Ministers of Education and Social Development Meet UNICEF Executive Director

Dr. Mahafzah emphasized during the meeting that the ministry attaches great importance to developing the educational system, improving the quality of education and its outcomes, and linking learning to the necessary skills for the future and the labor market, in partnership with UNICEF. He also underscored the importance of continuing the strategic partnership between the Jordanian government and UNICEF to support these efforts across various sectors and enhance the capacity of national systems to respond to the needs of children and families.

The two ministers stressed the importance of employing technology and artificial intelligence to improve the educational process, expanding inclusive education opportunities for children with disabilities, and supporting girls' retention in education and equipping them with the necessary skills.

For her part, the Minister of Social Development, Wafa Bani Mustafa, affirmed that Jordan has placed social protection at the core of national modernization tracks, alongside the Economic Modernization Vision and the tracks of political and administrative modernization, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to economic and institutional reforms, as well as enhancing inclusion and flexibility and expanding opportunities for all.

Bani Mustafa reviewed the prominent gains achieved by Jordan in the field of childhood through the adoption of the National Policy for Early Childhood Development and Care, which establishes early childhood as a national priority and an investment in human capital. This is also achieved through expanding the scope of services provided to children with disabilities and those experiencing developmental delays by establishing early intervention units distributed across the various regions of the Kingdom.

Minister Bani Mustafa also addressed the key priorities for the upcoming phase to implement the National Social Protection Strategy 2025–2033, expressing appreciation for the contribution of partners, including UNICEF, in supporting its implementation. This is in addition to effective cooperation in implementing the multi-sectoral National Plan for the Prevention and Response to Child Protection Issues, Domestic Violence, and Violence against Women and Girls 2026–2030, enhancing the role of the voluntary sector in the association classification project, implementing the "Makani" program, and across a number of priority areas that contribute to strengthening the social protection system.

In turn, Russell praised Jordan's efforts in advancing children's rights and its role in hosting refugees and providing them with services, expressing UNICEF's pride in its partnership with the Jordanian government and UNICEF's commitment to continuously supporting national priorities and the Economic Modernization Vision in a way that positively impacts the lives of children and youth.

Russell added that Jordan is achieving outstanding results for children. "We discussed with the Ministers of Education and Social Development ways to translate school enrollment into quality learning and future job opportunities, make social protection a gateway to basic services, and protect every child from violence, including digital violence."

"We agreed on the potential offered by artificial intelligence and technology for teacher training and bringing about a qualitative shift in learning, as well as the importance of paying special attention to children with disabilities and ensuring girls remain in education. Jordan has shown exceptional generosity in hosting refugees from Syria, opening its schools and services to children in dire need. UNICEF remains committed to supporting the government's Economic Modernization Vision for the well-being of every child and youth in Jordan." The meeting also addressed Jordan's role in supporting early childhood development and its participation in hosting the first Global Early Childhood Development Summit, scheduled for 2027, as well as hosting a meeting of pioneers in Amman in preparation for the summit.

Russell's visit follows her participation in the proceedings of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where the pioneering role played by Jordan in supporting early childhood development was highlighted, including its participation in hosting the first Global Early Childhood Development Summit and hosting a meeting of pioneers in Amman in preparation for the summit scheduled for 2027.

The meeting was attended by the UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Edward Beigbeder, and the UNICEF Representative in Jordan, Marc Rubin.

The visit reaffirms the strength of the enduring partnership between UNICEF and Jordan, and UNICEF's commitment to continuing its support for the government in achieving its national priorities and strengthening the systems and services that ensure every child and youth has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive.