AGP Executive Report

Climate-Smart Farming: Jordan and the FAO signed an agreement to help farmers adapt to climate change via 44 farmer field schools and 44 field days in Madaba, Karak, Tafilah and Ma’an, targeting 880 farmers with water-efficient, climate-smart practices. Local Development Finance: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development backed Jordan with $300m for the general budget and a $40m contract to build and equip five vocational and technical schools across Amman, Mafraq, Jerash and Irbid. Energy for Industry: The same ADFD package includes $70m to supply natural gas to Al-Rawda and Al-Muwaqqar industrial cities, with studies on extending gas to the King Hussein Development Zone in Mafraq. Regional Environment Cooperation: Jordan and China also signed an environmental cooperation agreement, adding momentum to cross-border work on climate and sustainability. Water & Resilience: Jordan reported cutting cumulative water losses by 10.7% for a fourth straight year, reinforcing efforts to protect scarce water resources.

Jordan–China Environment Pact: Jordan and China signed an MoU to boost environmental and climate cooperation, covering biodiversity, pollution control, waste management (including plastic), marine protection, climate action, and environmental impact assessments, with plans for policy and expert exchanges. Energy & Skills Funding: The UAE committed $110m via the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development for vocational/technical schools in Amman, Mafraq, Jerash and Irbid, plus $70m to supply natural gas to industrial cities in Ma’an and Muwaqqar—aimed at cutting energy costs and strengthening industry. Urban Heritage & Tourism: Amman’s cable car project is moving ahead with downtown preparation works, with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and Greater Amman Municipality saying it will protect the area’s historic character and avoid listed heritage buildings. Border Logistics Upgrade: The Ministry of Public Works and Housing completed a 50,000 sq m truck parking yard at Jaber Border Crossing, designed to organize freight traffic, reduce random parking, and improve safety and driver services. Water Security: Jordan’s Strategy Forum says the country kept stable growth and inflation despite geopolitical pressures, while also highlighting ongoing efforts to manage macro stability. Public Health Tech: A new dengue prevention approach is highlighted through the Wolbachia method, which targets Aedes mosquitoes to reduce virus transmission.

Press Freedom in Jordan: Authorities in Amman arrested and prosecuted investigative journalist Ali Younes after he reposted a piece questioning billions in US assistance to Jordan, raising fresh concerns about limits on political expression. Water Management: Jordan cut cumulative water losses by 10.7% for a fourth straight year, signaling continued pressure to improve efficiency. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan’s deputy prime minister Ayman Safadi met Palestinian Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh in Amman, condemning West Bank settler violence, settlement expansion (including E1 tenders), and attacks on UNRWA. Biodiversity & Land Care: Goats were used at Colorado’s Centennial Airport to clear overgrown vegetation, stabilizing soil and reducing wildfire fuel loads. Conservation Spotlight: A new report highlights how conservationists are saving Africa’s wild dogs, the continent’s most hated carnivores.

Water & Climate in Jordan: Jordan’s water sector posted another win, cutting cumulative water losses by 10.7% for the fourth straight year, a sign of improving efficiency in a country that feels drought pressure every summer. Nature & Tourism: Wadi Bin Hammad near Karak is drawing visitors with cool streams, mineral-rich springs, and lush vegetation—an easy reminder that protecting freshwater corridors matters for both ecosystems and local livelihoods. Regional Diplomacy: China’s Xi Jinping met King Abdullah II in Beijing, reiterating support for a two-state political path and stressing humanitarian principles—relevant for long-term stability that also shapes reconstruction and environmental planning. Local Environment Angle: A Jordan-focused podcast episode on urban drought highlights how water shortages hit city life differently than rural farming, and how residents adapt. Wildlife Conservation (regional lesson): A report on African wild dog reintroductions shows how moving and protecting endangered species can rebuild genetically diverse packs—useful context for Jordan’s own biodiversity efforts.

Water Security Update: Jordan cut cumulative water losses by 10.7% for the fourth straight year, bringing the national loss rate to 41% and supporting the goal of reaching 25% by 2040, with the Minister of Water and Irrigation citing progress and ongoing donor backing. Energy & Land-Use Pressure: In Emery County, a temporary solar moratorium was approved while officials move to classify large industrial projects like solar and data centers as Level III conditional uses, after wildlife concerns were raised over a major solar proposal. Jordan–China Cooperation: King Abdullah II met Xi Jinping in Beijing, with both sides signing cooperation documents across diplomacy, trade, industry and supply chains, and pushing deeper alignment on development strategies. Local Safety & Community: Russell Junior-Senior High School was briefly placed on hold after a reported bomb threat, with police finding it not credible and students released at 4 p.m. Biodiversity/Conservation Angle: A community photo contest in Scio highlighted categories including animals and nature, reflecting growing local interest in wildlife and the outdoors.

