Policymakers, researchers, and experts gather in Amman to inform Jordan’s labour policy agenda
The IGC Jordan Labour Market Symposium tackles critical labour market challenges of rising unemployment and low youth and women’s participation.
26 February 2024, Amman – Today, policymakers, academics, researchers, and development partners met in Amman to identify solutions to Jordan's labour market challenges.
Jordan faces persistent unemployment and low labour force participation, particularly among women and youth. Despite the high levels of education in the workforce and a series of forward-looking reforms, Jordan's labour market continues to underperform.
With the ambitious goals of the Government's Economic Modernisation Vision and National Women Strategy – including doubling female labour force participation and integrating over a million young Jordanians into the workforce by 2033 – new approaches are needed.
Farouk Hadidi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Labour, stated:
"In recent years, our government has taken significant steps to integrate research into decision-making, ensuring that our policies are effective, data-driven, and aligned with national priorities. Addressing pressing challenges ranging from expanding employment opportunities to increasing female labour force participation requires well-informed choices backed by rigorous analysis."
Through a robust agenda featuring leading academics and Jordanian policymakers and the launch of the International Growth Centre (IGC) paper Unlocking the potential of Jordan's labour market, the Symposium sparks new collaborations and avenues for local and international research, aligned with national priorities.
H.E. Philip Hall, the UK Ambassador to Jordan, said:
"Building a strong and sustainable economy requires international collaboration based on scientific research and successful global experiences. Through this Symposium, we reaffirm the UK's commitment to supporting Jordan in developing effective labour market policies that drive economic growth and social development."
The IGC Jordan Labour Market Symposium is hosted in collaboration with the Government of Jordan's Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC). It underscores IGC Jordan's commitment to supporting evidence-based policies for inclusive and sustainable growth.
View the conference agenda and follow for live updates.
ENDS
Contact information:
IGC: Tove van Lennep, [email protected]
Jonathan Leape, IGC Executive Director, opening remarks at the Jordan labour market research symposium.
Keynote Policy Session: The Productivity Gains of Empowering Women.
Keynote Policy Session: The Role of Transportation and Infrastructure in Driving Inclusive Growth.
