Jordan Launches New Decent Work Programme to Drive Jobs, Inclusion and Green Growth by 2027

Jordan Chamber of Industry Chairman Fathi Al-Jaghbeir stressed that investment in human capital will be key to unlocking economic growth.

Jordan has taken a major step toward reshaping its labour market with the launch of a new Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP), a national framework aimed at accelerating job creation, strengthening worker protections, and building a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

Announced during an International Workers' Day event held under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II, the programme reflects a renewed commitment by the Government, employers, workers' organizations, and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to align economic growth with social equity and workforce resilience.

A Tripartite Pact for Labour Market Transformation

The DWCP will be implemented through a tripartite partnership—bringing together the Government of Jordan, employer groups, and workers' unions, with technical and strategic support from the ILO. This collaborative model is designed to ensure that labour market reforms are inclusive, balanced, and responsive to the needs of all stakeholders.

The launch event in Amman brought together senior policymakers, labour representatives, and industry leaders, highlighting the broad national consensus behind the initiative.

Minister of Labour Khaled Al-Bakar described the programme as a turning point in Jordan's economic journey.

"The launch of the Decent Work Country Programme marks a pivotal milestone in Jordan's journey towards a more inclusive and sustainable economy. It places people at the centre of our priorities and reaffirms our commitment to creating decent work opportunities," he said.

Building on Proven Results

The new programme builds on a decade of collaboration between Jordan and the ILO that has already delivered measurable outcomes:

• More than 41,000 decent jobs created

• Over 13,400 people placed in employment

• Nearly 54,000 individuals benefited from training and certification programmes

• 517 hectares of land rehabilitated and 220,000 trees planted through employment-intensive initiatives

In addition, reforms have improved working conditions, expanded social protection, and advanced gender equality—including the introduction of childcare policies and a 20% quota for women on company management boards.

These achievements provide a strong foundation for the next phase of labour market transformation.

Three Strategic Priorities Through 2027

The DWCP sets out three core priorities to guide implementation until the end of 2027:

1. Promoting inclusive green growth and decent work

2. Expanding access to essential protections and services

3. Strengthening accountability, transparency, and social dialogue

Together, these pillars aim to ensure that economic growth translates into tangible improvements in employment quality, worker rights, and institutional effectiveness.

Focus on Youth, Women, and Future-Ready Skills

A key feature of the programme is its emphasis on youth, women, and vulnerable groups, reflecting persistent challenges in labour market participation and employment quality.

The initiative will scale up efforts to:

• Develop market-relevant skills aligned with emerging industries

• Support entrepreneurship and enterprise development

• Expand access to digital and green economy opportunities

• Strengthen pathways to productive and formal employment

ILO Regional Director for the Arab States Ruba Jaradat highlighted the broader vision:

"The new programme builds on past progress with a clear ambition—to ensure that growth creates quality jobs, that institutions are stronger and more inclusive, and that everyone has a fair chance to contribute and thrive," she said.

Private Sector and Workers at the Core

The programme places strong emphasis on the role of the private sector as a driver of job creation and productivity, alongside strengthened protections for workers.

Jordan Chamber of Industry Chairman Fathi Al-Jaghbeir stressed that investment in human capital will be key to unlocking economic growth.

"A strong and competitive private sector is the engine of job creation. This requires investing in people as the foundation of productivity," he said.

Meanwhile, labour representatives underscored the importance of safeguarding workers' rights and improving working conditions.

"Workers are the cornerstone of economic and social progress. This programme strengthens rights, expands social protection, and promotes fair wages and safe working environments," said GFJTU President Khaled Al-Fanatsah.

Aligned with National and Global Development Goals

The DWCP is closely aligned with Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision 2022–2033, the country's long-term roadmap for sustainable growth, productivity, and job creation.

It also supports international commitments, including ILO labour standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly those related to decent work, economic growth, gender equality, and reduced inequalities.

By integrating national priorities with global frameworks, the programme aims to create a coherent and future-ready labour market strategy.

A Roadmap for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth

As Jordan navigates economic pressures, demographic shifts, and the transition to a greener and more digital economy, the new Decent Work Country Programme offers a comprehensive roadmap for inclusive growth.

By combining job creation, institutional reform, and social protection, the initiative seeks to ensure that economic progress benefits all segments of society—while building resilience against future shocks.

With strong backing from government, industry, labour groups, and international partners, the programme is expected to play a central role in shaping Jordan's labour market through 2027 and beyond.