Road Safety & Infrastructure: Jordan’s Ministry of Public Works and Housing will start maintenance and widening works on the Amman–Salt Road from beyond Dababneh Bridge to Umm Al-Naaj Bridge on Monday evening, including a polymer-modified basalt asphalt layer and added road safety markings and reflective studs, with traffic management coordinated with the Public Security Directorate. Energy & Aviation Modernization: Royal Jordanian Airlines selected Ramco Systems’ aviation software to support its next growth phase with a unified digital platform for engineering, maintenance, supply chain, safety and compliance. Renewables Backup Tech: Hoymiles launched new whole-home backup solutions (HiSwitch and HiBox gateway) designed to simplify off-grid switching with its HiOne battery system. Sustainable Land Investment: A new global report argues for investing in rangelands, highlighting their biodiversity value and the role of pastoralists in sustainable management. Wildlife & Community Stewardship: A West Seattle “beaver detective” story spotlights long-term local wildlife observation and community-led stewardship.

Education Infrastructure: Jordan’s Ministry of Education says it has cut rented schools from 776 to 606 by phasing out 170, adding 86 new schools and completing major maintenance, as the new academic year starts without textbook or desk shortages. Vocational Training Push: The Cabinet approved five new technical schools across Amman, Mafraq, Jerash, and Irbid, alongside free school transport for Southern Badia. Tourism & Sustainability: Stakeholders say King Abdullah II’s China visit should boost Chinese arrivals, with calls to partner with Trip.com on smart marketing and multi-destination packages to support longer stays across Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, Jerash, and Aqaba. Digital Modernization: The Amman Stock Exchange launched an updated Optiq trading system and a new auction-based method for setting closing prices, aiming for fairer, more efficient pricing and stronger market reliability.

Aqaba Marine Reserve: Jordan’s newly recognized Aqaba Marine Reserve is moving into a tougher conservation phase after UNESCO natural-criteria inscription, with calls for stronger scientific monitoring and responsible tourism to match global attention. Waste & Public Health: Bethlehem’s overflowing bins have become a visible sign of deeper system failures in waste management, raising sanitation and health concerns for residents and visitors. Education Start-Up: About 2.2 million students are set to return for the 2026/2027 school year, with the Ministry of Education stressing school readiness and smoother day-one operations. Local Governance & Safety: Amman’s Traffic Department has rolled out a comprehensive school-year traffic plan, including early deployment, targeted staffing by school location, and safety awareness for students and parents. Jordan–China Economic Push: King Abdullah II’s China visit is framed less as a strategic pivot and more as economic survival—seeking investment, technology, and tourism while keeping security ties with Washington. Digital Services Debate: A Jordanian analysis questions whether e-government progress is truly structural or just digitizing old bureaucracy, urging real automation and faster inter-agency service delivery.

Aqaba Marine Reserve: Jordan’s newly inscribed Aqaba Marine Reserve is moving into a tougher phase: UNESCO recognition for its coral reefs now needs stronger conservation, scientific monitoring and responsible tourism, with managers pointing to temperature tracking sites and community engagement as key. Water & Energy for AI: A Jordan-focused explainer compares the water and power demands behind AI services, arguing that the bigger picture matters more than vague per-query estimates. Energy Diplomacy: Jordan’s 2025–2035 energy strategy leans on “being in between,” using interconnections and diversification to reduce vulnerability even without major oil or gas reserves. Implementation Gap in Jerash: A Jerash panel under “Maidani” says most 2025 commitments are progressing faster than some sectors, but projects still sit in studies, budgets or delayed stages—touching health, water, transport, tourism and agriculture. Local Environment Risk: Coastal erosion at California’s “The Wedge” exposes pipes and wires after summer swells, a reminder of how extreme weather can quickly damage infrastructure.

Water & Drought: The Colorado River crisis is pushing fresh federal rules, with mandated cutbacks for California, Arizona and Nevada as Lake Powell and Lake Mead hit record lows. Local Accountability: A Jerash panel under “Maidani” says many 2025 government commitments are only partly delivered—some finished, others still stuck in studies, implementation delays or future budgets—covering health, water, transport, tourism and agriculture. Biodiversity & Biosecurity: California officials warn invasive fruit flies keep slipping through defenses, stressing that resources may lag the threat even as authorities say eradication continues. Jordan–China Cooperation: Jordan’s King Abdullah’s China visit highlights expanded ties in investment, manufacturing, technology, education and renewable energy, with experts urging more Chinese factories and know-how. Environment & Water-Saving Practices: Arizona’s composting push is framed as a practical way to improve soil water retention amid Colorado River cuts. Food Security: Jordanian officials warn grain self-sufficiency remains elusive despite a strong harvest.

Local Accountability: A Jerash panel under “Maidani” says many 2025 Cabinet projects are lagging in real-world delivery, with MPs and directorates citing uneven progress across health, water, culture, education, transport, tourism and agriculture. Bilateral Green Trade: As King Abdullah II visits China, Jordanian business and policy voices are pushing for deeper cooperation beyond imports—especially Chinese investment, manufacturing, AI know-how and renewable energy partnerships. Water & Land Risks: Separate reporting flags ongoing environmental pressures in the region, including mine contamination cleanup efforts in Syria and the need for stronger protection against invasive species and other threats. Biodiversity Protection: Prickly Pear Land Trust announced permanent protection of 198 acres, aiming to safeguard grasslands, old-growth forest and riparian habitat. Community Stewardship: Ranching families west of Williams Lake received a national environmental stewardship award for conservation practices on a working ranch.

