The United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Jordan Sheri Ritsema-Anderson has warned of the funding shortfall jeopardizing the continuity of UN agency programs in the Kingdom. She expressed, in a statement on Thursday, deep concern over funding shortfalls threatening to interrupt key activities that support both Jordanians and refugees in the following months, and called on “all partners to find ways to sustain our gains, maintain financial support where needed, and achieve humanitarian and development objectives in Jordan.” “Through collaborative efforts, we can ensure that no one is left behind,” Anderson said in the UN Jordan’s “Annual Results Report for 2022” released Thursday marking the completion of the five-year UN Sustainable Development Framework (UNSDF), which began in 2018. The report showcases the contributions and achievements of 20 UN entities in the Kingdom, encompassing both humanitarian and development initiatives throughout the reporting year. According to the report, the value of UN programming in 2022 was $1 billion. Overall, the UN has implemented $4.6 billion of humanitarian and development programs during the 5-year lifespan of the UNSDF (2018-2022), advancing key priorities and implementing projects in three main areas: Strengthened Institutions, Empowered People, and Enhanced Opportunities. Working in collaboration with the government, the civil society, and communities, the UN contributed to the development of national legislation, policies, and strategies that resulted in advancements in economic development, health care and nutrition, education, information management systems, women’s and youth empowerment, and more, said the report. UN in Jordan is proud to have contributed to Jordan’s sustainable development in 2022, while also maintaining crucial support for Palestine, Syrian and other refugees and Jordanian host communities, said Anderson, adding that these results are “not ours alone, they reflect the joint effort of all partners working together, underpinned by generous donor support.” Looking forward, she continued, the Government of Jordan and the UN are finalizing a proposed new Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for the years 2023-2027, prioritizing four key areas of joint work: (1) inclusive, gender-responsive green growth and decent work; (2) social protection and quality basic services; (3) sustainable management of and access to water, food and energy and climate change mitigate and adaptation; and (4) strengthened government institutions, and accountability, transparency and participation. “The UN remains a steadfast partner to the Kingdom as it works towards achieving its reform vision and the advancement of the 17 global Sustainable Development Goals, while also continuing its exemplary hospitality to refugees, however, the UN needs sustained funding to do this,” stated Anderson.
Source: Jordan News Agency