Amman, July 27 (Petra) -- Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa on Sunday discussed ways to strengthen joint cooperation with UNHCR Representative in Jordan, Maria Stavropoulou.

During the meeting, Bani Mustafa emphasized the importance of the ministry’s partnership with the UN refugee agency, based on memoranda of understanding that have formed the cooperation basis in various social sectors.

The minister said establishment of a women protection center would improve "equitable" geographic access to services across the Kingdom and provide targeted support in vulnerable areas.

The minister also called for investing in "institutional" capacity-building for the ministry’s technical and administrative staff to ensure "sustainable, high-quality" services, urging continued support to the ministry-affiliated care institutions under joint programs.

Bani Mustafa reviewed the ministry’s efforts in implementing the Oasis program, in partnership with UN Women, aimed at empowering women and girls through social and development services.

Additionally, she highlighted the Makani program, implemented in cooperation with UNICEF at local community development centers, underscoring the importance of "institutionalizing" both initiatives to ensure their sustainability.

On its overall policy, she noted the ministry’s ongoing commitment to providing "inclusive" social services for all individuals residing in Jordan.

Stavropoulou, in turn, praised the ministry’s implementation of the National Social Protection Strategy and its four pillars.

Stavropoulou expressed interest in further strengthening cooperation within joint programs that support the ministry’s target social groups.

//Petra// AO

27/07/2025 16:10:42