Amman, Sept. 28 (Petra) - Minister of Education and Human Resource Development Azmi Mahafzah and Minister of Social Development Wafaa Bani Mustafa met on Monday with UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell to boost cooperation in education, child protection, and social welfare under the Economic Modernization Vision (EMV).

Mahafzah pushed for upgrading the education system to align learning with future job market needs, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), expanding inclusive education for children with disabilities, and keeping girls in school.

Bani Mustafa outlined Jordan’s social protection milestones, including the Early Childhood Development Policy and early intervention units nationwide.

She also pointed to major focus areas under the National Social Protection Strategy (2025–2033) and the National Multi-Sectoral Action Plan for the Prevention of and Response to Child Protection, Family Violence, and Violence against Women and Girls (2026–2030).

Russell praised Jordan’s efforts to advance children’s rights and its role in hosting refugees and providing them with access to essential services. She pledged UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the EMV.

"Jordan is delivering outstanding results for children," Russell said. "We discussed with the Ministers of Education and Social Development ways to translate school enrollment into quality learning and future job opportunities, make social protection a gateway to essential services, and protect every child from violence, including online violence.

"We agreed on the potential of artificial intelligence and technology to train teachers and transform learning, as well as the importance of giving special attention to children with disabilities and ensuring girls stay in school." The meeting addressed Jordan’s role in advancing early childhood development, including its participation in hosting the first Global Early Years Finance Summit, scheduled for 2027, and a preparatory gathering of global champions in Amman.

//Petra// HA