اقتصاد
صوت عمان :
Policymakers, experts, and researchers gather in Amman to discuss innovative solutions to Jordan’s labor market challenges.
In a significant step towards addressing Jordan’s labor market challenges, policymakers, academics, researchers, and development partners convened in Amman for the Jordan Labor Market Symposium, organized by the International Growth Centre (IGC).
The symposium occurs at a crucial time when Jordan faces persistent unemployment and low labor force participation, particularly among youth and women. The event coincides with International Women’s Day, emphasizing the urgent need for inclusive labor market reforms. Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision and the National Women’s Strategy are ambitious frameworks aiming to double female labor force participation and integrate over one million young Jordanians into the workforce by 2033.
Government Commitment to Evidence-Based Policymaking
Representing the Minister of Labor, Farouk Hadidi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Labor, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to evidence-based policymaking as a cornerstone of Jordan’s modernization vision, stating:
"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 labor force participation requires well-informed choices backed by rigorous analysis."
He added: "Our collaboration with the International Growth Centre reflects this commitment, enhancing policy formulation while strengthening Jordan’s broader research ecosystem through partnerships between international experts and local researchers. Embedding research into policy design is the foundation for building a more responsive and efficient public administration one capable of driving sustainable economic progress and inclusive growth."
International Collaboration to Support Labor Market Policies
H.E. Philip Hall, the UK Ambassador to Jordan, highlighted the importance of international cooperation in shaping labor market policies, stating:
"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 labor market policies that drive economic growth and social development."
About the International Growth Centre (IGC)
The International Growth Centre (IGC) is a global research center operating in 13 countries across Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. Headquartered at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), the IGC was established in 2008 in partnership with the University of Oxford to foster long-term collaboration between policymakers and leading academic researchers. The center produces demand-driven, policy-relevant research to develop innovative, evidence-based solutions for sustainable economic growth.
Professor Jonathan Leape, Executive Director of IGC, emphasized the critical role of research in shaping effective policies, stating:
"The IGC’s research is built on long-term engagement with policymakers, ensuring that our work aligns with national priorities and serves as a catalyst for informed decision-making."
He further added:
"Our mission is not to impose ready-made solutions but to work collaboratively with governments in evaluating policies, testing new approaches, and rethinking strategies within the local context. We act as a knowledge partner, leveraging our extensive research network to support governments in designing data-driven policies. By promoting an evidence-based approach, we help policymakers assess what works, optimize policy design, and develop new frameworks that redefine policy challenges and enable innovative solutions."
Key Participants and Discussions
The symposium featured a distinguished lineup of academics and experts, providing in-depth insights into the challenges and opportunities in Jordan’s labor market. Notable participants included:
Professor Jonathan Leape – Associate Professor of Economics at LSE; Executive Director of IGC.
Professor Edward Glaeser – Professor of Economics, Harvard University.
Professor Stefano Caria – Professor of Economics, University of Warwick, IGC.
Professor Ragui Assaad – Professor of Planning and Public Affairs, University of Minnesota.
Salma Shaheen – Economist, IGC Jordan.
H.E. Nisreen Barakat – Chief Executive Officer, Jordan Strategy Forum.
H.E. Maha Ali – Secretary-General, Jordanian National Commission for Women.
H.E. Haidar Farhat – Director, Department of Statistics.
Mr. Ghaleb Hijazi – Representative, Amman Chamber of Commerce.
Miss Holly Bener – Resident Representative for Jordan, World Bank.
H.E. Dr. Hazim Rahahleh – Director of Economic Research and Policies at Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies; Former Director General of Social Security Corporation.
Launch of IGC’s Research on Jordan’s Labor Market
During the symposium, IGC launched its latest research paper, "Unlocking the Potential of Jordan’s Labor Market," which examines key labor market challenges, opportunities for increased economic participation, and evidence-based policy recommendations to support decision-makers in implementing effective labor reforms. The event reaffirms IGC’s commitment to supporting data-driven policies that foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Jordan.
تصميم و تطوير 