UNDP launches Jordan’s first Social Entrepreneurship Centre in Amman

AMMAN — The Heart of Amman, a United Nations Development Programme flagship initiative, launched Jordan’s first Social Entrepreneurship Centre to help develop a conducive social entrepreneurship framework and eco-system. 

The framework will provide technical advisory and financial support to a select cohort of innovative social entrepreneurs, according to a UNDP statement sent to The Jordan Times. 

The Social Entrepreneurship Centre, located in one of Amman’s oldest neighbourhoods, was built amid calls for scaling green energy investment and urban revitalisation. The centre will provide a space for entrepreneurs to acquire new skills and reimagine the future of economic growth and sustainability. 

The centre’s inauguration ceremony was attended by of Amman Mayor Yousef Shawarbeh, Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Ahmad Al Hanandeh and Assistant Secretary General, UNDP Regional Director, Bureau of Arab States at UNDP Khalida Bouzar, among other diplomats and entrepreneurs. 

The centre will promote a “vibrant social entrepreneurship culture” by facilitating links between local entrepreneurial initiatives, civil society and stakeholders, according to the statement. 

The centre’s building represents a new model for businesses and governments and takes major strides towards zero carbon emission, where the building’s energy and water usage comply with the Jordanian energy codes.

Bouzar, in the opening ceremony, thanked the Jordanian government, Japan and Italy for their support of the development aspirations of the people of Jordan. 

She stressed that capacity building for sub-national authorities is key to strengthen Amman’s socio-economic and climate resilience.  

Shawarbeh said: “I am pleased and honoured to inaugurate the Heart of Amman Centre, which will be key pillar in supporting and promoting entrepreneurship culture among young people and society, as well as achieving comprehensive economic development and promoting innovation and creativity.”

In a press statement, Sara Ferrer Olivella, UNDP Resident Representative of Jordan, acknowledged Amman’s commitment to link economic recovery from the pandemic with the zero-emission goals to address climate change.  

“The time is now to create an environment where entrepreneurs are surrounded by green choices. This is the only way to embrace living in harmony with nature,” she said. 

The Social Entrepreneurship Centre, she added, is a continuation of the UNDP’s mission to “create an inclusive and decent self-employment pathways, with a particular focus on fostering an enabling environment for businesses and investors in Jordan”.