AGP Executive Report

Regional Diplomacy: Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met The Elders delegation (Mary Robinson, Helen Clark, Graça Machel, Hina Jilani) and urged sustaining the Gaza ceasefire while warning against illegal Israeli steps in the West Bank that threaten the two-state path. Energy & Water Security: Jordan and Egypt agreed to deepen cooperation in natural gas, mining and downstream industries, including expanding gas transmission and value-added projects to strengthen energy security and industrial growth. Local Governance & Public Services: Amman’s waste collection system is under fire as multiple contractors and entities share responsibility, leaving streets littered and dumpsters overflowing while oversight appears to change little. Wildlife & Public Safety: A car hit two goslings near a fishing pond, killing one and seriously injuring the other, sparking calls for better signage and speed controls to protect wildlife. Disaster Response: Jordan’s international search-and-rescue team returned from Venezuela after an earthquake mission, reporting rescues and recovery of victims with support from Qatari airlift. Biodiversity Research: A new Great Salt Lake birds and habitat assessment highlights how protecting water flow into the lake is key to sustaining habitat for about 12 million migratory birds.

Jordan–Syria Security: Jordanian Armed Forces say they’ve repeatedly disrupted drug-smuggling networks operating in southern Syria, including a recent attempt using small guided balloons—raising the bigger question of who’s receiving and profiting on the other side. Governance & Accountability: Former minister Mahmoud Al-Kharabsheh urges Jordan’s parliament to fully use constitutional oversight tools—scrutinizing ministers, using confidence votes, and referring corruption cases to the judiciary. Migration Politics: A debate in Germany over returning Syrians is framed as part of a wider European push toward deportation and restrictive detention, with critics warning it targets Syrian working classes. Cybersecurity & Finance: The Central Bank of Jordan highlights its regional cybersecurity cooperation model, selected among top WSIS Prizes 2026 projects, as a way to strengthen financial resilience through shared threat monitoring. Regional Tensions: Iran–US attacks around the Gulf include claims of strikes reaching Jordan-linked targets, while Jordan emphasizes missile-defense interceptions.

Energy & Climate: A new UN ESCWA report says Jordan is near-universal on electricity access and is expanding solar and wind, but warns the country still needs to modernize electrical grids and strengthen digital governance and cybersecurity to safely integrate renewables. Local Governance: Parliament’s Lower House will hold its first extraordinary session since the election starting July 12 to debate six draft laws, with Local Administration Law expected to be the top priority. Tech & Policy: The government issued a circular banning the use of AI to create or alter national emblems, flags, sovereign symbols, and official seals in ways that compromise authenticity, applying to ministries, municipalities, and state institutions. Biodiversity & Science: Jordanian amber—140 million years old—continues to be highlighted as a rare natural archive that can preserve ancient organisms in 3D, helping researchers reconstruct early ecosystems and biodiversity. Cross-border Environment & Security: Jordan’s Armed Forces reported foiling a drug-smuggling attempt using guided balloons from southern Syria, raising the question of who receives and coordinates trafficking networks.

Water Security & Diplomacy: Jordan and Israel are again in the spotlight over water, with reporting saying Israel is “weaponising” water as parched Jordan fights for supply, while Jordan also looks to negotiate energy-for-water arrangements at a UAE summit. National Water Carrier Support: Jordan’s water push continues with multiple Jordan–Germany debt-swap deals tied to the National Water Carrier Project, including a €22.7m package and a separate €684m development cooperation item. Public Health & Food Safety: A growing cyclosporiasis outbreak in the US has health experts urging careful produce washing and rinsing, a reminder for Jordan’s own food-handling and hygiene practices. Sustainable Agriculture: A “natural farming” pilot model was launched at a school in Guntur, promoting biodiversity, seed conservation, and practical training—useful inspiration for Jordan’s sustainable farming discussions. Governance & Accountability: A former Jordanian minister calls for stronger parliamentary oversight and use of constitutional tools to tackle corruption—relevant to how environmental and public funds are monitored. Cross-border Security: Jordanian forces reportedly disrupted drug smuggling attempts from southern Syria, raising the bigger question of who receives and finances trafficking networks.

