Amman: The Ministry of Local Administration on Tuesday unveiled a national guide aimed at strengthening disaster risk management at the local level, under the patronage of Minister of Local Administration Walid Masri. This initiative is designed to enhance Jordan’s capacity to adapt to climate change and minimize risks associated with disasters.
According to Jordan News Agency, the guide was developed in collaboration with the National Center for Security and Crisis Management, Mercy Corps Jordan, and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), as part of the “Tabeea” project. The project receives funding from the Swiss Embassy in Jordan and the Zurich Foundation and is part of a broader effort to boost resilience and disaster preparedness nationwide.
Nidal Abu Arabi, Secretary General of the Ministry for Administrative and Financial Affairs, who represented the Minister at the launch, described the guide as a shift in institutional thinking. He emphasized that disasters are ongoing challenges that require constant readiness, transforming municipalities from mere service providers to strategic partners in community safety.
Abu Arabi explained that the guide equips municipalities with practical tools for risk assessment, mitigation, rapid response, and recovery, serving as a reference based on international best practices while being tailored to Jordan’s local context. He highlighted its significance in strengthening local governance and reducing both human and material losses.
He further emphasized the necessity of empowering municipalities with the knowledge and tools needed to transition from reactive to proactive disaster management roles. Abu Arabi noted that Jordan, like many other countries, faces climate-related challenges, making the guide’s implementation a national priority.
Swiss Ambassador to Jordan Emilija Georgieva reiterated Switzerland’s support for Jordan’s disaster preparedness efforts. She commended the ministry and the National Center for Security and Crisis Management for their work in enhancing local readiness and identified the guide’s launch as a crucial first step.
Shorouk Abu Razouk, Director of the “Tabeea” project, stressed the growing importance of national collaboration in addressing climate challenges and praised efforts to strengthen municipal capacities through proactive approaches.
Majida Assaf, a representative from UNDP, highlighted that municipalities are the frontline defense against disasters. She noted that the program has contributed to the development of both the National Disaster Risk Reduction Guide and Strategy, which align with the Sendai Framework, and support national climate change policies.
The launch event gathered representatives from municipal councils, international bodies, government agencies, and climate experts. Discussions centered on integrating disaster risk management into local governance, empowering municipalities, and ensuring long-term implementation and performance monitoring.
The guide is positioned as a strategic national document in line with the National Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction 2023-2030, reinforcing the proactive role of local governments in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.