Amman, July 1 (Petra) -- The King Abdullah II Fund for Development (KAFD) announced on Wednesday the selection of 20 projects for funding under the third cycle of its Tamkeen initiative, which supports civil society organizations implementing programs that promote political empowerment and broaden political participation as part of the Kingdom's political modernization process.

KAFD Director General Samer Mufleh said the Tamkeen initiative reflects the fund's role in supporting national efforts to advance political modernization by empowering civil society organizations to promote political awareness and participation while strengthening the capacities of political parties and youth leaders.

He said the fund remains committed to supporting projects with sustainable impact that align with the state's political modernization priorities, helping build the capacities of political actors and strengthen program-based party work in line with the political modernization vision while encouraging active participation across the Kingdom's governorates.

According to the fund, the selected projects represent all governorates and include 12 organizations receiving Tamkeen support for the first time, broadening access to funding opportunities and promoting equitable distribution of support. Projects were selected based on clear criteria emphasizing quality and alignment with Jordan's political modernization priorities.

The funded initiatives focus on expanding youth and women's participation in political life, particularly in governorates and rural communities. They also support efforts to strengthen student engagement in universities through student unions and clubs and foster a culture of program-based political participation among young people.

The projects also include initiatives to strengthen political parties' capacity to develop specialized programs and policies addressing national priorities, including climate change, energy and water, while enhancing their ability to formulate programs that respond to local governance needs and reinforce their developmental and service-oriented role.

Across its three funding cycles, the Tamkeen initiative has supported 49 civil society organizations through projects aimed at raising political awareness, fostering a vibrant party environment, and increasing youth and women's participation in political life, reinforcing its contribution to Jordan's political modernization process.

//Petra// AJ