National Institutions and Unions Implement Austerity and Energy Conservation Measures


Amman: In line with government directives aimed at enhancing spending efficiency and optimizing resource consumption, various national institutions and unions across the Kingdom are witnessing a growing movement to adopt regulatory measures and awareness initiatives. These efforts are designed to control expenditures and bolster financial and energy sustainability amid current economic conditions.



According to Jordan News Agency, Mutah University issued an administrative circular to all its staff, outlining temporary regulatory measures aimed at boosting spending efficiency and controlling operational costs, reflecting its commitment to the government’s approach to financial austerity. University President Salameh Al-Naimat emphasized that these measures come in response to current economic circumstances and fall within the university’s responsibility to support national efforts aimed at managing resources effectively. He stressed the absolute necessity of full compliance with the circular.



Under the new directives, the use of government vehicles is strictly restricted to official business and prohibited outside of working hours. Additionally, the travel of official delegations and committees abroad has been suspended for two months, except in cases of extreme necessity that require prior approval. The circular also mandated the suspension of hosting official delegations and a reduction in hospitality expenses for the same period. Furthermore, it banned the use of costly materials and publications across various university departments to help drive down expenses and improve overall financial performance.



The university presidency called on all employees to strictly adhere to the guidelines, affirming that this step ensures the institution directs its resources toward core academic and educational priorities, thereby strengthening its role in serving the nation and society.



Addressing the energy sector, Khalid Zoyoud, president of the General Trade Union of Workers in Petrochemicals, confirmed that recent calls to conserve energy are precautionary and proactive measures, rather than a response to any shortfall in the Kingdom’s strategic reserves. He noted that Jordan possesses a secure stockpile sufficient to cover its needs and that the energy sector operates with high flexibility, enabling it to navigate regional fluctuations.



Zoyoud explained that the culture of conservation is a civic responsibility that reflects societal awareness. He pointed out that its implementation begins with simple habits in homes and workplaces, such as turning off unused appliances, maintaining heating equipment, and improving thermal insulation. He highlighted the launch of several national initiatives designed to promote a culture of responsible consumption, most notably the “With Your Awareness, We Protect It” campaign. This initiative provides citizens with guidelines on reducing heat loss and conducting periodic maintenance, which he credited with helping to stabilize markets during peak demand periods.



Zoyoud also stressed the strategic significance of the Zarqa governorate as the center of Jordan’s oil and energy sector, home to the petroleum refinery, and a primary hub for national industries. He urged citizens to adopt conservation practices as a national duty that directly supports the economy and bolsters Jordan’s capacity to confront ongoing challenges.



In a related move, the Jordan Engineers Association launched a national awareness campaign focused on energy conservation. The initiative aims to enhance resource utilization and safeguard energy security, seamlessly aligning with government directives to lower consumption and improve efficiency across all sectors. The JEA stated that the campaign encompasses practical measures targeted at government institutions, the private sector, and individual citizens. Key actions include cutting electricity consumption within buildings, turning off lights and electronic devices after working hours, and transitioning to energy-saving lighting systems. The guidelines also heavily promote routine maintenance for air conditioning and heating systems, alongside a broader push to instill a culture of conservation among employees and the general public.



It concluded by asserting that the success of the campaign hinges entirely on collective awareness and commitment, given its direct and critical impact on sustaining the national economy and protecting strategic resources.

LH Committee Approves 2026 Education Law Amendments


Amman: The Lower House (LH) Education Committee, chaired by MP Dr. Ibrahim Qaraleh, endorsed the 2026 Draft Law on Education and Human Resources Development during a session attended by the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Scientific Research, Dr. Azmi Mahafzeh.



According to Jordan News Agency, Qaraleh mentioned that the bill was approved following discussions with relevant authorities and experts. The committee aimed to study the draft thoroughly and introduce necessary amendments to enhance the quality of education and align it with national efforts to modernize the education sector, addressing development needs and labor market requirements.



Qaraleh emphasized the committee’s collaborative approach, prioritizing the interests of students and teachers. He also highlighted the need for a modern legislative framework to develop the Kingdom’s education system, ensuring it keeps pace with advancements and improves performance efficiency.



Dr. Mahafzeh outlined the draft law’s key features, focusing on the legislative framework for the educational process, strengthening governance, and boosting institutional performance efficiency within the ministry. This is expected to positively influence education quality and outcomes. He reaffirmed the ministry’s openness to parliamentary observations and proposals to refine the law’s text, aiming to reach a consensus that serves the public interest and prepares for the completion of constitutional procedures.

GAM Launches Waste Collection Phase in Zahran and Tariq Areas


Amman: The Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) initiated the first operational phase for waste collection and transport in the Zahran and Tariq areas through service-providing companies.



According to Jordan News Agency, this implementation is part of a strategic partnership launched by GAM through the Amman Vision Company for Treatment and Recycling (AVTR) and three privately-owned companies. The initiative aims to develop the solid waste management ecosystem to achieve efficiency and enhance the level of services provided in various GAM areas.



Deputy City Manager for the Districts and Environment Sector at the municipality, Mohammad Al-Faouri, confirmed that this phase is part of a gradual transitional plan. It aims to improve the efficiency and quality of cleaning, waste collection, and transport services in the Amman Municipality, with operational rates set to increase from 10 percent to 100 percent over five months.



Al-Faouri mentioned that this partnership is expected to generate financial savings of approximately JD130 million over a span of 10 years. Additionally, the initiative is anticipated to create around 2,000 direct job opportunities.

