Dead Sea: The Ministry of Local Administration held the second training workshop Wednesday for decision-makers and planners in 15 second-class municipalities in the Northern Region.
The workshop, organized in cooperation with the Regional Climate and Energy Project Project at the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, the Royal Scientific Society, and the Joint Services Council for the Governorate of Irbid, aims to enhance the role of municipalities and joint services councils in climate change and sustainable energy plans.
It will cover the role of second-class municipalities in climate action, analyze regional and municipal climate challenges, and discuss the UN Climate Change Convention, the Paris Agreement, climate action plans, and methodologies for selecting and analyzing projects.
Through these workshops, the ministry seeks to provide decision-makers and planners in municipalities and service councils with the knowledge and skills to develop successful climate action plans, transforming climate goals into tang
ible realities. The workshops aim to enable municipalities to manage the environmental file, particularly climate change, at the local level.
Asma Ghazawi, the ministry’s Environmental Affairs Advisor, emphasized the significant role municipalities play in confronting climate change and addressing its effects, such as unprecedented high temperatures, drought, and flash floods.
She highlighted the workshop’s goal to raise municipalities’ capacity to prepare climate change project plans and involve them in developing strategies, plans, and programs related to sustainable energy and climate action. This foundation is essential for securing financing and support from international donor organizations.
Wajdi Dalaeen, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Local Administration for Technical Affairs, noted that international organizations view Jordan as a model of success in the Middle East, being the first country in the region to launch a green financing strategy for 2023-2028.
Dina Kasbi, Program Director of th
e Regional Climate and Energy Project at the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, outlined the workshop’s content, which includes concepts of climate change (mitigation and adaptation), the role of municipalities in achieving Jordan’s sustainability agenda, and the foundations for developing municipal-level climate action plans to reduce emissions and increase regional resilience.
Kasbi pointed out that the Regional Climate and Energy Project for the Middle East and North Africa, initiated this year, supports civil society actors, young activists, government institutions, political decision-makers, research institutions, and unions in collaborating to find appropriate policies and recommendations for a sustainable and inclusive future. The project operates within three main pillars: climate justice, comprehensive and sustainable cities, and a just transition towards 100% renewable energy.
Ruba Ajour, Head of the Department of Climate Change Studies at the Royal Scientific Society’s Center for Water and Environment,
underscored the adverse impacts of climate challenges worldwide, stressing the necessity of adopting policies that empower and build capabilities to face these challenges, highlighting the crucial role of municipalities in responding to climate change while continuing to provide essential services.
Hamza Muhairat, liaison officer for energy and climate action projects at the Ministry of Local Administration, noted the global focus on preparing energy and climate action plans at the municipal level due to varying geographic vulnerabilities to climate change and local practices. These plans are critical for securing grants to finance projects.
Muhairat added that the ministry, with the help of international organizations and technical support teams, is prepared to assist municipalities in joining the Global Covenant of Mayors and enhancing their ability to prepare sustainable energy and climate action plans.
Muhammad Malkawi, Communications and Media Advisor at the ministry highlighted the importance of part
nerships with municipalities and joint services councils in addressing climate change and sustainable energy challenges.
He emphasized the role of media and communication in raising awareness and education on reducing carbon emissions, improving public transportation, waste management, recycling, and community participation in environmental initiatives.
Source: Jordan News Agency