The Higher Council for Science and Technology (HCST), under the patronage of its Secretary-General, Professor Mashhoor Al-Refai, held a workshop for the Water–Energy–Food–Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus Community of Practice, established by the Council with support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The workshop brought together representatives from government institutions, universities, research centers, the private sector, and international development partners.
اضافة اعلان
The Community of Practice was established to strengthen cross-sector collaboration, facilitate knowledge exchange, and promote the adoption of the WEFE Nexus approach in Jordan. The initiative comes amid growing pressures on Jordan’s natural resources and an increasing need for integrated planning and policymaking that recognizes the interdependence of water, energy, food, and ecosystems.
In his opening remarks, Al-Refai emphasized that establishing the Community of Practice reflects the Council’s national mission to advance scientific research and translate knowledge into practical solutions. He described the initiative as a platform for collaborative learning, knowledge sharing, and institutional partnerships, aimed at developing evidence-based recommendations, promoting best practices, and drawing on scientific expertise and practical experience.
Al-Refai noted that Jordan has already taken a significant step toward adopting the WEFE Nexus approach through the establishment of a governance framework within the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, in collaboration with GIZ. He explained that the Community of Practice builds on this progress by bringing together researchers, experts, and representatives of relevant institutions and sectors within a collaborative national network.
He added that the Council seeks to mobilize national expertise and strengthen the connection between scientific research, policymaking, and practical implementation. This includes engaging researchers and specialists in the WEFE Nexus governance framework, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and helping translate national priorities and policies into actionable solutions.
For her part, Jasmin Freischlad, Director of the Water Sector Governance Project at GIZ, highlighted the longstanding strategic partnership between GIZ and HCST in research and innovation. She expressed pride in supporting the high-quality research and innovative solutions developed by Jordanian partners, particularly those addressing the interconnected challenges of water, energy, food, and ecosystems.
Professor Mohammad Al-Widyan, Director of the National Center for Research and Development (NCRD), delivered a presentation outlining the Center’s role in advancing the WEFE Nexus approach by translating national priorities and strategies into practical research and development projects.
He highlighted the Safawi Field Research Station as a model for testing sustainable agricultural solutions in arid environments, including hydroponics and aquaculture, rainwater harvesting, solar energy, agrivoltaics, and smart technologies supported by the Internet of Things (IoT).
The workshop also featured a panel discussion on priorities, partnerships, and practical solutions to support the newly established Community of Practice. Panelists included Professor Rida Shibli, President of the Jordan Society for Scientific Research, Entrepreneurship, and Creativity; Dr. Marwan Al-Raggad, Executive Director of the Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management (INWRDAM); Dr. Samer Tallozi of Jordan University of Science and Technology; Eng. Lina Mobaideen of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources; and Eng. Suhair Al Mhairat of NEX-SUS for Sustainability Solutions.
The workshop also featured a presentation titled "Agrivoltaics in Jordan: From Potential to Practice," delivered by Brendon Bingwa, Project Manager in the Agrivoltaics Group at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, and Dr. William Alkhoury of the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC).