Water & Infrastructure: Jordan and Germany signed a €22.7m debt-swap deal to support the National Water Carrier Project, with a similar €684m package also reported—another push to stabilize water supply and move major water works forward. Governance & Accountability: Former minister Mahmoud Al-Kharabsheh urged Jordan’s parliament to fully use constitutional oversight tools, including confidence votes and referrals to the judiciary, to tackle corruption and strengthen public trust. Border Security & Drugs: Jordanian authorities say most smuggling attempts targeting Jordan from Syria are linked to known networks in southern Syria; the key question raised is who the receivers are on the Jordan side. Environment & Tourism: Petra continues its development push as visitor numbers remain strong, with “more than 204,000 visitors in five months” cited—good news for heritage tourism that depends on environmental stewardship. Climate/Disaster Context: Severe flooding in southeastern Missouri (1-in-1,000-year rain) highlights the growing risks of extreme weather and the need for rapid rescue readiness.

Jordan-US-Syria diplomacy: Amman welcomed US steps to start procedures to remove Syria’s terrorism designation, saying it could help regional stability and recovery, and urged unified international efforts for reconstruction and humanitarian relief. Water security amid regional tension: Jordan’s military said it intercepted eight missiles launched from Iran as US-Iran exchanges escalated, underscoring how regional conflict risks spill into Jordan’s airspace and infrastructure planning. Renewables push in the region: Kuwait’s AEP announced an equity raise to expand solar and hybrid projects across Kuwait, Oman, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, aiming to accelerate execution in the MENA energy transition. Jordan water infrastructure finance: Jordan and Germany signed a €22.7m debt-swap to support the National Water Carrier Project, while a separate Green Climate Fund-backed effort targets scaling Jordan’s water supply. Local environment governance: Jordan’s Integrated ARDI phase and tourism-linked water projects (Aqaba/Dead Sea area) point to continued investment in water and nature-based development.

Jordan Integrated Landscape Management Initiative (JILMI): Jordan marked the implementation phase of a Green Climate Fund-backed project to protect water, ecosystems and biodiversity across the Yarmouk, King Talal Dam and Kafrain watersheds, with Princess Alia bint Al Hussein calling it “investing in nature” for people and future generations. Water & development finance: Jordan and Germany signed minutes for a €684m development cooperation package covering public sector modernisation plus water and sanitation, education and private sector support, including help for Syrian refugees. Energy transition funding: Kuwait-based Alternative Energy Projects Company (AEP) plans an equity raise with Kamco Invest and Burgan Bank to expand solar and hybrid projects across Kuwait, Oman, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Local environment risk: A slope collapse behind a Blissful Beach property in Canada has raised concerns about further failures, with calls for geotechnical assessments to protect public access and the surrounding environment. Governance & accountability: A former Jordanian minister urged parliament to fully use constitutional oversight tools to tackle corruption—framing accountability as key to protecting public funds.

Water Security Deal: Jordan and Germany signed a €22.7m debt-swap with KfW to back the National Water Carrier Project readiness program, boosting Germany’s total support to €127m and aiming to help deliver drinking water for millions as Jordan tackles chronic water scarcity. Investment Climate Watch: Dhaman’s 2026 investment report says Jordan drew about $2.022bn in inward FDI in 2025 (up 25%+), rising to 7th among Arab states and 74th globally, while the wider region’s investment outlook remains pressured by geopolitics. Extreme Heat and Workers: A Bloomberg report highlights how extreme heat is hitting garment supply chains, driving higher absences and productivity losses, with workplaces often lacking protections—an issue that matters for sustainability and human rights. Local Telecom Leadership: Orange Jordan announced executive appointments, including a new Chief Wholesale and Security Officer, Chief Information and Data Officer, and Chief Technology Officer, signaling continued push for digital transformation.

