Amman, July 6 (Petra) — The Geneva Centre for Security Sector
Governance (DCAF) and the Geneva International Centre for
Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) have inaugurated a joint regional hub
in Amman to serve the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), marking
the first collaborative initiative of its kind between the two
Geneva-based organizations.

Named “The Geneva Centres in Amman,” the regional hub was launched in
partnership with Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates
and with the support of the Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan. The
inauguration was attended by representatives of Jordanian government
institutions, diplomatic missions, international organizations, donor
countries, civil society organizations and the media.

The new office is intended to strengthen the two organizations’
regional presence and expand cooperation in the fields of security
sector governance and humanitarian demining, while enhancing
engagement with governments, regional partners, local communities,
United Nations agencies and other international organizations.

Jordan was selected to host the regional hub in recognition of its
role as a regional center for dialogue, cooperation and peace, as
well as its stable environment, strategic location and infrastructure
that support regional engagement. The decision also reflects the
longstanding partnership between Jordan and Switzerland and their
shared commitment to advancing peace, security and sustainable
development.

President of DCAF’s Foundation Council Amin Awad said the initiative
represents a meaningful contribution to promoting lasting peace,
security and safer communities across the region.

He stressed that sustainable peace can only be achieved through
strong partnerships, mutual trust and continuous engagement with
regional stakeholders.

President of the GICHD Foundation Council Barbara Haering said the
establishment of the hub will bring Geneva-based expertise closer to
the region, enabling both organizations to better align their
programs with regional priorities and evolving needs while increasing
their impact on beneficiary communities.

Swiss Ambassador to Jordan Emilija Georgieva said the opening of “The
Geneva Centres in Amman” reflects Jordan’s position as a trusted
regional hub for dialogue, cooperation and expertise.

She added that Switzerland is proud to support the joint initiative,
describing it as an extension of the country’s longstanding
commitment to peace, security and humanitarian action, while
strengthening partnerships across the Middle East and North Africa.

GICHD Director Ambassador Tobias Privitelli said the new office will
support national institutions in developing the systems, strategies
and partnerships required to address contamination from explosive
ordnance, protect communities and achieve sustainable results in
humanitarian demining.

DCAF Director Ambassador Nathalie Chuard said the presence of the
organization in Amman will strengthen direct engagement with regional
partners and support the development of more effective and
sustainable approaches to security sector governance in response to
evolving regional challenges.

Founded by the Swiss Government more than 25 years ago, DCAF and the
GICHD operate as independent organizations headquartered in Geneva.
Through their shared regional office in Amman, the two institutions
aim to enhance coordination, improve operational responsiveness and
deepen regional cooperation in support of peacebuilding, security and
humanitarian action.

//Petra//