On July 1st, 2025, and under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency Prof. Thafer Assaraira, Chairman of the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission and His Excellency Mr. Serge Dickschen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Enabel has convened a diverse group of local and international partners, stakeholders, and community representatives to officially inaugurate the Employment and Livelihood Program (ELP). Funded by the European Union and implemented by Enabel, the €6.5 million program is delivered through local and international partners including: Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission (AQAC) Leaders International Partners for Good Expectation State The program aims to promote socio-economic empowerment by improving access to decent employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for youth in Jordan, with a strong focus on women and Syrian refugees. Enabel’s Country Director in Jordan and Palestine, Ms. Heidi De Pauw, said: “The program represents more than just employment support- it is a commitment to dignity, opportunity, and participatory approaches. By investing in the potential of young Jordanians, women, and Syrian refugees, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient and equitable future.” This high-level event served as a platform to discuss innovative strategies for: Employment creation Skills development Livelihood sustainability in vulnerable communities It also highlighted the crucial role of partnerships in building inclusive economic opportunities. The event featured three key panels: "Equipping Youth, Syrian Refugees, and Women in Jordan with Demand-Driven Skills to Access Inclusive and Decent Employment Opportunities" This panel explored how to align skills training with real labor market needs, questioning whether current approaches are enough to ensure quality, sustainable jobs for vulnerable groups. "Supporting New and Existing Microbusinesses Towards More Resilient and Sustainable Outcomes"This session focused on practical strategies for enabling entrepreneurship and strengthening microbusinesses as engines of job creation and empowerment. "From Evidence to Action – Enabling Syrian Refugee Economic Participation" This panel examined how research and data can inform more effective policies and programs, moving from analysis to concrete steps that expand economic opportunities for Syrian refugees and host communities alike. Duccio Ferraro, Project Manager, emphasized: “With a budget of €6.5 million over 50 months, the Employment and Livelihood Programme is empowering youth, Syrian refugees, and women in Jordan by increasing access to decent employment and micro-business opportunities.” Key targets include: - 750 participants in work-based learning - 50 master trainers & 150 coaches trained - 225+ beneficiaries supported into employment/self-employment - 30 new microbusinesses created - 70 existing microbusinesses supported - 50 entrepreneurs receive seed funding - 700 youth certified through Recognition of Prior Learning These efforts are guided by in-depth action research to provide concrete data and insights on economic participation. The launch marks a significant step forward in supporting Jordan’s efforts to foster inclusive economic development, particularly for youth and marginalized populations. Enabel extends its sincere gratitude to all participants, speakers, and partners who contributed to the success of this event.

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