Doha: Social Development Minister Wafa Bani Mustafa met on Wednesday with Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), on the sidelines of the 2nd Global Summit on Social Development in Doha. Mustafa underscored the significant role of the UNHCR in humanitarian and developmental activities and acknowledged its collaborative efforts with Jordan.
According to Jordan News Agency, Mustafa emphasized that the responsibility of supporting refugees should be shared by the international community rather than solely by host countries. She advocated for the backing of Jordan's 2024-2026 Response Plan for the Syrian Crisis. This plan serves as a comprehensive national framework that coordinates both governmental and international efforts. Additionally, she discussed the ongoing partnership between her ministry and the UNHCR, which aims to strengthen protection systems and support vulnerable groups, integrating humanitarian response with national social policies.
Mazou praised Jordan's contributions to the social services sector, acknowledging the nation's efforts. In another engagement, Minister Mustafa met with Laurent Biddiscombe, Executive Director for Global Client Solutions at the French Development Agency (AFD). The discussion centered on cooperation in social development initiatives.
Mustafa detailed the priorities of Jordan's National Social Protection Strategy (2025-2033), focusing on its implementation, policy application, and institutional governance. She highlighted the importance of digitization, the linkage of a national social registry, and the professionalization of social work. The development of inclusive community development centers and programs for women's empowerment and social care were also emphasized, alongside legislative, regulatory, and training frameworks. Biddiscombe expressed appreciation for the ministry's social programs and showed interest in future collaboration.