Ramtha, Jan. 22 (Petra) -- The Jordan University of Science and Technology's (JUST) Vice President Ahmad Ajlouni met with a delegation from the Embassy of the Netherlands to discuss strengthening academic and research cooperation and exchanging expertise in water, energy, and food, with a particular focus on water diplomacy.

The meeting explored opportunities and practical mechanisms to advance institutional cooperation, emphasizing academic and research collaboration and regional engagement that supports shared interests and sustainable development within the water-energy-food nexus across the Middle East and North Africa.

The Dutch delegation included the Embassy's Middle East and North Africa Envoy for Water, Energy, and Food Jakob Waslander and First Secretary Mariska Lammers, who is responsible for water management and private sector development portfolios.

Director of the Water Diplomacy Center at JUST, Mutawakil Obeidat, presented an overview of the center’s mission, ambitions, achievements, and regional scope of work, highlighting its role in supporting data-driven water policy and strengthening regional cooperation, as well as addressing the role of water in conflict contexts.

The delegation also met with students in the Master’s Program in Water Diplomacy for an interactive discussion on academic and practical experiences in the field.

The visit included a tour of the Nanotechnology Institute at JUST, where ongoing activities were presented and opportunities to develop academic curricula were discussed to strengthen capacity building and enhance regional cooperation.

//Petra// AO

22/01/2026 14:21:52