Abu Ghazaleh: the Forum Represents a Partnership between the UN and Private Sector
AMMAN – November 24, 2015 - The Steering Committee of the UNDP/Private Sector Partnership Forum held its first meeting at the headquarters of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh University (TAGIUNI) to discuss the mechanism to further engage the private sector in the country’s development through understanding the private sector’s priorities.
The meeting was attended by the heads of the joint committee between HE Dr. Talal Abu Ghazaleh and the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Jordan Mr. Edward Kallon, the UNDP Country Director in Jordan Ms. Zena Ali Ahmad as well as a number of the members of the Forum’s Steering Committee.
Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman of the Economic Policy Development Forum (EPDF), stressed that the establishment of the Partnership Forum came as a strategic initiative by Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org) and the United Nations, such initiative aims to engage businesses in Jordan in promoting human development throughout the Kingdom in partnership and coordination with the representatives of the public sector.
Abu-Ghazaleh indicated that we should focus on several issues in the upcoming period, including training, employment, solutions for unemployment, solutions for the refugee problems, especially those living in the refugee camps in tents which do not provide adequate protection against cold and rain; this lead us to find investors in the construction field to build housing units for refugees using low-cost materials while providing adequate protection against cold and rain in winter.
He also called, in his capacity as the Chair of the Honorary Council of the Consortium for Sustainable Urbanization (CSU), to establish a taskforce to develop solutions for the immigrants moving to cities, and find influential partners to develop real solutions for the immigrants’ problems in the country and for the refugees given their worsened living conditions.
Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh emphasized the significance to focus on the plans and projects which provide job opportunities for women in different governorates, villages and remote areas, and for women in refugee camps.
He added that TAG-Org seeks through numerous projects to provide the best investment environment and render various services needed by employers. Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh also indicated that TAG-Org currently works with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the European Union on implementing the awareness campaign for promoting the use of renewable energy.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kallon stressed that the meeting is held to discuss the means to improve integration of the private sector in the UNDP programs in the future, as well as the work mechanism in different projects that enhance a suitable and inclusive economy, provide benefits to citizens and achieve sustainable growth of economy.
He also emphasized the importance to take the initiative in providing control, ensuring that businesses achieve the preliminary objectives of the Forum and reaching to an understanding on joint priorities and objectives in order to provide resources and realize tangible results. He also pointed out that UNDP is providing its expertise in the fields of sustainability and development while we are awaiting the Committee to identify the areas of innovation for follow-up and progress. 
On her part, the UNDP Country Director in Jordan, Ms. Ali Ahmad, emphasized that the Program is working on several projects through which it seeks to empower Jordanian and refugee women, by training and learning handcrafts.
The Forum members emphasized the significance of awareness regarding the use of renewable energy, particularly in the southern governorates which presented very successful experiences due to the weather in such areas. They also called investors to focus on this sector for its positive impact at various levels.
The Committee is responsible for concluding on the strategic cooperation fields for the private sector in the UNDP regarding the priority areas that are included within the Forum’s objectives. It is also tasked with guidance and monitoring over joint initiatives to make sure that they achieve the Forum’s objectives.