Water Security: A German policy piece spotlights water as a peace and development priority, citing support to Jordan to cut drinking-water losses from leaks and to recycle wastewater. Local Governance & Delivery: A Jerash panel under “Maidani” says many 2025 Cabinet commitments are only partly done, with projects ranging from studies and implementation delays to budget gaps—covering health, water, transport, tourism, agriculture and more. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Reports warn that dozens of migrating white storks were electrocuted on Jordan Valley power lines, urging urgent action to prevent further wildlife deaths. Environment Policy: Another Jordan-focused item says the country has reviewed progress on Montreal Protocol commitments and the Kigali Amendment. Youth & Environment Link: An Arab Youth Center expansion in Jordan is framed as a regional opportunity for young people—potentially feeding future local sustainability capacity.

Local Implementation Watch: A Jerash panel under “Maidani” says many 2025 Cabinet commitments are only partly delivered—health, water, culture, education, transport and tourism were discussed, with MP Hamza Al-Hawamdeh estimating 70–80% completion and calling for priorities like a hospital, transport upgrades and a university. Youth & Sustainability Skills: The Arab Youth Centre opened its first permanent Jordan hub with the Crown Prince Foundation, aiming to build youth leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, youth research and sustainability through training, mentorship and incubation. Nuclear & Climate Risk Signals: Satellite reporting points to excavation activity at Syria’s al-Kibar reactor site as the IAEA returns, while separate Nile coverage tracks falling river levels and exposed sandbars, raising questions about rainfall deficits and dam operations. Biodiversity & Power Impacts: Jordan Valley reports say migrating white storks have been electrocuted on power lines, prompting calls for urgent mitigation. Regional Environment Policy: Jordan’s progress on Montreal Protocol commitments is highlighted alongside broader environmental governance updates.

Ozone Protection Update: Jordan’s Environment Minister Ayman Suleiman says the country has made significant progress on Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, calling for stronger monitoring and compliance systems and faster shifts to climate-friendly alternatives. Water & Food Supply Rules: Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) approved new instructions regulating horticultural product trading outside the central market, including storage, transport, and document requirements, with exemptions for perishable goods and food-processing inputs. Local Implementation Watch: A Jerash governorate panel under Radio Al-Balad’s “Maidani” program found a gap between announced projects and on-the-ground delivery, with officials citing progress on some commitments while others wait for studies or future budgets. Humanitarian Funding Gap: A UN-linked report says humanitarian funding for Jordan has fallen sharply over the past decade, leaving only a small share of needs covered for refugee responses. Settler Violence & Displacement: Human Rights Watch warns escalating Israeli settler attacks in the West Bank are driving forced displacement and putting dozens of Palestinian communities at risk of erasure.

Local Governance: Jordan’s Lower House approved the 2026 Local Administration Bill, including rules on dissolving municipal councils, creating governorate councils with legal and financial independence, and setting women’s representation at 30% plus youth and disability seats. Regional Solidarity: Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi called Syria’s foreign minister to condemn Israel’s attack on the Abu Al Duhur military airport, stressing Jordan’s solidarity with Syria and warning of dangerous escalation. Youth & Sustainability Skills: The Arab Youth Center opened a permanent Jordan office with the Crown Prince Foundation, offering programs in leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, youth research, sustainability and future skills through labs, incubation and mentorship. Water & Health (Policy/Planning): A Jerash governorate panel under “Maidani” highlighted uneven delivery of Cabinet-announced projects—some completed, others still in studies or awaiting budgets—covering health, water, transport, tourism and agriculture. Brownfield Cleanup & Housing: Michigan’s EGLE awarded $3.9m for brownfield redevelopment, including East Jordan’s 116 Main Street project to remediate contamination and create housing and jobs.

Humanitarian Safety: World Humanitarian Day warns that when aid workers are killed, children lose food, health care, safe spaces and education—last year saw 300+ humanitarian deaths and risks are rising as “humanitarian space” shrinks. Water & Wildlife in Jordan: Israeli birdwatcher reports 30 migrating white storks dead after electrocution on Jordan Valley power lines, prompting calls for urgent action to prevent more wildlife deaths. Local Delivery Gap (Jerash): A Jerash panel under “Maidani” says many 2025 government commitments are only partly implemented—some projects are finished, others still stuck in studies or awaiting future budgets, with needs spanning health, water, transport and jobs. Culture & Skills: “Our Jordan in Our Eyes” continues training young photographers in Madaba, aiming to turn hobby photography into a way to document Jordan’s places and heritage. Policy & Access: An op-ed ties humanitarian protection to protecting children, arguing that ignoring international rules leaves the most vulnerable exposed.