Doha, Nov. 6 (Petra)-- Minister of Social Development, Wafa Bani Mustafa, affirmed that Jordan is moving forward in building an integrated national model for social development based on empowerment, participation, and improving citizens’ quality of life in line with the Economic Modernization Vision, which places people at the heart of development.

Speaking on Thursday at the regional side event titled "The Road to Inclusive Social Development: From Empowerment to Independent Living" held as part of the Second World Summit on Social Development, organized by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the League of Arab States at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha Bani Mustafa highlighted Jordan’s belief that true development can only be achieved when its benefits reach everyone, especially the most vulnerable groups.

She stressed that investing in people is the key to achieving independence and dignity, noting that Jordan has adopted a comprehensive approach in its social policies based on the economic and social empowerment of individuals and families. The goal, she said, is to move from dependency to productivity, and from receiving assistance to active participation, within an integrated framework that reflects the values of dignity, opportunity, empowerment, and resilience.

Bani Mustafa explained that under the new National Social Protection Strategy (2025–2033), Jordan has worked to develop a more integrated and sustainable social protection system built around four main pillars: dignity, empowerment, opportunity, and resilience. This aims to transform social support into real productive opportunities.

She also reviewed several national initiatives that embody this approach, including: The Unified Cash Transfer Program under the National Aid Fund; the expansion of the "Takaful" program; the launch of a Unified Financing Window to facilitate access to funding for small and medium enterprises; the creation of community credit funds providing low-interest loans for local initiatives; the development of microfinance and home-based production projects enabling families to transition toward self-reliance; the professionalization system for social work, aimed at enhancing workforce skills in the social sector; the flexible work system, which has enabled women and persons with disabilities to enter the labor market; and the "Jordan Now" program, which has empowered thousands of young women to work online and gain digital skills.

In addition, she noted the implementation of the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2017), which mandates that 4% of jobs be allocated to persons with disabilities, supporting inclusion and equality.

Bani Mustafa emphasized that Jordan has developed social protection systems capable of responding rapidly to crises, drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes the creation of emergency programs for informal sector workers, the establishment of the "Himmat Watan" (Nation’s Resolve) Fund, activation of the Unified National Registry, and the enhancement of digital transformation in social payments.

On women’s empowerment, she stated that Jordan continues to increase women’s participation in the labor market and strengthen their economic leadership through access to finance, training, and the provision of safe and flexible work environments that balance family and professional life.

Bani Mustafa concluded by stressing that the path to inclusive social development lies through economic and social empowerment, emphasizing that achieving quality of life requires building a national enabling system that invests in capabilities, creates opportunities, and ensures justice and equality.

She also announced that the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan will host the 45th Session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs from December 15 to 18, with a high-level Arab event scheduled for December 17, as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and advance national social protection policies.

//Petra// MF