Amman, Sept. 8 (Petra) -- Chairman of the Lower House Environment and Climate Committee Jihad Abawi said Tuesday that His Majesty King Abdullah II’s directive to the government to develop a unified national strategy for climate finance would help strengthen Jordan’s response to climate challenges and support related economic and development priorities.

The strategy is to be developed in cooperation with the private sector and relevant experts. Abawi said it would provide a broader framework for climate finance, moving beyond the funding of individual projects to attract financing and direct it toward national priorities and projects with economic, environmental and social impact.

Abawi pointed to Jordan’s securing $295 million from the Green Climate Fund for the National Water Carrier Project as an indication of international confidence in the country’s ability to implement strategic projects addressing climate and development priorities.

He also noted that Jordan’s selection to host the representative office of the Green Climate Fund for the Middle East, Central Asia and Eastern Europe would strengthen its role as a regional center for knowledge, expertise and cooperation in climate finance and climate action.

Abawi stressed the need to build national capacities and provide technical support for preparing projects that are technically and economically ready to attract international financing. He also highlighted the importance of making greater use of green and climate finance instruments.

He said cooperation with the private sector would be an important part of the national strategy, particularly in energy, water, waste management, sustainable transport, climate-smart agriculture, ecotourism and nature-based solutions.

Abawi added that the House of Representatives would continue, through its legislative and oversight roles, to support national efforts related to the green economy and climate finance, as well as legislation and policies that encourage sustainable investment.

He said addressing climate change is not only an environmental responsibility but also an opportunity to direct investment toward future sectors, create jobs, strengthen the competitiveness of the national economy, protect natural resources, and enhance Jordan’s resilience and sustainability.

//Petra//WH