Amman – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), announced the launch of the third phase of the Arab States Partnership for Inclusive Rights in Elections (ASPIRE) initiative, which supports electoral institutions, enhances electoral participation among youth and women, and integrates digital innovation into electoral processes.  

Launched at an event hosted at the UNDP Regional Hub in Amman, this new phase builds on more than a decade of partnership and seeks to strengthen transparency and democratic participation through enhanced electoral processes.   

“Over the past decade, this partnership has weathered delayed elections, shrinking civic space, and backlash against women’s participation. Yet together—with national institutions, regional networks, and civil society—we have stood firm, adapted, and kept the vision alive.” said Mary Kawar, UNDP Regional Hub Director. 

The partnership with Sida has helped institutionalize an Arab Electoral Management Bodies Network (ArabEMBs), strengthened capacity of the League of Arab States  Electoral Affairs Department, launched the Women’s Leadership Academy for the Digital Era, deployed the eMonitor+ platform to support safe use of technology in enhancing electoral integrity, and reached over 5,000 youth and 1,000 electoral practitioners through capacity building  initiatives. 

“ASPIRE phase three represents not just continuity, but renewal and adaptation. Our partnership with UNDP in making a substantial new commitment of 50 million Swedish kronor (≈ $5 million) is not just a financial contribution; it is a clear signal of Sweden's confidence in ASPIRE as a driver of democratic progress,  inclusive participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities, and of our belief that this world is changing.” said Anna Rosendahl, Regional Director for MENA at Sida. 

The event featured interventions from key regional partners, including H.E. Musa Maaytah, Chairperson of the Independent Election Commission of Jordan and President of ArabEMBs, who stressed on the crucial role of Arab institutions in advancing inclusive and transparent electoral processes, stating, “The development of democracy and the expansion of citizen participation in decision-making are among the core priorities. Yet, drawing on past experiences and lessons learned, we recognize that democracy must be developed in a way that reflects the specific circumstances and context of each country. We extend our gratitude to UNDP and our partners for respecting this principle through joint programmes and activities that consider the national realities of each state.” 

With the launch of this new phase, UNDP and Sida reaffirm their commitment to deepening regional cooperation, empowering citizens, and promoting the responsible use of technology to build more transparent and trusted institutions. 

Media Contact: 

UNDP: Ahmed Bazzoum | Communications Analyst |  ahmed.bazzoum@undp.org 

Sida: Mohammad Shihabi | Communications  Officer | mohammad.shihabi@gov.se  

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