Beirut: Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa participated Monday in a ministerial-level discussion at the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development 2025, held in Beirut and organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).
According to Jordan News Agency, the forum is part of the preparations for the Second World Summit for Social Development, set to convene in Doha this October. The three-day forum brings together representatives from Arab governments, parliaments, civil society, academia, and the private sector to discuss regional strategies for advancing sustainable and inclusive development.
In her remarks, Bani Mustafa underscored the importance of the summit's upcoming political declaration, describing it as a strategic reference point for shaping Jordan's national stance on social development. She emphasized its value in identifying national priorities and measuring regional progress, especially in light of the 30-year legacy of the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration.
She noted that Jordan has made significant strides in implementing the principles of the Copenhagen Declaration through policies and programs focused on poverty alleviation, expanding social protection, and empowering marginalized communities. These efforts, she said, align with many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to social justice and equality.
The Minister highlighted the Ministry's role in addressing inequalities through targeted social protection initiatives aimed at vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, and women. She also pointed to the Ministry's local development centers as key tools for fostering community empowerment and promoting inclusion.
Bani Mustafa also reviewed Jordan's National Social Protection Strategy, built on four pillars: empowerment, dignity, opportunity, and resilience. She stressed the relevance of the resilience pillar in responding to crises and disasters, ensuring continuity of social support under challenging conditions. She further noted Jordan's contribution to the establishment of the Arab Center for Social Policy Studies and Poverty Eradication.
Looking ahead to the Doha summit, the Minister outlined key proposals that Arab countries could support during negotiations over the political declaration. These include prioritizing social protection in political and economic reforms, allocating sufficient budgets, establishing dedicated protection funds, and enhancing cooperation with the private sector and civil society. She also emphasized the role of local communities and the Arab Center for Social Policies in providing technical support and reliable data.