Amman, July 6 (Petra) -- The Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) have inaugurated a joint regional hub in Amman to serve the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), marking the first collaborative initiative of its kind between the two Geneva-based organizations.
Named "The Geneva Centres in Amman," the regional hub was launched in partnership with Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates and with the support of the Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan. The inauguration was attended by representatives of Jordanian government institutions, diplomatic missions, international organizations, donor countries, civil society organizations and the media.
The new office is intended to strengthen the two organizations' regional presence and expand cooperation in the fields of security sector governance and humanitarian demining, while enhancing engagement with governments, regional partners, local communities, United Nations agencies and other international organizations.
Jordan was selected to host the regional hub in recognition of its role as a regional center for dialogue, cooperation and peace, as well as its stable environment, strategic location and infrastructure that support regional engagement. The decision also reflects the longstanding partnership between Jordan and Switzerland and their shared commitment to advancing peace, security and sustainable development.
President of DCAF's Foundation Council Amin Awad said the initiative represents a meaningful contribution to promoting lasting peace, security and safer communities across the region.
He stressed that sustainable peace can only be achieved through strong partnerships, mutual trust and continuous engagement with regional stakeholders.
President of the GICHD Foundation Council Barbara Haering said the establishment of the hub will bring Geneva-based expertise closer to the region, enabling both organizations to better align their programs with regional priorities and evolving needs while increasing their impact on beneficiary communities.
Swiss Ambassador to Jordan Emilija Georgieva said the opening of "The Geneva Centres in Amman" reflects Jordan's position as a trusted regional hub for dialogue, cooperation and expertise.
She added that Switzerland is proud to support the joint initiative, describing it as an extension of the country's longstanding commitment to peace, security and humanitarian action, while strengthening partnerships across the Middle East and North Africa.
GICHD Director Ambassador Tobias Privitelli said the new office will support national institutions in developing the systems, strategies and partnerships required to address contamination from explosive ordnance, protect communities and achieve sustainable results in humanitarian demining.
DCAF Director Ambassador Nathalie Chuard said the presence of the organization in Amman will strengthen direct engagement with regional partners and support the development of more effective and sustainable approaches to security sector governance in response to evolving regional challenges.
Founded by the Swiss Government more than 25 years ago, DCAF and the GICHD operate as independent organizations headquartered in Geneva. Through their shared regional office in Amman, the two institutions aim to enhance coordination, improve operational responsiveness and deepen regional cooperation in support of peacebuilding, security and humanitarian action.
//Petra//