Investment & Jobs: Jordan climbed in investment climate rankings, drawing over $2bn in foreign direct investment in 2025 (+25%), with Dhaman citing needed reforms across security, institutions, the economy, and production factors. Bilateral Growth: Jordan and Oman launched a $100m joint investment company (RO 38.5m), targeting telecom/IT, agriculture, pharma, energy, mining, tourism, and logistics. Water & Food Security: Israel is accused of withholding water from Jordan, while Jordan’s water deal talks also surfaced amid regional pressure. Tourism & Culture: Jordan and China discussed a sustainable tourism partnership, including the push for direct flights to boost people-to-people travel. Coastal Recreation: New sports courts were completed at the Dead Sea Corniche as part of upgrades to boost visitor services. Environment & Safety: A rockslide near Banff left climbers “lucky” and uninjured, while Jordan’s own environmental news this week focused more on development and investment than disasters.

Water Security Tension: Israel’s reported refusal to renew a key water supply deal with Jordan—linked to “warmer relations”—has reignited fears of water being used as leverage, with talks floated on a new water-for-energy package including desalination and solar power. Pollution & Enforcement: In the U.S., regulators extended remediation at the Galena landfill after inspectors found limited underground smoldering still not fully extinguished, ordering more excavation, covering, and continued monitoring for hydrogen sulfide. Stormwater Violations: A construction project near Unicorn Lake in Denton faced city notices over stormwater permit breaches, including pumping rainwater onto roads and issues like trash, debris, silt fencing, and bare-soil stabilization. Jordan-UK Trade: Jordan and the UK reaffirmed plans to deepen trade and investment ties, with Jordan’s exports to the UK up sharply in early 2026. Jordan Water Infrastructure: Jordan plans to tender wastewater treatment O&M contracts by 2027, signaling continued push to strengthen water services.

Jordan–UK Economic Partnership: Amman and London reaffirmed their commitment to deepen trade and investment ties at the second Jordan-UK Partnership Council in London, with Jordan’s exports to the UK up 88% to $37.2m in the first four months of 2026. Primary Healthcare Boost: Jordan’s Health Minister signed a letter of intent with Spain to launch “Ri’aya 2,” backed by a €5.5m grant to strengthen primary healthcare services in Zarqa, including for refugees and host communities. Water & Climate Rights: A new Arab NGO Network for Development report launched in Amman highlights a major rights gap on safe drinking water and sanitation across the region, linking it to governance, conflict, and climate change. Energy Transition Watch: Coverage points to Jordan’s “green hydrogen” potential as part of the new energy economy, while broader reporting notes many countries are cutting energy taxes and pushing conservation amid regional conflict pressures. Refugee Living Conditions: UNHCR’s 2026 socio-economic survey says most Syrian refugees in Jordan feel safe, but economic hardship remains severe, with widespread food insecurity and rising household debt.

Jordan Water Diplomacy: Israel is weighing a trilateral energy summit in Abu Dhabi with Jordan and the UAE to revive a water-and-energy deal, including an extra 50 million cubic meters of water for Jordan and plans for desalination and solar cooperation. Tourism & Nature: Petra marks 19 years since being named a New Seven Wonder, as officials push continued development and a more sustainable tourism push. Adventure Tourism in Aqaba: Wadi Al-Nakhila in Aqaba is getting a boost as the Desert Riders team tours the dunes and backs events that could expand desert adventure tourism. Public Finance Watch: Jordan’s public debt (excluding Social Security holdings) is reported at JD 37.38 billion, about 84% of GDP, with a government goal to bring the ratio to around 80% by end-2028. Energy Security Risk: A tanker in the Strait of Hormuz caught fire after a projectile strike; authorities say there was no environmental impact reported, but investigations continue.

