Amman, July 28 (Petra) – The Human Development Fund (HDF) opened its regional office in Jordan on Tuesday, expanding its humanitarian and development operations in the region.
Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa attended the opening ceremony, alongside lawmakers and representatives of international organizations, civil society groups, and volunteer organizations.
Talking at the launch, Bani Mustafa said the ministry is working to strengthen social protection and community development by implementing the National Social Protection Strategy, updating legislation and policies, and expanding partnerships with civil society, international organizations, and the private sector.
Bani Mustafa also highlighted the 2026 Social Protection and Care Fund Regulation, recently approved by the Cabinet, which establishes a "unified" financing mechanism for social protection and care programs administered by the ministry.
The mechanism is intended to support a shift from short-term assistance toward sustainable economic and social empowerment for vulnerable groups.
Bani Mustafa said the ministry supports humanitarian and development initiatives that promote self-reliance, economic empowerment, and stronger community resilience. She described local and international civil society organizations as "key partners" in delivering programs in social protection, education, healthcare, capacity building, and humanitarian response.
She expressed hope that HDF’s regional office would improve inter-partner coordination , attract projects aligned with regional development priorities, and establish Jordan as a "base" for humanitarian initiatives.
In turn, HDF Chief Executive Officer Abdirahman Kariye said the fund operates in 33 countries, implementing programs in social development, education, and healthcare and responding to urgent humanitarian needs.
On their goals, he said HDF's field programs support vulnerable families, including orphans and persons with disabilities, and seek to help households shift from dependency toward stability through long-term partnerships and empowerment initiatives.
HDF’s Middle East and North Africa representative in Jordan, Mohammad Shboul, said the fund’s approach places people at the center of development and translates that principle into programs, partnerships, and measurable outcomes.
//Petra// AO
