialised training materials.

The agreement was signed by JOHUD’s Executive Director Farah Daghistani and the head of REEE II-TA Emil Asis, in the presence of the EU Ambassador to Jordan Andrea Matteo Fontana.

The agreement falls within JOHUD’s interest in the green energy sector and its keenness to preserve the environment by deepening and consolidating the concepts of green economy and sustainable clean energy, according to the statement.

During the signing ceremony, Daghistani stressed the importance of the memo, which aligns with other JOHUD programmes in the field of energy, referring to the “ShamsnaDia” programme carried out by the Goodwill Campaign to provide under privileged families with electricity through renewable energy.

Dagestani also noted the importance of Jordan’s energy issues, saying they posed a major challenge to economic growth and that there is a need for community awareness on energy issues and the optimal use of resources.

“Our support to JOHUD’s green activities is an example of how the EU-Jordan partnership reflects the needs of both the energy and community development sectors,” Fontana said during the signing ceremony. “The EU is, today, Jordan’s main partner in green energy development, with more than 160 million euros in bilateral support.”

According to the statement, JOHUD’s work is particularly focused on the rights of vulnerable groups such as women, youth and people with disabilities through the Princess Basma Centres network throughout the Kingdom.