Madaba, June 10, 2021 – The Government of Norway, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launched the “Network of Local Governments” project in the Dhiban Municipality in Jordan. The project aims to create a nationwide platform to more effectively link decision-makers at the national level with municipalities and local communities to promote regular public consultation and participation. In this initial phase, the project targets 45 municipalities in 6 governorates (Irbid, Ajloun, Balqa, Madaba, Aqaba and Tafileh), covering the northern, central and southern regions of Jordan.

The project provides the opportunity to support effective open government and bridge the citizens’ lack of social connectivity, especially in vulnerable and marginalized segments, through the establishment of multipurpose gathering spaces and employing digital transformation tools.   

Through this initiative, the project will promote principles of transparency, accountability, integrity at both the national and local levels.

The launch was attended by the Governor of Madaba, His Excellency Ali Al Madi, Ambassador of Norway to Jordan, Her Excellency Tone Allers, UNDP Resident Representative Jordan Sara Ferrer Olivella, Deputy Resident Representative Eng. Majida Al Assaf, member of Madaba’s governorate senate H.E Sharari Kassab Al Shakhanbeh, representatives from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Local Administration, Municipality of Dheiban and a group of youth and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) at the local level.

His Excellency Ali Al Madi Governor of Madaba opened the launch by stating that, “We are pleased with this collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Embassy and UNDP Jordan, as this present a valuable support to the community. This is a great achievement, and I am happy that the project kicks off is from Deihbian”

Her Excellency the Royal Norwegian Ambassador, Tone Allers stated, “Norway is happy to support this initiative, in cooperation with Jordanian partners and the UNDP. Inclusion, transparency and accountability are essential to create sustainable development and growth. We hope that the Network of Local Governance will contribute positively in this regard.”

UNDP Resident Representative Sara Ferrer Olivella also added that “Inclusive political participation is at the heart of vibrant countries. We are pleased to support national efforts in establishing a platform that brings value by better connecting local governments and communities to ensure no one is left behind. Only by promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, we will be able to reach the aspirations of 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals 

The launch was part of opening the first multi-purpose room in Dheiban and the first hybrid dialogue (physical and virtual) between decision-makers and representatives from the community, including youth, women and CSOs, to voice out development priorities in Dheiban.