The first bilateral South Programme II Steering Committee with Jordan was held in Amman on 6 December 2016. A large number of representatives from ministries, institutions and the academic sphere of Jordan participated in this event alongside the Council of Europe and the European Union.
The meeting provided an opportunity to present the development of co-operation under the South Programme II, and exchange views on issues related to its implementation, as well as on the work plan for 2017.
Participants highlighted the relevance of the South Programme II in supporting democratic reforms in Jordan, as well as its key role in setting up new legislative frameworks in line with European standards; fostering regional co-operation in the field of human rights, the rule of law and democracy and the progressive creation of a common legal space. Similarly, participants commended the alignment of the Programme with the European Union - Jordan Partnership Priorities and the synergies between the activities carried out by the two organisations and the national authorities.
The partners particularly welcomed the commitment of the Jordanian authorities in the Intercultural Cities network, as well as their efforts to disseminate the Intercultural Cities methodology in the municipalities concerned. They also encouraged the testing of the new approach to refugee inclusion derived from the Asset Based Community Development. The municipalities which participated in the network had intensive exchanges with other cities in 2016, thereby taking advantage of an international exposure.
First Bilateral Steering Committee with Jordan, 6 December 2016, Operational Conclusions
