Amman, May 21 (Petra) — The International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) announced during its annual conference in Chengdu, China, that Jordan become a member, having met all the necessary requirements and passed the voting process among member states.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Water and Irrigation on Wednesday, Jordan’s membership is viewed as a significant step within the broader efforts of the Kingdom’s water sector and the country’s strategic initiatives to improve the management of its national water resources.

The move aims to utilise international standards and cutting-edge technologies in dam management to ensure their sustainability an essential component for securing water resources in Jordan.

Hisham Haisa, Secretary-General of the Jordan Valley Authority, stated that Jordan’s membership in the ICOLD marks a crucial advancement in the development of the national water sector.

He emphasised that it reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to adopting global best practices and modern technologies to address water challenges effectively.

Haisa explained that its membership would enhance Jordan’s capacity to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that ensure water security for Jordanians and support sustainable development for future generations.

Mohammad Dayyat, Director of Dam Studies, noted that joining the commission provides Jordan with valuable opportunities to exchange technical and engineering expertise internationally, access important research and studies and leverage innovative technologies and smart solutions in water resource management.

He added that the membership is a “vital” step toward transferring and localising advanced technical and engineering knowledge, developing the skills of national professionals and strengthening the institutional capacities of water management agencies across the Kingdom.

The developments are expected to improve the quality and sustainability of water projects nationwide. ICOLD is a leading authority in the fields of dam design, construction and operation.

It aims to promote best practices in engineering and environmental protection, prioritising safety, efficiency and sustainability. The commission issues key technical standards and guidelines related to dam construction and water resource management.

//Petra// AK
21/05/2025 17:56:42