By : Nedal Zubeidi
Jordan Daily – The Netherlands, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Bank, officially launched the second phase of the Prospects Partnership on Monday, marking a new four-year commitment to support Jordan in hosting refugees.
Following the first four years of implementation (2019-2023), Prospects has transitioned into the second four year phase, starting from 2024. The Netherlands will be investing an additional $98 million to continue to support partners’ work in education, employment, and protection, with the addition of water as a new area of focus in Jordan.
“Sadly, more than a decade on, the situation in Syria still does not allow for safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees to their homes,” said Harry Verweij, Ambassador of the Netherlands at the launch ceremony, acknowledging Jordan’s continued hospitality in hosting a large number of refugees over the past decade.
The main ambition of Dutch development cooperation with Jordan has been to make a positive contribution to the hosting of refugees. “The Prospects partnership has become the centerpiece of our program in Jordan,” Verweij stated. The partnership has helped refugees and Jordanians to enjoy better education, dignified employment, and protection of their wellbeing and their legal rights.
The second phase of the Prospects Partnership will continue to focus on refugees and Jordanian host communities, with specific attention to ensure that young people and women are among those who benefit from the support. “The Prospects partners are dedicated to investing in the self-reliance of people, and the resilience of communities and Jordan as a whole,” Verweij added.
In order to reach such self-reliance and resilience, strategic and sustainable development is needed. “Jobs are needed. So Prospects offers opportunities for businesses to create jobs for Jordanians and refugees,” Verweij said. The Netherlands supports the government of Jordan in investing in the strengthening of the business climate, and provides assistance to companies to develop and grow their business.
Another strategic area of support is water. Jordan faces challenges as one of the most water-scarce countries globally. “Therefore, I am pleased that we have been able to include water in the second phase of the Prospects Partnership,” Verweij noted.
The partnership hopes to help make more renewable water available and to gain efficiencies in water use for the benefit of vulnerable Jordanians and refugees.
