Amman, Jordan – February 3, 2025
Jordan Youth Innovation Forum (JYIF) held the closing event for the second cohort of Samim project today at its new headquarters in Amman, with the participation of representatives from various supporting and partner organizations.
The event was attended by representatives from Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the French Embassy in Jordan, Lab’ess (Tunisia), Plan International, GAME Jordan, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, as well as representatives from World University Service of Canada (WUSC) and other non-governmental organizations.
The gathering brought together representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs) from both the first and second cohorts of the project, showcasing their achievements within “Samim”, which was launched in 2022 to support and empower 47 civil society organizations across four major cities: Nouakchott (Mauritania), Casablanca (Morocco), Tunis (Tunisia), and Amman (Jordan).
Funded by Agence Française de Développement (AFD), with a budget of €3.3 million, the project aims to strengthen the capacities of civil society organizations, with a particular focus on women- and youth-led organizations. It also supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
During the event, Ms. Rawan Al-Hamimat, representative of Agence Française de Développement (AFD), emphasized the agency’s commitment to continuing its support for civil society organizations in the Mediterranean region. She highlighted the positive impact of “Samim” in fostering innovation and sustainability within local communities.
The event also included a panel discussion on the role of youth and women in building sustainable communities, featuring Ms. Shireen Shaheen, Ms. Nancy Al-Atoom, Mr. Yazid Asaad, and Mr. Tirad Al-Masri, moderated by Ms. Dana Al-Mufleh. Additionally, success stories from participating organizations were presented, and certificates of appreciation were distributed in recognition of their contributions to the project.
Mr. Ali Haddad, Executive Director of the Jordan Youth Innovation Forum (JYIF), expressed his pride in the project’s achievements, stating:
“Civil society organizations have demonstrated their ability to drive positive change within their communities through innovative and sustainable initiatives. As we conclude this project, we take pride in what has been accomplished and look forward to sustaining this momentum by strengthening partnerships and supporting initiatives aimed at building more sustainable and prosperous communities.”
The event concluded with the graduation of the second cohort and the recognition of supporting organizations, providing attendees with a valuable opportunity to network and exchange experiences. The discussions reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration to support civil society and advance sustainable development efforts in the region.
This event underscores Jordan Youth Innovation Forum’s (JYIF) commitment to supporting civil society organizations and fostering partnerships to ensure the sustainability of the project’s impact.
