Amman, July 28 (Petra) – The Human Development Fund (HDF) opened its
regional office in Jordan on Tuesday, expanding its humanitarian and
development operations in the region.

Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa attended the opening
ceremony, alongside lawmakers and representatives of international
organizations, civil society groups, and volunteer organizations.

Talking at the launch, Bani Mustafa said the ministry is working to
strengthen social protection and community development by
implementing the National Social Protection Strategy, updating
legislation and policies, and expanding partnerships with civil
society, international organizations, and the private sector.

Bani Mustafa also highlighted the 2026 Social Protection and Care
Fund Regulation, recently approved by the Cabinet, which establishes
a “unified” financing mechanism for social protection and care
programs administered by the ministry.

The mechanism is intended to support a shift from short-term
assistance toward sustainable economic and social empowerment for
vulnerable groups.

Bani Mustafa said the ministry supports humanitarian and development
initiatives that promote self-reliance, economic empowerment, and
stronger community resilience. She described local and international
civil society organizations as “key partners” in delivering programs
in social protection, education, healthcare, capacity building, and
humanitarian response.

She expressed hope that HDF’s regional office would improve
inter-partner coordination , attract projects aligned with regional
development priorities, and establish Jordan as a “base” for
humanitarian initiatives.

In turn, HDF Chief Executive Officer Abdirahman Kariye said the fund
operates in 33 countries, implementing programs in social
development, education, and healthcare and responding to urgent
humanitarian needs.

On their goals, he said HDF’s field programs support vulnerable
families, including orphans and persons with disabilities, and seek
to help households shift from dependency toward stability through
long-term partnerships and empowerment initiatives.

HDF’s Middle East and North Africa representative in Jordan, Mohammad
Shboul, said the fund’s approach places people at the center of
development and translates that principle into programs,
partnerships, and measurable outcomes.

//Petra// AO