Jordanian Ministers Engage Climate Funds in Strategic Meetings at COP29.

Baku: On the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Conference (COP29) held in Baku, Azerbaijan, Jordan's Ministers of Environment, Energy and Mineral Resources, and Planning and International Cooperation engaged in strategic discussions with climate funds and partners. These meetings focused on supporting Jordan's development plans, emission reduction strategies, and enhancing resilience against climate change, with a particular emphasis on the National Water Carrier Project. According to Jordan News Agency, the ministers met with Kavita Sinha, Director of the Private Sector Facility at the Green Climate Fund (GCF), to discuss the GCF's potential support for the National Water Carrier Project. This project is seen as a strategic solution to Jordan's severe water scarcity and is aligned with the country's Economic Modernization Vision. Minister Radaideh highlighted the project's critical role in addressing the water shortage, noting Jordan's low per capita water share and its impact on the economy and host community, which includes a significant refugee population. Minister Toukan emphasized the project's national priority status, linking it to infrastructure and service challenges exacerbated by the refugee influx. Sinha confirmed the GCF's commitment to supporting the project and coordinating with international partners to bridge the financial gap. Minister Kharabsheh reviewed Jordan's renewable energy transition, noting its contribution to the energy mix and plans to meet half of the project's energy needs through renewable sources. Discussions with Tariye Gbadegesin, CEO of the Climate Investment Funds, centered on expanding cooperation in clean energy, green projects, and strategic investments, including the National Water Carrier. In another meeting, Andrew McDowell, Director General of EIB Global, explored investment opportunities in Jordan, particularly in the energy sector, and support for the national mining strategy. Discussions also covered private sector engagement. The ministers also engaged w ith Abdullah Al Dardari of the UNDP to discuss cooperation in sustainable development goals financing and mechanisms for Jordan's Integrated National Financing Framework, emphasizing economic modernization and public sector reform priorities.