Jordan presents its third Voluntary National Review on sustainable development to the UN
Jordan renews its commitment to achieving sustainable, inclusive, and resilient developmentاضافة اعلان
Jordan reaffirms its commitment to Agenda 2030 and accelerating sustainable development
Jordan has renewed its commitment to Agenda 2030, pledging to continue driving sustainable development and aligning its goals with national priorities, while accelerating progress, enhancing implementation, and contributing to global efforts for inclusive and resilient development.
This came during Jordan's presentation of its third Voluntary National Review (VNR) for 2026 at the High-Level Political Forum at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
This is Jordan's third review following those in 2017 and 2022. Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan presented the national report alongside the presentation of Amman's second Voluntary Local Review (VLR).
During the session, Amman Mayor Yousef Al-Shawarbeh presented the city's second VLR, prepared with UN-Habitat and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).
The national review noted that Jordan's development path is still affected by a volatile external environment, with global and geopolitical conflicts straining national systems, narrowing fiscal space, and adding to the challenges of hosting one of the highest ratios of refugees globally.
Modernization Tracks
According to the review, the three tracks of Jordan's modernization framework prioritize inclusive growth, social protection, and citizen services. Jordan has made progress under the Economic Modernization Vision (2023–2033) to unleash economic potential, stimulate growth, and create jobs in partnership with the private sector.
Accompanying political reforms target political party participation, especially for women and youth, while administrative reforms focus on government efficiency and digital transformation.
The SDGs were grouped under five strategic pillars aligned with the Economic Modernization Vision: human capital, economic transformation, climate and water, infrastructure, and governance. This framework allows for a results-oriented presentation linking global commitments to national systems.
The review stressed that Jordan keeps human capital, inclusion, and social protection at the center of its development through policies targeting poverty reduction, food security, health, education, gender equality, and social inclusion.
Increasing Economic Output
Efforts in this area include expanding food reserves and establishing a national food security observatory, alongside maintaining high educational enrollment and aligning school outcomes with labor market needs.
The review noted that the government set ambitious goals to increase economic output and job creation, backed by high-value industries, future services, tourism, and logistics.
Key steps include expanding industrial production and fostering innovation by developing digital infrastructure and emerging technology frameworks, alongside ongoing investment climate reforms.
In the water sector, Jordan has taken steps to handle resource limits and climate challenges. Despite being one of the world's most water-scarce countries and facing severe structural issues, Jordan achieved a water service access rate of nearly 99%.
The government has prioritized water sector reforms, including reducing non-revenue water, improving efficiency, and expanding non-traditional water sources.
The National Water Carrier Project stands out as a key initiative, designed to desalinate and transport up to 300 million cubic meters of water annually. Jordan has also progressed in the water-energy-food-environment nexus, expanding renewable energy and circular economy practices.
In urban development, progress was made in sustainable urban growth and quality of life via the "Future Cities" framework, adopting a citizen-centered approach focused on affordability, accessibility, and sustainability.
Initiatives include sustainable urban mobility, affordable housing, better municipal services, and expanding green and public spaces.
In conclusion, Jordan emphasized the need for continued international support to sustain its progress amidst the cumulative impact of regional crises and structural challenges.
The country stressed that development financing remains vital and that fiscal reforms must account for the economic realities of developing, conflict-affected nations. Jordan reaffirmed its commitment to its reform agenda, partnerships, and resource mobilization, solidifying its role as a proactive partner in achieving the 2030 agenda to ensure no one is left behind.
