Office of HRH Princess Basma bint Talal
 

AMMAN – The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) marked 25 years of partnership with Jordan during a celebration on Wednesday that was held under the patronage of HRH Princess Basma bint Talal.
 

During a keynote speech, HRH Princess Basma highlighted CIDA’s ‘ongoing role in supporting Jordan’s Development agenda’.
 

“We recognize and value CIDA’s working approach and its dedication to the principals of equity and equality... Working with CIDA on its larger-scale bilateral projects, has been very productive in improving organizational knowledge and capacity,” HRH Princess Basma said.
 

Referring to joint development programmes that have been implemented through entities that operate under the Princess, Her Royal Highness noted “Gender equality and community awareness-building are vital, in order to maximize the benefits of such initiatives for the population as a whole. In this regard, CIDA has also been working with civil society organizations to promote civil rights and citizen engagement in both the economic and public spheres,” Her Royal Highness said.
 

"The Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW) the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD), the Jordanian National Forum for Women, the Queen Zein Al Sharaf Institute for Development (ZENID), the General Federation of Jordanian Women (GFJW) and Radio Farah al Nas have worked with CIDA on numerous interventions aimed at achieving gender equality and community development in Jordan,” HRH Princess Basma added.
 

In the past 15 years, total bilateral assistance has exceeded CAD $140 million for development support through the Jordanian government and Jordan’s donor community, according to the Canadian Development Agency.
 

CIDA, as one of Jordan’s largest development donors, has over the years targeted several areas of development including but not limited to women empowerment, economic growth and water, according to the agency. In the last decade and in line with the 10 year National Agenda, CIDA has focused its programming on human resource development through focusing on children, youth and women. CIDA works in Jordan with government and non-government organisations to enhance the living conditions of Jordanian men and women, girls and boys through a variety of programs that focus on public sector reform and modernization of the education system, including vocational training, economic growth as well as bridging the gender gaps between men and women in different fields of life.
 

At the event Canadian Ambassador Mark Gwozdecky stressed that CIDA will continue its programming in Jordan which will further strengthen ‘Canada’s partnership with the Kingdom’.
 

“Canada and Jordan enjoy a strong bilateral relationship based on common interests, shared values and a fundamental belief in the talents of the Jordanian people and the wisdom of its leadership”, Gwozdecky said. The Canadian Diplomat also noted that "Over the past 25 years, Canada's relations with Jordan developed in scope and depth to form a true partnership," Gwozdecky said.
 

The ceremony which was attended by dignitaries, friends of Canada and the international community in Jordan screened a picture show of development projects that highlighted the extensive and strong partnership between CIDA and its Jordanian government and non-government partners.