Amman, May 13 May (Petra) – Mercy Corps, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and under the Tabeaa Project, held a validation workshop for local advocacy plans as part of the Advocacy Leadership Program.

The workshop marked an important milestone in the program, bringing together Local Advocacy Committees to review, validate, and refine their advocacy plans, the organization said.

Validated plans are expected to move into implementation over a six-month period, from mid-May through the end of November 2026, it said.

The workshop brought together representatives of the Ministry of Environment, the embassy of Switzerland in Jordan, municipalities, and Local Advocacy Committees from Lub and Mlaih, Dieban, Azraq, and Wadi Musa.

Director of the Climate Change Directorate at the Ministry of Environment, Bilal Al-Shaqareen, emphasized the importance of community participation in climate adaptation efforts, noting that local communities are best positioned to understand their own risks, needs, and priorities. He also highlighted the value of documenting local and traditional knowledge and using it to inform practical, locally relevant solutions.

Shorouq Abu Razzouq, Tabeaa Programme Manager at Mercy Corps, said validating the local advocacy plans is an important step in ensuring that community voices are translated into clear priorities and practical action.

"Through these plans, Local Advocacy Committees are building stronger links between communities and institutions, supporting climate action that is grounded in evidence, local knowledge, and community needs," Abu Razzouq said.

Alaa Al-Qaisi, representative of the Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan, highlighted Switzerland’s continued support for the Tabeaa Project as part of the longstanding partnership between Switzerland and Jordan. He also stressed the importance of moving from planning to implementation and supporting initiatives that strengthen local communities’ ability to respond to climate challenges.

Launched in November 2025, the Advocacy Leadership Program aims to strengthen the capacities of Local Advocacy Committees and support them in developing and implementing advocacy plans that reflect community priorities. The program contributes to stronger local participation in climate change adaptation and disaster risk management discussions.

Since 2003, Mercy Corps has worked in Jordan to expand clean water access, climate change adaptation, strengthen youth and women’s civic participation, and boost economic stability for both Jordanians and refugees.

//Petra//SS


13/05/2026 18:44:31