Jordan prepares to host Global Land Forum to push forward a national land strategy

March 19, 2022, Amman. Under the Patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, the global land community will meet in Jordan for a historical conference May 23-26, 2022, at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre.

For the first time ever, the event will be hosted by a country in the Middle East, part of an important and newly expanding region for the International Land Coalition, one of the event co-organisers. Joined by the Government of Jordan, the European Union, and led by a National Organising Committee, the Forum will address the most pressing land issues for the host country and region and look at how inclusive land policies can be part of climate solutions.

The Global Land forum takes place at a decisive moment in history: scientists are warning us that the window to avoid a climate catastrophe is closing and the need for progress on the Sustainable Development Goals is growing more and more urgent.

Looking to open up the global debate on sustainable and responsible land governance to Jordan and the Arab World, the event will initiate a dialogue on land governance based on local and national priorities. Over the last year, a wide group of stakeholders have participated in the drafting of a National Land Strategy that will be launched at the event.

“The Global Land Forum will be an important opportunity to connect with those who share in our goal of achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda ”, said Khalid Hunifat, Jordan’s Minister of Agriculture. “With our national priority to achieve food security, the land sector receives great attention from His Majesty King Abdullah II,” the Minister confirmed.

“The Global Land Forum isn’t just an event, it is an opportunity for Jordan to show the world how it is building an inclusive and ‘people-centred’ land governance system” says Rabie Wahba, Regional Coordinator for the International Land Coalition. “It is also a pivotal moment for the global land community to come together in addressing how good land governance is central to sustainable food systems, overcoming inequality, and building democracy” he adds.

Among some of the country’s biggest challenges, Jordan is one of the top five driest countries in the world, with its water tables at risk of drying up by 2030 as its population grows and the climate crisis intensifies. Jordan continues to host second highest number of refugees per capita Tackling the climate crisis, land conflicts, displacement and peacebuilding are just a few of the major themes that will dominate the Forum, with land rights remaining at the centre of solutions.

Jordan also boasts one of the youngest populations in the world, with those under 30 making up more than 70% of its population. Recognising the critical role of young people, the first ever GLF Youth will bring together more than 100 youth from Jordan and around the world to share their vision of the future to the GLF delegates and wider land community.

“Today’s youth are incredibly educated, and the young women and men are invaluable assets that no country can afford to waste. They bring to the job market their energy, talent and creativity together with cutting-edge skills and the motivation that enable companies to grow, innovate and prosper,” said Ra’ed Gharib from national NGO, SEEDS Jordan.

Taking the lead nationally, ILC member, SEEDS Jordan, is co-chairing together with the Government of Jordan a National Organising Committee. Several government ministries, including Agriculture, Youth, Environment and Local Administration are working alongside twenty Jordan-based national and international organisations to develop the National Land Strategy.

“Jordan is an oasis of stability for the region, with a spirit of tolerance that values ethnic and religious diversity”, says Gharib. “These things help to contribute to the stable and peaceful climate here.”

By bringing in young voices, Gharib hopes the GLFYouth will promote learning and give young participants access to decision-making over land and natural resources, leading the country’s efforts for a more sustainable future. Learn more about the Global Land Forum and Global Land Forum Youth.

ILC is the largest and most diverse coalition working on land rights in the world. Our global alliance of over 300 members in over 80 countries are seeking a just, equitable and inclusive world where land is governed for and with people, responding to the needs and protecting the rights of women, men and communities who live on and from the land www.landcoalition.org

SEEDS is a local NGO involved in youth development ,empowering women, promoting environmental protection and awareness, and intercultural understanding and peace throughout Jordan.