AMMAN — The Jordan Media Institute (JMI) and UNICEF on Sunday signed an agreement to launch a four-month project aimed at strengthening national capacities and communication mechanisms in the social protection sector, in the presence of HRH Princess Rym Ali, JMI’s founder , and her HRH Princess Jalila Bint Ali.

 

The agreement aims to make national media discussions match social protection standards by training government spokespersons, media staff, private sector journalists, civil society organisations, and journalism students in Jordanian universities.



 

The signing ceremony was attended by Minister of Social Development and head of the Ministerial Committee for Women’s Empowerment Wafa Bani Mustafa; Secretary General of the Government Communication Ministry Zaid Nawaiseh, representing Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Momani, UNICEF Jordan's Deputy Representative for Operations Musonda Kasonde, as well as several officials and media professionals.


 

Bani Mustafa described the agreement as “an integral part of implementing the National Social Protection Strategy for 2025–2033,” which she said was updated in line with the royal directives outlined in His Majesty King Abdullah’s Letter of Designation to Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan.

“We have already started implementing the media plan for the strategy and introducing the public to social protection programs,” she said. “We look forward to seeing objective coverage of social protection issues by specialised journalists.”


 

The minister stressed that media outlets are “a key partner” in ensuring comprehensive coverage of social protection files, raising awareness about the benefits of such programs, and engaging citizens in discussions on how these programs can be improved.

Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Bani Mustafa said the agreement would help train specialists to present social protection issues “in ways that preserve human dignity through a participatory approach.”



 

For his part, Nawaiseh said the agreement reflects Jordan’s ongoing commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, to building a state “grounded in social justice and equal opportunities.”



 

“Social protection is a holistic vision for building a cohesive society based on fairness and dignity,” he said. “This agreement not only strengthens the social protection system but also advances communication standards, enabling us to move from simply delivering information to fostering community ownership of decisions and policies.”



 

Nawaiseh underlined the need for transparent and effective communication with citizens. “Successful communication is the guarantee of trust, and trust is the foundation of stability,” he added.

JMI CEO Hania Buraqawi said the Jordanian government has demonstrated clear commitment to integrating social protection at the core of its national development agenda.



 

“This commitment is evident in the Economic Modernisation Vision (2022–2033) and its complementary reform tracks,” she said. “Social protection is not merely a safety net but a cornerstone for justice, resilience, and long-term economic stability.”

Buraqawi emphasised that the partnership aims to empower the media sector. “We are not only equipping journalists with tools and knowledge but also enabling them to see social protection as a real force for change towards inclusive development and a fairer future for all,”

 

she added.

Kasundi said, “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to supporting Jordan’s social protection strategy and ensuring that every individual has access to the information and services they need. By working hand-in-hand with JMI, the Ministry of Social Development, and the Ministry of Government Communication, UNICEF contributes to strengthening communication channels that help people better understand and benefit from social protection services.”



 

The project includes developing a media coverage guide on social protection, as well as holding a series of training sessions for 75 journalists, spokespersons, and media professionals to raise awareness and enhance communication capacities in the field.

The initiative builds on JMI’s vision of strengthening the media sector locally and regionally through partnerships with national and international institutions.

 

It also extends previous cooperation with UNICEF and the EU, which supported the first nationwide awareness campaign on social protection, reaching millions of Jordanians with messages about available services and benefits.

The new agreement, officials said, will empower the media to become “a central partner in raising public awareness and trust in Jordan’s social