The Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs, meeting for its 37th session in Cairo, approved the jury’s decision to name Amman the Arab Environmental Capital.
The decision includes presenting Amman with the Arab Environmental Capital shield, while certificates of appreciation were awarded to Salalah in Oman and AlUla in Saudi Arabia in recognition of their environmental efforts.
Amman was selected following an assessment based on 13 environmental and urban indicators and criteria covering climate change, local transport, urban green spaces, sustainable land use and integration of nature and biodiversity, ambient air quality, environmental noise, waste generation and management, water management and wastewater treatment, environmental innovation, sustainable employment opportunities, energy efficiency, integrated environmental management, and the role of communities and non-governmental organizations.
Environment Minister Dr. Ayman Suleiman said in press remarks that Amman’s selection represents Arab recognition of Jordan’s accumulated national efforts in environmental action.
Suleiman said the next phase of work will focus on improving solid waste management and recycling, expanding green spaces, improving air quality, and supporting sustainable transport by increasing the use of electric and hybrid vehicles. It will also include expanding the use of solar energy and innovative smart solutions, while raising environmental awareness and community participation.
He stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships between the Ministry of Environment, the Greater Amman Municipality, national institutions, the private sector and civil society organizations to expand environmental projects and sustainability programs, improve resource-use efficiency and the urban environment, and benefit from successful Arab experiences and practices in the field.
The selection is aligned with Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision, which identifies sustainability and improved quality of life as key pillars of development and promotes the green economy, sustainable transport, resource efficiency, improved waste management, and the development of greener and more sustainable cities.
The achievement also reflects Jordan’s commitment to strengthening sustainable development principles, enhancing its ability to address environmental and climate challenges, improving quality of life, and building on opportunities in the green economy and the transition toward a more sustainable future.
The Ministry of Environment, in partnership with the Greater Amman Municipality and relevant authorities, will prepare an integrated action plan to leverage Amman’s designation as the Arab Environmental Capital through practical initiatives and projects aimed at strengthening the city’s position as an Arab model for a more sustainable, resilient city capable of addressing climate challenges.
