Jordan: Wise leadership and secure development - By Hasan Dajah, The Jordan Times
Amid a regional environment rife with turmoil and daunting challenges, where wars and conflicts are escalating and crises are raging in neighboring countries, Jordan stands out as a unique model in maintaining security and stability, while continuing its path of economic growth and sustainable development. These achievements were not the product of chance; rather, they are the fruit of wise leadership and a forward-looking vision that skillfully navigated the nation's ship through the turbulent waves of crises that threaten the entire region.
Thanks to its wise leadership and insightful vision, Jordan has succeeded in building a stronghold against the repercussions of these raging wars and the profound geopolitical turmoil plaguing the region. This has not only preserved its cohesive social fabric but also extended to providing a safe environment for its citizens and residents.
This achievement reflects an exceptional ability to manage risks and overcome complex geopolitical challenges, from the massive influx of refugees that placed enormous pressure on their scarce resources and infrastructure, to the repercussions of regional and international economic crises that impacted supply chains and investment.
Despite these harsh regional conditions and severe political and economic fluctuations, this ability allowed the country to focus on its development path, continue implementing vital strategic projects, and maintain its national priorities without being swept away by the chaos surrounding it. This resilience is not just an achievement; it is a testament to the wisdom and resilience of the Jordanian leadership in dealing with the most severe storms.
Jordan, under its wise Hashemite leadership, has always been an oasis of security and stability in a volatile region rife with unrest and conflict. Its ability to maintain its cohesive social fabric and provide a safe environment for its citizens and residents is a commendable achievement. This security is not merely the absence of armed conflict; it is a profound sense of reassurance and trust in institutions, allowing citizens to focus on construction and production. Jordan has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to address security challenges effectively and decisively, while maintaining its long-standing values of moderation and tolerance, remaining a unique model in the region.
Economically, despite the significant challenges posed by volatile regional conditions and their complex global repercussions, Jordan continues its relentless efforts to achieve growth. The Jordanian leadership recognizes that sustainable economic growth is the cornerstone of citizen well-being and the state's resilience. Recent years have witnessed an increased focus on diversifying sources of income, encouraging investment, and developing promising sectors such as information technology and medical tourism. Major projects, despite their occasional challenges, reflect a genuine ambition to build a robust infrastructure that supports long-term development. Government programs aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and providing job opportunities for youth reflect a deep awareness of the importance of empowering individuals and achieving inclusive development.
Sustainable development is not just a slogan in Jordan; it is a deeply rooted principle that guides national plans and policies at all levels. While the Kingdom faces the highest rates of water poverty in the world, with annual per capita water availability far below the internationally recognized minimum, currently around 60 m3 per year, and in light of the scarcity of natural resources, especially water, Jordan is working to adopt innovative strategies to rationalize consumption and utilize alternative sources such as desalination and wastewater treatment, in addition to implementing major projects to ensure water security for future generations.
There is also a growing awareness of the importance of environmental conservation and the adoption of environmentally friendly practices across various economic and industrial sectors, ensuring the sustainability of natural resources. Jordan recognizes that investing in education, health, and human capital development is an integral part of this strategy, based on a firm belief that people are the focus and foundation of development, and that building their capabilities ensures a prosperous future for the nation.
The Hashemite leadership plays a pivotal and indispensable role in guiding this development process and maintaining Jordan's stability. Through its far-sighted vision, profound political acumen, and outstanding ability to build bridges of trust with the international community, Jordan has been able to maintain its position as a reliable and effective partner on the regional and international arenas. His active diplomacy and continued efforts to promote dialogue and understanding among various parties have made him a voice of moderation and wisdom in the face of extremism and conflict ravaging the region.
This leadership has never been isolated from its people. Rather, it has always been keen to maintain direct and continuous communication with citizens in all governorates, listening closely to their concerns and aspirations. This participatory approach has greatly strengthened national unity and the bonds of belonging, granting Jordan unprecedented strength and resilience to confront internal and external challenges. This strong relationship between the leadership and the people is the cornerstone upon which Jordan's resilience and stability are based, even under the most difficult circumstances.
With its wise leadership, Jordan remains a model of exceptional resilience and steadfastness. It is living proof that security and stability, economic growth, and sustainable development are not merely far-fetched ambitions or unrealistic wishes, but rather achievable goals, even in the most difficult and complex circumstances. This is achieved when national efforts are combined, visions are unified toward a common goal, and all available energies are devoted to building a better and brighter future for future generations.
Jordan, like other countries, faces ongoing and recurring challenges that require constant vigilance and effort. However, a strong will and strong determination, supported by a wise leadership committed to its responsibilities towards the nation, and a loyal people who rally around their leadership and believe in their country's ability to overcome difficulties, will remain the vital fuel that drives Jordan's journey towards further progress, prosperity, and well-being, ensuring its continued success as a stronghold in a turbulent region.