ammonnews.net

Ammon News -

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman traveled to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan from March 9 to 12 where she reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between the United States and Jordan. Throughout her trip, Deputy Administrator Coleman witnessed USAID's humanitarian efforts and development assistance that address the urgent needs of Jordanians and refugees. In partnership with the Government of Jordan, these efforts strengthen local capacity and Jordan’s development trajectory.

 

On March 9, Deputy Administrator Coleman met with U.S. Ambassador to Jordan Henry T. Wooster and engaged with USAID Jordan and USAID Syria leadership. She discussed the priorities, challenges, and opportunities relating to water security, public sector reform, private sector-led economic growth, and the leadership of women and youth in Jordan. She also discussed the challenges that continue to threaten Syria’s stability and the effects of a prolonged humanitarian crisis that have left 80% of Syrians food insecure. Deputy Administrator Coleman concluded her day meeting with prominent Jordanian women political and civil society leaders on the obstacles and opportunities facing women in the country.

 

On March 10, Deputy Administrator Coleman, along with Ambassador Wooster and USAID Jordan Mission Director Sherry F. Carlin, met with senior officials from the Government of Jordan. They emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Jordan relationship and highlighted USAID’s priority to advance economic opportunities for women and youth throughout the Kingdom. In addition to these meetings, the Deputy Administrator discussed the impact of USAID’s support for Jordan’s post-COVID-19 economic recovery. She toured the Wild Jordan Nature Center and spoke with the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature about the USAID-funded program that supports the socioeconomic development of local communities. Deputy Administrator Coleman also toured the Citadel archeological site, which was enhanced with USAID funding to increase the tourism industry in Amman. In a visit to Kama, a USAID-funded women-owned business, the Deputy Administrator spoke with founder, Jumana Jacir, and discussed challenges facing women who are engaged, or looking to engage, in Jordan’s economic sector.

 

On March 11, Deputy Administrator Coleman spent the morning immersed in discussions regarding Jordan’s water crisis and the impact on regional dynamics with, Mohammed Al Najjar, Minister of Water and Irrigation. Deputy Administrator Coleman visited the Al Addasya Diversion Weir and King Abdullah Canal to better understand Jordan’s water supply challenges and expressed USAID’s commitment to helping Jordan address the water security issues that face the region.

 

In the afternoon, Deputy Administrator Coleman visited a home for Syrian refugees, and met with refugee community representatives and their Jordanian neighbors to discuss the difficulties created by the ongoing Syrian conflict. She commended the Jordanian government and people for their continued hospitality and support for Syrian refugees.