Amman: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched the Advancing Food Systems Resilience in Jordan and Kenya project on Wednesday.
According to Jordan News Agency, HRH Princess Basma Bint Ali and Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture Mohammad Hiyari attended the launch, where Hiyari emphasized the project’s role in enhancing food system resilience in Jordan. He highlighted the initiative’s support for Jordan’s efforts to achieve food security and self-sufficiency by 2030.
Hiyari noted Jordan’s proactive measures to mitigate the negative effects of global crises on food security. These efforts focus on strengthening cooperation between government agencies and international organizations to develop more efficient and sustainable food systems.
UNDP Resident Representative in Jordan, Randa Aboul-Hosn, stated that the program’s strength lies in integrating policy, governance, and community empowerment. She described food system resilience as essential for Jordan’s economic stability and social cohesion.
Project Director Masannat Hiyari outlined that the 18-month initiative will promote strategic partnerships and regional cooperation, particularly through knowledge exchange and best practices. The project aims to support women, youth, and marginalized groups by encouraging innovative and sustainable solutions to food security challenges.
Hiyari further detailed the project’s core actions, which include promoting agroecology, strengthening traditional and regional food markets, advancing women’s empowerment, supporting the informal sector, and linking food systems to climate goals and biodiversity strategies such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and COP objectives.
The launch event featured a detailed presentation of the project’s white paper and key objectives, along with panel discussions on food system governance and transformation, showcasing experts from various sectors.