A landmark training program titled “Building Urban Climate Resilience: Addressing Loss and Damage in the Middle East and West Asia” successfully concluded in Amman, bringing together municipal practitioners and climate experts from Jordan, Palestine, and Türkiye. Jointly organized in cooperation between UCLG-MEWA and the Arab Towns Organization (ATO), and hosted under the auspices of Greater Amman Municipality, the initiative fostered regional dialogue and peer learning to advance locally led climate action. The training was also supported by the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM) and UCLG Learning.
A key highlight was a field visit to Queen Rania Park, where participants explored community-level climate resilience initiatives led by the Greater Amman Municipality. These initiatives included empowering women entrepreneurs through craft-making, ceramic production, and cultivating medicinal plants and mushrooms. The visit also showcased inclusive economic opportunities for people with disabilities, such as growing and selling flowers from accessible raised beds—offering tangible insights into sustainable and equitable urban development.
Renewed Partnership and Broader Engagements
Ahead of the training, UCLG-MEWA and ATO reaffirmed their strategic partnership by signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), underscoring their shared commitment to joint initiatives and sustainable development across the MEWA region.
Beyond the training, Dr. Mehmet Duman held several high-level meetings in Jordan, reinforcing UCLG-MEWA’s dedication to strengthening local governance and regional collaboration. He met with the Administrative Committee at the Jordanian House of Representatives to discuss new legislation on local administrations and explore future cooperation. In a meeting with Mr. Khaled Al Khashman, Chair of the Zarqa Municipal Committee, Dr. Duman presented recent projects, previewed upcoming regional events, and discussed ongoing reforms in local government legislation.
Dr. Duman concluded his visit with a meeting with H.E. Dr. Yousef Al Shawarbeh, Mayor of Amman, focusing on preparations for the upcoming UCLG-MEWA Congress 2025 and recent developments in Jordan’s local governance landscape. He sincerely appreciated Mayor Al Shawarbeh’s generous support and hospitality throughout the training program.
These engagements reflect a concerted effort to advance sustainable development, strengthen local governance, and build resilient urban communities across the Middle East and West Asia.