ASEZA and UN-Habitat Collaborate to Promote Sustainable Urban Growth in Aqaba


Aqaba: The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in Jordan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance sustainable urban development and support evidence-based planning.



According to Jordan News Agency, the agreement was signed by ASEZA Commissioner for Infrastructure and Urban Affairs, Mutasem Hindawi, and UN-Habitat Jordan Programme’s Head Deema Abu Diab. It aims to create a cooperative framework focusing on data-driven urban planning and enhancing city resilience. The initiative is designed to aid Aqaba’s transformation into a more sustainable, smart, and resource-efficient city. It covers policy implementation support, assessments, and the preparation of studies and reports to understand evolving urban needs and prioritize interventions for impactful development.



Hindawi emphasized that this agreement aligns with ASEZA’s commitment to improving life quality in Aqaba, in accordance with the Economic Modernization Vision and national priorities. He highlighted that the urban observatory will enhance planning capacity and urban growth management, ensuring development aligns with the city’s economic role while improving services and living standards for residents and visitors.



Abu Diab stated that cities play a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. She emphasized that the partnership will strengthen participatory, data-driven planning that mirrors cities’ voices and community needs, ensuring inclusive and responsive urban development in line with national priorities and Jordan’s development agenda.



A significant aspect of the partnership is the establishment of an urban observatory in Aqaba, which will improve data availability and accessibility aligned with city priorities. This will aid evidence-based planning and informed decision-making, positively impacting essential service delivery. The observatory will be integrated into ASEZA’s institutional structure to ensure sustainability and will align with international standards, including the Sustainable Development Goals and the urban monitoring framework. It will also be part of UN-Habitat’s Global Urban Observatory Network.



The partnership will also focus on strengthening institutional and technical capacities, enhancing coordination among stakeholders, and advancing data systems and analytical tools to better comprehend urban transformations and guide planning and decision-making. It will promote a participatory approach to urban development by engaging government entities, academic institutions, civil society, and the private sector to ensure planning processes reflect the city’s needs and priorities.

Jordan Eyes Price Ceilings to Curb Impact of Global Vegetable Oil Surge


Amman: Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply Yarub Qudah discussed measures to limit the reflection of rising global vegetable oil prices on the local market during a meeting with importers and manufacturers. The meeting was attended by the President of Jordan and Amman Chambers of Commerce, Senator Khalil Haj Tawfiq, and the Vice President of the Jordan Chamber of Industry, Mohammad Jitan.



According to Jordan News Agency, Qudah confirmed the availability of sufficient quantities of vegetable oils in the local market and the continuation of supply chains from several sources, despite the challenges imposed by regional disturbances. He emphasized that the ministry continuously monitors market conditions in partnership with the private sector, stressing that if any unjustified price increases are detected, measures will be taken. These include imposing price ceilings according to studied bases that take into account production and import costs and logical profit margins, ensuring fairness between different categories and their sources, in consultation with the Jordan Chamber of Industry.



He further explained that supply chains have not stopped and operate through several land and sea routes, including the Port of Aqaba, ensuring the continuous availability of this material in the markets.



For his part, Haj Tawfiq confirmed the availability of sufficient quantities of basic food commodities in the Kingdom and the stability of the prices of most of them, “except for vegetable oils, which were affected by the rise in their global prices.” He pointed out that the commercial sector is working diligently with the ministry to supply enough commodities at reasonable prices, urging people not to panic buy or pay attention to rumors that could disrupt the market.



He affirmed that previous experiences during the coronavirus pandemic and the aggression against Gaza proved the sector’s ability to secure commodities under various circumstances.



In turn, Jitan confirmed the availability of raw materials and production inputs in sufficient quantities for factories and importers, pointing to the importance of partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to ensure the continuity of supply chains. Importers and manufacturers stressed the importance of not rushing to buy vegetable oils or being led by rumors, calling for acquiring information from official sources.

Agroforestry Project Concludes to Promote Climate-Resilient Agriculture


Amman: The National Center for Research and Development (NCRD) on Wednesday concluded the “Ecosystem-based Agriculture Resilience in the Levant through Agroforestry” project, implemented in cooperation with the Friends of Nature (FON) Association-Lebanon and supported by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).



According to Jordan News Agency, during the closing event, stakeholders presented the project’s outcomes and recommendations in a discussion session attended by government representatives and experts. Participants reviewed prospects for scaling up agroforestry applications and mechanisms to support the approach within Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision.



The project, aimed to enhance agricultural sector sustainability in the face of climate change, included training around 60 farmers in areas surrounding Ajloun Forest Reserve, as part of a regional program implemented in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.



Head of the center, Mohammed Wedyan, stated the institution focuses on national priorities with global dimensions, including water resource management, food security, climate change adaptation, renewable energy and biotechnology. He highlighted the importance of building regional and international partnerships to ensure sustainable impact and adherence to environmental and ethical standards.



Wedyan added that scientific research is a key pillar linking human values with the knowledge economy, helping boost Jordan’s global competitiveness while fostering a culture of cooperation and shared responsibility in support of a balanced and sustainable society.



For her part, FON Association Secretary General, Myrna Semman, emphasized the importance of integrating agroforestry into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as an effective tool to address climate change challenges and strengthen food security. She noted that agroforestry represents an integrated model that brings together multiple sectors, calling for a review of agricultural policies to incorporate this approach into national plans, particularly given its role in land rehabilitation and improving agricultural productivity.



Semman stressed the need to adopt agroforestry as a strategic framework in national policies, citing its contribution to environmental and economic sustainability and its role in enhancing community resilience to climate change.