Irbid (April 29) – An estimated 300 people involved with the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) projects in northern Jordan met today at Qasr Al Nakheel Hall to discuss ways to expand services and reach more people. 

U.S. Ambassador Alice G. Wells attended the forum and urged USAID’s partners and grantees, as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs), to do their best to help the people of Jordan and to promote the bilateral relationship.

“Development work in Jordan has been a priority for the United States for more than 60 years,” Ambassador Wells said. “Our relationship has transcended the region’s complexities and has demonstrated that our two nations can rely on each other as allies and partners.”

The “Accelerating Development in the North” meeting reviewed the goals and objectives of USAID’s programs, which work in concert with the Government of Jordan’s efforts to improve education, healthcare, water supplies, economic growth, and encourage wider democratic representation.

USAID gathers its partners throughout Jordan annually to brief them on the current state of its development efforts. Additional regional meetings are scheduled every other year.  This is the first time, however, that USAID has organized a meeting specifically for its northern partners.

“We are grateful for the commitment and support of USAID, which is working hand-in-hand with the government of Jordan to improve the lives of Jordanians,” said Irbid Governor Saed Al-Shehab.

USAID/Jordan Mission Director Beth S. Paige encouraged participants to work together on cross-cutting projects beyond their specialties to target sectors such as gender and youth.  “Share successes, challenges and best practices,” said Paige.  “There is such a wealth of knowledge in this room that you should all tap into.”

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