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AMMAN — The National Council for Family Affairs (NCFA) and the Shamil project, implemented by Development Pathways and funded by the UK government, have successfully concluded a three-day national workshop focused on evidence-based policymaking. 

The workshop aimed to identify national priorities on family issues and enhance collaboration between researchers and policymakers to ensure the stability and well-being of Jordanian families, according to an NCFA statement. 

Assistant Secretary-General for Technical Affairs at NCFA Mohammad Zoubi stressed that the workshop was a key outcome of the project supporting evidence-based policies through capacity building. 

This initiative, jointly implemented by NCFA and the Shamil programme, is part of a memorandum of understanding between the two entities to develop an action plan informed by the Jordanian Family Status Report and its indicators. 

Prepared by NCFA in 2024, the report provides a comprehensive analysis of the status of Jordanian families across various health, demographic, educational, social and economic dimensions.

The workshop brought together members of the technical committee, which includes 35 representatives from government and non-government institutions, universities, and civil society organisations.

Participants represented the Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, National Aid Fund, Balqa Applied University, Public Security Directorate, Hashemite University, and Al Thuraya Centre for Studies, among others.

The workshop delved into core concepts of evidence-based policymaking and its significance, according to the statement. 

Participants explored leading international experiences, examined key national and global indicators, and discussed the role of civil society organisations and academics in shaping and supporting research priorities and national policies. 

The workshop concluded with a strategic roadmap outlining the next steps for implementation.

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Saturday visited the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, where he checked on the preparations to deal with the current weather conditions affecting the Kingdom.

During his meeting with the Minister of Public Works and Housing at the ministry's operations room, the prime minister stressed the importance of ensuring a high level of readiness to effectively deal with the situation, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.  

He also stressed the critical need for coordinated efforts among the various agencies and institutions involved in the response.

Hassan also stressed the urgency of addressing cases requiring immediate attention and ensuring that citizens' complaints are prioritised and resolved quickly. He reiterated that the safety of citizens and the smooth delivery of public services remain the government's top priorities.

During his visit, the premier was briefed on the operations of both the main command centre and the sub-centres in the governorates. He was also had a firsthand look  at the systems and mechanisms in place to respond quickly to public reports, particularly from areas close to flood-prone valleys and low lying areas.

The Jordan Meteorological Department said that Monday’s weather will be extremely cold, with a chance of light morning rain, possibly turning into light snow over mountainous areas. 

By Tuesday, temperatures will rise slightly, but conditions will remain very cold, with high-altitude clouds appearing, it said.

Several high-altitude areas in Ajloun Governorate, 70 kilometres northwest of Amman, saw snowfall and hail showers on Saturday morning. 

AMMAN — The Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO), Al Quds University (AQU), and the Kids Operating Room Organisation (KOR) on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU)  to support the Gaza HOPES initiative, which aims to establish three field hospitals in Gaza, specialising in maternal and child care, emergency services and surgery.

The three organisations will cooperate on the planning, deployment and continuous supply of medical resources for these hospitals, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Their joint efforts will focus on supporting affected communities and optimising resources to ensure the successful establishment and long-term sustainability of these facilities, the JHCO said. 

JHCO Secretary General Hussein Shibli emphasised that Gaza's healthcare system is facing unprecedented challenges, making the support of emergency hospitals and medical facilities a top priority. 

“Through this partnership, JHCO will play a crucial role in facilitating the delivery of medical aid and ensuring the continuity of essential healthcare services to save lives during these difficult times,” Shibli said.

This initiative is part of JHCO's ongoing relief efforts, which span various sectors to address the needs of the people of Gaza, Shibli said.

Al Quds University President Imad Abu Kishk underscored the urgency of the initiative, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 

He stressed that the establishment of field hospitals is not only a necessity but a moral obligation that must not be delayed. "These hospitals will provide critical medical care to children and mothers who are in urgent need of assistance," he added.

Abu Kishk also reaffirmed the university’s commitment to leveraging its resources, expertise and international partnerships to ensure the successful implementation of the project. 

He expressed gratitude to the JHCO for its ongoing support and cooperation in this vital humanitarian effort.

This MoU marks a significant step in fostering international cooperation to support Gaza’s healthcare sector, ensuring that life-saving medical services reach those who need them most.

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, Chairman of the National Council for Future Technology,  on Thursday presided over the council’s meeting at the Prime Ministry.

During the meeting, participants discussed key issues and reviewed measures taken in alignment with the directives issued by His Majesty King Abdullah. 

