Amman: Sunday marks the birthday of Princess Basma Bint Talal, a long-standing advocate for women's rights, youth empowerment, and child welfare, as well as a pioneer for sustainable human development in Jordan and the Arab region. Princess Basma is the founder and Chairperson of the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD), a non-profit organisation established in 1977.
According to Jordan News Agency, since its inception 48 years ago, JOHUD has developed a unique, community-driven model, operating through a network of 52 locally managed Community Development Centres across Jordan. Her vision of inclusive community governance continues to define JOHUD's decentralised and participatory approach.
In recognition of her contributions to national development, humanitarian efforts, and public service, His Majesty King Abdullah II recently awarded Princess Basma the Silver Jubilee Medal. Among the national initiatives she has led are the Goodwill Campaign, established in 1991, which provides support to thousands of families in need each year, and the Queen Alia Competition for Social Responsibility, fostering civic awareness among Jordanian school children and communities.
Princess Basma is also Chairperson of Mabarrat Um Al Hussein, a home for underprivileged and orphaned boys, established in 1958 by Her Late Majesty Queen Zein Al Sharaf. Since 1992, she has chaired the Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW), playing a key role in advancing women's rights and influencing legislative and policy reforms.
A major milestone was reached this April with the passing of a new law that formalises JNCW's mandate in shaping national strategies for the empowerment of women. Princess Basma hailed this as a significant step for the Commission's strength and the advancement of Jordanian women.
The National Alliance Against Hunger and Malnutrition (NAJMAH), founded in 2004 by Princess Basma and hosted by JOHUD, supports Jordan's fight against hunger. Next month, under her patronage, NAJMAH will co-host the 5th Global Foresight4Food Workshop in Jordan, promoting food system transformation.
Internationally, Princess Basma contributes as a member of the Advisory Board for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and serves as Honorary Human Development Ambassador for the UNDP, as well as a Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women and the UNFPA. She holds a PhD in Development Studies from Oxford University.
Princess Basma is married to Walid Kurdi and is the mother of four children and the grandmother of ten, continuing her legacy of service and commitment to family.