Solar for landfill in Barrington: Barrington Town Council approved a capped-landfill solar array near DPW HQ, backing up to $1.85m plus a $128,520 downpayment, with Solect set to install and maintain; the town expects over $1m in revenue by selling electricity back to the grid. Water stewardship amid drought in Utah: Utah LDS leaders urged members to conserve water as Great Salt Lake levels fall, saying the main driver is tributary water use exceeding what’s needed for sustainable levels. Sustainable packaging push: IPG launched a PCR Air Pillow Film with 50% recycled content (35% post-consumer, 15% post-industrial) made in a TRUE Zero Waste certified facility. Jordan water & tourism projects: Jordan Valley Authority opened a tourism investment project overlooking the Wala Dam, while Jordan’s VTC and Agriculture Ministry launched the third phase of the ARDI project. Jordan wastewater plans: Jordan plans to tender wastewater treatment O&M contracts by 2027. Nature spotlight: Ajloun’s Wadi Rajab is promoted as a high-visitor eco-tourism destination with waterfalls and green valleys.

Ministerial Integrity: Jordan’s Prime Minister ordered an urgent new regulatory framework to curb conflicts of interest and personal gain by ministers, including tighter rules on procurement, use of official information, and bans on buying or leasing state property during tenure. Women’s Political Voice: Syrian women staged a licensed protest in Aleppo after authorities announced the completion of Syria’s first People’s Assembly since the Assad era, with activists warning that “representation is not just numbers” despite more women being included. Water & Safety: Authorities recovered the body of a missing teenage swimmer from Jordan Lake after a multi-agency search was paused due to severe weather, underscoring risks around open-water activities. Energy Transition (Regional): A report highlights Syria’s rapid solar expansion in the post-war power gap, with solar capacity rising sharply and a growing share of households using panels. Green Finance (Regional): Egypt’s SEKEM said 2025 revenue grew 12% year-on-year, driven by organic sales and expanding agricultural operations alongside environmental initiatives.

Water Security in Focus: Jordan’s National Water Carrier Project is moving toward construction, with the technical director saying work should start in Q4 2026 after final agreements, aiming for about four years of build time and water pumping in Q4 2030; the plan now includes a desalination plant (300 million m³/year), a 450-km transmission network and a solar power component, after earlier designs expanded in scope. Governance & Integrity: The Prime Minister ordered an “urgent” bylaw to curb conflicts of interest in ministerial conduct, including limits on privileged information use, restrictions on buying/leasing state property during tenure, and rules tied to tender boards and oversight bodies. Tourism Access: Jordan’s Tourism Board says low-cost flight routes are targeted to restart in September or October to boost visitor numbers and tourism competitiveness. Education Services: Electronic competitive exams for Ministry of Education posts begin this Sunday at Yarmouk University and JUST in Irbid to improve access and exam execution. Local Environment & Heritage: Ajloun’s “Digital Knowledge Encyclopedia” project is set to document and digitize the governorate’s cultural and tourist heritage.

Water Security & Wastewater: Jordan is set to tender wastewater treatment O&M contracts by 2027, as part of broader efforts to strengthen water management and drought resilience. Climate & Nature: Australia’s seagrass meadows are under pressure as climate change intensifies heat and stress on coastal ecosystems. Wildlife & Biodiversity: A new study highlights antibacterial marine vehicles and points to growing research interest in the Gulf of Aqaba’s marine life. Pollution & Public Health: Emergency crews in Ukraine began cleanup after a Russian strike spilled petroleum products into Kyrylivske Lake, with authorities warning people to avoid swimming and fishing until tests clear. Energy Transition: Jordan plans new solar, wind, and storage tenders under a 10-year energy strategy, aiming to improve reliability and sustainability. Economy & Environment Link: The World Bank approved $700m to support Jordan’s economic reforms, with potential knock-on effects for jobs and investment that can shape environmental outcomes.