Amman, March 26 (Petra) – The Ministry of Water and Irrigation on Thursday hosted the launch meeting of the "National Standing Committee for Negotiating Transboundary Waters," to enhance national capacities in negotiating shared water resources and strengthen regional cooperation in the water sector.

According to a ministry statement, the project seeks to promote regional dialogue to reduce tensions, resolve disputes over shared waters, support the drafting of treaties and agreements, and provide technical expertise in hydrology, climate change, and water resources management, thereby enabling evidence-based decision-making in negotiations.

Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), the project will be implemented through the Water Diplomacy Center, hosted by Jordan University of Science and Technology.

The Water Diplomacy Center will implement a comprehensive program including specialized training courses and study visits to countries with advanced experience in managing shared water resources. The program aims to enhance the negotiation skills of government officials, diplomats, and water managers involved in transboundary issues.

Secretary-General of the Ministry, Jihad Mahamid, highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional mechanisms for water negotiations to address challenges related to transboundary resources. He emphasized developing negotiation skills, improving coordination among national entities, and adopting an evidence-based approach to support Jordan’s water security and promote regional stability.

Jasmin Freischlad, Commission Manager of the Water Sector Governance Program, underlined Germany’s commitment to supporting transboundary water management in Jordan through partnership with the Water Diplomacy Center and the Ministry of Water and Irrigation.

Mutawakil Obeidat, Director of the Water Diplomacy Center, noted the center’s role in delivering capacity-building and training programs designed to ensure the committee’s effectiveness and sustainability.

The launch meeting concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to advancing the project through joint coordination, capacity building, and sustained institutional engagement.

//Petra// AJ