Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization and UNDP Launch 'UNDP/Private Sector' Partnership Forum
AMMAN----- June 29, 2015----- The Economic Policy Development Forum (EPDF) at Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) jointly launched the “UNDP/Private Sector Partnership Forum” during a special meeting held at Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Knowledge Forum.
The UNDP/Private Sector Partnership Forum aims at providing a sustainable and comprehensive economy to citizens and communities. This joint initiative also seeks to urge businesses to support issues of interest to UNDP, the Government of Jordan, civil society and donors while focusing on team and collaborative effort.
Mr. Edward Kallon, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Jordan, Dr. Zena Ali-Ahmad, UNDP Country Director, and a host of representatives of the private sector in different areas and fields in the Kingdom attended the meeting.
Supported by the UNDP, TAG-Org will serve as the secretariat of the Forum chaired by the “UNDP-Business Council”.
HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman of TAG-Org, stressed that establishing the Forum is a strategic initiative by TAG-Org and the UN that aims at businesses in Jordan engaged in promoting human development in the country.
"The Forum focuses on the fact that businesses can contribute to the development of markets as well as trade, technology and finance sector development to achieve progression that serves economic and social components in Jordan," he said.
"Jordan is facing many challenges that it cannot afford alone thus the private sector should undertake its social responsibility. This Forum is an integral part of such responsibility," he said.
Kallon expressed appreciation for the initiative by Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh as well, his devoted support to the UN projects as he is perceived by the UN as a decades-long close friend.
He added "UNDP focuses on its partnership with the public and private sectors, which it perceived as an important strategy. The UNDP is working with the business community to implement this strategy as it is among the UNDP commitment towards development and strengthening of both economy and human resources in Jordan." 
Dr. Zena recalled areas of cooperation between public and private sectors through the Forum, its membership, meetings and method of operation. She stated that the Forum will be an open community for businesses, associations and chambers of commerce and industry. It will also be co-chaired by Dr. Abu- Ghazaleh, EPDF Chairman, and Mr. Kallon. The Co-Chairs will report to the UN Secretary General’s office and the Government of Jordan on this proposed Forum.
She pointed out that the Forum will hold quarterly meetings and will be hosted at the EPDF, which will provide the required logistic support.
During the meeting, a success story was presented on the UNDP work with the private sector in the north where some utilities, schools, health centers, public places and others were developed within projects decided upon after several meetings and discussions with the government on needs of those places.