UNDP, JSF sign cooperation agreement on analysis, policy dialogue, advocacy

AMMAN — The United Nations Development Programme  (UNDP) and Jordan Strategy Forum (JSF) signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in providing analysis, policy dialogue and advocacy aimed at informing key national development processes relevant to local economic development. 

Particular focus will be given to equitable budget allocations as part of Jordan’s decentralisation reforms as well as economic aspects of local investment decisions both by the government and the private sector, according to a UNDP statement. 

Joint activities will inform UNDP’s initiatives and JSF’s efforts towards achieving economic development and sustainable growth, leveraging respective comparative advantages and expertise. The collaboration is expected to support legislation and policies that contribute towards enhancing the economic environment. 

“Every country’s fiscal relations is an evolving system, continually responding to changes in economic, demographic and political variables. I am pleased that UNDP and JSF will work together and with national partners to gather the best global experiences, generate reliable and accurate data, and develop quality advice on local investment policies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in Jordan,” said Resident Representative of UNDP Jordan Randa Aboul-Hosn.

JSF CEO Nesreen Barakat stated that cooperation with UNDP falls within the framework of expanding the circle of partnerships and collaborations with institutions and organisations of common interest whose aim is to formulate a local development index at the governorate level in Jordan. 

The index includes five areas (with sub-indicators) and these are health, education, infrastructure, economic activities and social conditions. This effort should provide a base for the development of the governorates, which will in turn positively reflect on citizens’ livelihoods.