The focus was on advancing Jordan’s priority sectors, particularly those linked to technological innovation and development, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The council, established following a letter from His Majesty to the prime minister, includes representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as technology experts.

The newly launched body is also directly overseen by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, ensuring continuous guidance and support for its initiatives.

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday discussed regional developments with a delegation from the US House of Representatives headed by Representative Darrell Issa, who is a member of the House’s Foreign Affairs Committee.

During a meeting attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, His Majesty warned of the escalation in the West Bank and Jerusalem, according to a Royal Court statement.

The King stressed the need to step up international efforts to achieve just and comprehensive peace on the basis of the two-state solution, highlighting the pivotal role of the United States in advancing these efforts.

His Majesty reiterated Jordan’s rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, calling for maintaining the ceasefire in the Strip and boosting the humanitarian response, the statement added.

The meeting also covered ways to advance the strategic partnership between Jordan and the United States.

AMMAN — The Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation on Thursday signed loan and guarantee agreements totalling $56.5 million with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to support the North Green Station and Power Transmission Lines Project.

The agreements were signed by Director General of the National Electric Power Company (NEPCO) Sofian Bataineh and Finance Minister Abdulhakim Shibli, with Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh, and the EU delegation in Amman in attendance.

EBRD Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Gretchen Biery signed the agreements on behalf of the bank, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The project will involve the construction of a new substation in northern Jordan to enhance the power grid's capacity for existing and future renewable energy projects. 

It also aims to strengthen the high-voltage network and improve the operational flexibility of generation units in the region.

The project will also include the installation of four overhead transmission lines that will connect to existing substations in Samra, West Amman, El Hassan Industrial Estate and Jerash.

A second agreement includes an additional 12.4 million euro investment grant and a 2.2 million euro technical assistance grant to support the project's implementation and provide professional training within the electricity sector.

The new station will improve energy security by leveraging local green energy sources, enhancing power flow within the national grid, and facilitating network connections with neighbouring countries.

"We are proud to support NEPCO, in cooperation with the European Union, in developing electricity transmission infrastructure and strengthening Jordan's energy sector. The project will contribute to regional interconnection and support the kingdom's green transition in alignment with its Economic Modernisation Vision," Biery said.

Since 2012, EBRD’s cumulative investment portfolio in Jordan has reached around 2.3 billion euros, with 55 per cent allocated to private sector financing in sectors such as renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, water, municipal infrastructure, solid waste, transport, tourism and local banking.

Ministers praised EBRD's ongoing support for this vital project, which aligns with Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision and supports the country’s ambitious renewable energy targets for 2030.

AMMAN — A delegation from the French Consulate in Jerusalem, led by Advisor for Cultural Cooperation and Activities  Mathilde Michel, on Thursday visited the Jordanian field hospital in Nablus.

The hospital’s commanding officer highlighted that the establishment of the field hospital was in response to Royal directives, aimed at supporting the people of the West Bank by providing essential medical and humanitarian services.

During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the hospital’s operations, with a focus on the range of services offered and the crucial role of the medical staff in delivering care to patients, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.  

The hospital’s director said that medical teams operate around the clock, ensuring comprehensive healthcare in line with the latest medical standards.

He also highlighted the hospital’s state-of-the-art medical technology, which plays a vital role in delivering high-quality treatments that alleviate patient suffering and improve health outcomes.

The delegation toured the hospital’s facilities to inspect the medical equipment and evaluate the quality of care provided. 

Members of the delegation praised the hospital’s exceptional services and expressed their appreciation for Jordan’s ongoing contributions to strengthening healthcare services in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

AMMAN — Head of the Parliamentary Economy and Investment Committee MP Khaled Abu Hassan on Thursday met with Australian Ambassador to Jordan Bernard Lynch to explore new economic opportunities between the two countries.

Abu Hassan underscored the importance of strengthening economic relations and addressing challenges that hinder trade growth, emphasising the need to expand export markets and foster public-private sector collaboration to enhance economic integration. 

He highlighted that while Jordan faces economic challenges, they can be transformed into opportunities through partnerships with friendly nations in industry, trade and investment, the Jordan News agency, Petra, reported. 

Lynch commended the level of cooperation between Jordan and Australia, stressing the significance of reinforcing bilateral ties at both political and economic levels.

He reiterated Australia's commitment to supporting strategic projects and emphasised future cooperation in technology, e-commerce, education, tourism and food security, aiming to deepen economic and cultural ties while advancing sustainable development.