By : JD
Jordan Daily – Jordan launched the Shamil project “Moving Forward with a Shared Agenda for Social Protection” on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal.
Supported by the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Shamil aims to strengthen Jordan’s social protection system, spearheaded by UK consultancy firm Development Pathways in partnership with Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) and MMIS Management Consultants.
The project, a core component of the UK’s five-year Strengthening Societal and Economic Resilience in Jordan (SSERJ) program, was inaugurated with a keynote speech by former minister Dr. Hala Lattouf, representing Prince El Hassan bin Talal.
Lattouf stressed in a statement to the Jordan Daily , the pivotal role of social protection in Jordan’s development, advocating for a flexible approach and cooperation between stakeholders to foster trust between citizens and the government.
British Ambassador Philip Hall highlighted the UK’s commitment to social protection, citing its effectiveness in poverty reduction and promoting stability , underscoring the Shamil project’s aim to provide expert advice to Jordan in achieving its social protection objectives.
The launch event brought together key stakeholders including civil society, government officials, and international organizations. Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa emphasized the need for collective action to address global challenges facing social protection in Jordan, stressing effective coordination between sectors.
Dr. Mohammad Al-Tarawneh, representing the Ministry of Labour, outlined the Jordan National Social Protection Strategy’s pillars: dignity, empowerment, and opportunity, focusing on uplifting vulnerable individuals and empowering women in the labor market.
Senator Issa Murad advocated for inclusivity in social protection systems, urging the inclusion of all groups irrespective of nationality.
Stephen Kidd, CEO of Development Pathways, highlighted Shamil as a demand-driven solution supporting sustainable growth.
Samar Muhareb, ARDD’s Executive Director, emphasized the urgency of strengthening social protection systems, especially for vulnerable communities.
Ahmad Abboushi, Director of MMIS Management Consultants, hailed the project’s role in establishing a comprehensive social protection system for sustainable development.
During discussions, stakeholders emphasized Jordan’s successful history in social protection interventions, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts and universal access to social services.
Bernard Wyler, Shamil Team Leader, expressed optimism in Shamil’s potential to support Jordan’s vision for comprehensive social protection.
Participants concluded on the importance of building upon Jordan’s existing initiatives and prioritizing universal access to social services, tailoring assistance for vulnerable populations.
The launch marks a significant step towards enhancing social protection in Jordan, with collaborative efforts poised to drive inclusive and sustainable development.
