Jordan and GCF review funding for water security projects

what happened

Zawya reported that Jordanian Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Soud met on Sunday with Thomas Eriksson, the fund’s regional director, and Amgad Elmahdi, who oversees its Middle East and North Africa operations. The talks focused on cooperation prospects, particularly the National Water Carrier Project and the rehabilitation of water networks.

A ministry statement said the Green Climate Fund (GCF) is among the main backers of the National Water Carrier Project, with total financing of $295 million, including a $75 million grant. Abu Soud also welcomed the fund’s decision to establish its new regional office in Jordan. He said the move reflected the Kingdom’s role in advancing climate action and sustainable development across the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

The meeting also covered Water for People and Nature, a programme launched by the GCF and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). Its estimated value is $1.6 billion, and it is intended to cover 10 countries, Jordan among them. The initiative seeks to speed up investment in water security and climate action in regions especially exposed to climate change. The participants stressed the need to combine GCF and IsDB resources with public and private capital to finance integrated projects supporting water and food security while preserving ecosystems.

Elmahdi said Jordan’s selection for the office recognised its sustained efforts and commitment to environmental challenges. Amman is expected to act as a regional base for coordinating climate work, improving access to funding, and sharing knowledge and expertise. He said the GCF was fully prepared to broaden cooperation on a new group of water and sanitation projects in the Kingdom. Abu Soud added that the partnership supports the Economic Modernisation Vision and the water sector’s strategic plan, with the government seeking to improve supply efficiency, resource sustainability and services for citizens. He also linked the effort to King Abdullah’s diplomatic and development initiatives to attract investment and international support in response to climate change.

why it matters

The announcement highlights continued multilateral financing for Jordan’s water infrastructure and could strengthen Amman’s role as a regional hub for climate-related projects.

instruments