Day: June 17, 2026

Amman: The National Center for Human Rights (NCHR) launched the third regional dialogue on business and human rights in Arab countries under the theme, “Promoting Responsible Business Practices: Human Rights at the Heart of Sustainable Development in Arab Countries.” Chairperson of the NCHR Board of Trustees, Samar Haj Hassan, highlighted the significance of integrating human rights into business practices to foster sustainable development and attract investment.

According to Jordan News Agency, the dialogue coincides with key anniversaries such as the 15th anniversary of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the 50th anniversary of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct. Haj Hassan emphasized the complementarity of economic development and human rights, and the need for a people-centered development model in the Arab region, especially amidst economic and digital transformations.

Haj Hassan also referenced Jordan’s efforts under the Comprehensive Modernization Vision to build a competitive economy that generates opportunities while ensuring justice and inclusive participation. She mentioned Jordan’s National Baseline Assessment on Business and Human Rights as a practical tool for identifying priorities and policies to uphold human rights in the business sector.

Ali Ahmed Derazi, President of the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions, stated that respecting human rights is essential for responsible business practices and sustainable economic development. He underscored the importance of promoting a culture of responsible business conduct to ensure a fair business environment, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Damilola Olawuyi, Chair of the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, urged Arab countries to commit to the Guiding Principles and develop national action plans for responsible business conduct. Despite progress, challenges such as conflicts and climate change continue to impede implementation efforts.

Randa Aboul-Hosn, UNDP Resident Representative in Jordan, noted the importance of sustainable development and highlighted the role of the UN Guiding Principles in supporting economic growth while prioritizing human rights. She emphasized the need for a balanced transition towards a green economy, protecting workers’ rights and local communities.

In a virtual address, Allan Jorgensen from the OECD stressed the rising importance of responsible business practices in addressing global challenges. He pointed out that responsible conduct is evolving into a prerequisite for accessing global markets, and highlighted the need for safeguards in digital transformation and artificial intelligence.

The dialogue included sessions on business and human rights in the Arab region, corporate responsibility, and mechanisms for remedy and redress, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and aligning national frameworks with international standards.

San francisco: The national football team began its historic FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on Wednesday with its opening Group J match against Austria in San Francisco. The occasion was marked by the playing of Jordan’s national anthem before kickoff, as thousands of Jordanian supporters inside the stadium celebrated the Kingdom’s first-ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup finals in an atmosphere of pride and anticipation.

According to Jordan News Agency, Jordan’s starting lineup featured Yazeed Abu Laila in goal, with Ehsan Haddad, Abdullah Naseeb, Yazan Al Arab, Mohammad Abu Al Nadi, Muhannad Abu Taha, Nizar Al Rashdan, Noor Al Rawabdeh, Mousa Al Taamari, Odeh Al Fakhouri, and Ali Olwan. Jordan is competing in Group J alongside Austria, Algeria, and Argentina.

Following the Austria match, the national team will face Algeria on June 23 before concluding its group-stage campaign against Argentina on June 28. The tournament marks a historic milestone for Jordanian football, with the national team making its debut appearance on the world’s biggest football stage.

Amman: The Jordan Armed Forces- Arab Army (JAF) announced on Wednesday that it has completed preparations for the National Service Training Center to receive a second batch of recruits as part of the National Service program.

According to Jordan News Agency, the preparations involve equipping administrative and training facilities and providing logistical and medical supplies. The aim is to establish a conducive training environment that enables recruits to acquire essential military and professional skills and knowledge.

The Head of the JAF’s Mobilization and Popular Army Department confirmed the center’s readiness to accommodate recruits under the approved training programs. These programs are designed to enhance discipline, commitment, and responsibility while developing the physical and mental capabilities of the participants.

The JAF continues to execute organizational and administrative procedures related to the National Service Program. This initiative reflects their national duty to prepare and qualify young people, thereby fostering a sense of belonging and loyalty in service of the higher national interest.

Amman: Jordan Gate displayed the Jordanian national football team’s logo on the Sixth Circle Towers in Amman on Wednesday, celebrating the team’s debut in the FIFA World Cup.

According to Jordan News Agency, this achievement is a historic milestone in the journey of Jordanian sports, said Tareq Abdulrahman, the company’s CEO. He mentioned the company’s enthusiasm to participate in this national occasion by showcasing their logo on the towers.

This initiative is also part of “The 12th Always Behind the 11th” campaign, symbolizing Jordanians’ support for their national team. Abdulrahman emphasized his company’s commitment to backing the national squad throughout its World Cup journey and expressed his wishes for the team’s success.

Gaza: A specialized surgical team at the Jordanian Field Hospital South Gaza/10 successfully performed a branchial cyst excision on Wednesday for a 58-year-old patient.

According to Jordan News Agency, the patient had been suffering for more than a year from a large, abnormal cyst that progressively impaired swallowing and breathing. The mass also exerted pressure on major blood vessels, reducing the flow of blood to the brain.

The surgical team managed to entirely remove the mass without complications, despite the significant medical challenges posed by the cyst’s size and its proximity to vital structures and sensitive blood vessels in the neck.

Amman: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved the completion of the fifth review of Jordan’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme and the second review of its Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement. This approval allows Jordan to access additional financing of $134 million under the EFF and $54 million under the RSF.

According to Jordan News Agency, the IMF highlighted Jordan’s ability to maintain macroeconomic stability amid regional security challenges. The Jordanian economy has shown resilience due to stringent fiscal, monetary, and macroeconomic policies, which have positioned the nation to withstand current regional tensions.

The IMF noted the government’s prompt response to the regional crisis, which included measures like strengthening energy security, enhancing trade and supply chains, and providing targeted support to vulnerable sectors such as tourism and industry. Assistance to vulnerable households was also extended through the National Aid Fund.

The performance of Jordan’s IMF-supported reform programme was deemed robust, with all quantitative performance criteria for the end of 2025 and most indicative targets for March 2026 being met. Structural reform benchmarks were also achieved, reflecting the country’s commitment to economic reform.

Progress was noted in improving the business environment, fostering market competition, increasing labour market flexibility, and reducing the costs associated with transitioning to the formal economy. These reforms are considered vital for economic growth and job creation.

Jordan’s economy experienced growth of 2.8 per cent in 2025, an increase from 2.6 per cent in 2024, driven by strong performances across several sectors. Inflation remained low at 1.8 percent. Despite regional uncertainties, the IMF projects economic growth at 2.7 per cent in 2026, increasing to 3.1 per cent in 2027.

Fiscal performance in 2025 exceeded programme targets, with stronger domestic revenues and controlled expenditures. The government met its primary budget deficit targets in the first quarter of 2026, even amid regional economic pressures.

The IMF praised the Central Bank of Jordan for its commitment to maintaining monetary stability, noting a strong foreign reserve position of approximately $27 billion by the end of the first quarter of 2026. Financial inflows bolstered the stability of the Jordanian dinar’s peg to the U.S. dollar and reduced dollarisation levels, reflecting confidence in Jordan’s macroeconomic policies.

In April 2026, the Central Bank of Jordan introduced a JD760 million package of measures to boost banking sector liquidity and support affected sectors, including reducing reserve requirements and expanding concessional financing programmes.

The government’s National Programme for Financial and Economic Reform, launched in 2024, has seen the successful completion of five consecutive reviews, contributing to economic stability without additional financial burdens on citizens.

The government remains committed to continuing economic and financial reforms to strengthen resilience against external shocks, aiming to ensure macroeconomic stability and foster private sector-led growth and employment opportunities.