Amman, Jordan, January 29, 2024 – The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Jordan Office, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment of Jordan, co-chaired the second Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting at the Ministry of Environment, Jordan. This critical meeting continued to guide and oversee the ‘Creating Sustainable Green Jobs for Refugees and Host Communities through Green Economy in Jordan’ project, funded by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and co-funded by GGGI. The PSC brought together essential stakeholders from various Jordanian ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Labour (MOL), Ministry of Social Development (MOSD), Ministry of Interior (MOI), and the KOICA Jordan Office.
The meeting opened with remarks by Eng. Belal Shqarin, newly appointed head of the Green Economy Unit at the Ministry of Environment. Eng. Belal Shqarin highlighted the significance of the project in promoting sustainable economic growth and green job creation in Jordan. He emphasized the necessity of aligning the project with national initiatives and the specific requirements of each ministry, advocating for a synergized approach to sustainable green job creation.
Key highlights and discussions of the meeting included the presentation of the project’s progress in 2023, which shared key achievements such as partnership building and the initiation of capacity-building workshops. The meeting also featured a comprehensive review of the 2024 work plan, with a focus on green employment analysis, green skills development, and the establishment of a green business incubation and acceleration program. Eng. Belal Shqarin suggested establishing a green entrepreneurs network within the green entrepreneurship program, considering the project’s sustainability, a suggestion positively received by GGGI.
During the meeting, Ms. Krystle Cooper, the Deputy Country Representative of GGGI, also addressed key risks and issues facing the project. In a call to action, she requested the stakeholders’ support in collectively addressing these challenges. The meeting had constructive discussions among the participants, focusing on identifying solutions and strategies to overcome the identified challenges.
The discussions and outcomes of the meeting set a clear direction for the project’s activities in 2024, with emphasis on collaboration, sustainability, and implementing mutually beneficial strategies in line with governmental goals.
The Green Jobs Project, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Good Neighbors International, aims to create an inclusive green employment ecosystem in Jordan. This involves developing a green employment action plan, enhancing job seekers’ employability through green skill development, and fostering green entrepreneurs and start-ups with comprehensive training, incubation, and acceleration programs. (more information on the green jobs project)