LocationsConsultative workshop in Aqaba brings together persons with disabilities, national institutions and civil society to support more inclusive local decision-making
Southern Region workshop promotes the political participation of PWDs in local administration
June 23, 2026
Consultative Workshop on “Enhancing the Political Participation and Representation of Persons with Disabilities in the Local Administration System”
UNDP Jordan.
Aqaba, Jordan, 21 June 2026 – The Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Jordan convened the Southern Region Consultative Workshop on “Enhancing the Political Participation and Representation of Persons with Disabilities in the Local Administration System” in Aqaba.
The workshop brought together over 80 participants, including persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, members of the Senate and House of Representatives, representatives of government entities and national institutions, the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, civil society organizations, human rights advocates and experts from across Jordan’s southern region.
The workshop provided a participatory platform to examine the legal, institutional, environmental and societal barriers affecting the political participation and representation of persons with disabilities at the local level. It also explored practical measures to support a more inclusive and responsive local administration system.
The discussions took place as Jordan continues to review and develop the legislative framework governing local administration, including the draft Local Administration Law of 2026. This process presents an important opportunity to strengthen the participation and representation of persons with disabilities in municipal and governorate councils, including disabled women, and ensure that their perspectives inform local planning, public services and decision-making.
“Strengthening the participation of persons with disabilities in local administration is not only about increasing representation. It is about building more inclusive, responsive and effective institutions that benefit from the contributions of all citizens. Participation is not a privilege to be granted. It is a right and a prerequisite for sustainable development and good governance."Randa Aboul-Hosn, UNDP Resident Representative in Jordan.
Participants discussed the main features of the draft Local Administration Law of 2026 and opportunities to strengthen the representation of persons with disabilities in elected councils through direct and indirect electoral mechanisms.
The discussions also examined the role of national institutions in advancing political participation at the national and local levels, and the importance of integrating accessibility into local planning so that the rights and priorities of persons with disabilities are reflected in local policies and services.
Further sessions focused on inclusive local administration, regional and international experiences, and the role of organizations of persons with disabilities as strategic partners in local development. A dedicated session examined the intersecting barriers affecting the political participation and representation of women with disabilities, as well as opportunities to strengthen their participation in decision-making.
The workshop also discussed the role of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in advancing inclusive local governance, emphasizing the need to move from consultation to genuine partnership. Participants highlighted the importance of institutionalizing the engagement of OPDs in local planning, policy development, budgeting, implementation, and monitoring processes.
The workshop is expected to contribute practical recommendations to national discussions on the local administration framework. These recommendations will reflect the perspectives and priorities of persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, and support efforts to strengthen meaningful participation, accessibility and representation at the local level.
Jordan has made important progress in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, including through its ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the adoption of Law No. 20 of 2017 on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Building on this progress, continued efforts are needed to translate legislative and policy commitments into equal opportunities, meaningful participation and effective representation, particularly at the local level, where decisions directly affect people’s daily lives and access to public services.
The workshop forms part of the continuing partnership between the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and UNDP to support national efforts to advance rights, participation and disability inclusion. It was organized under the project “Empowering PWDs Voices for Inclusive Local Governance.”
This project was made possible through generous contributions from Denmark, Luxembourg, and the Republic of Korea, via the Funding Windows. As UNDP’s primary mechanism for flexible thematic funding, the Funding Windows enable UNDP to respond swiftly and comprehensively to needs and emerging challenges across the world.
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with a broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. Learn more at undp.org/jordan or follow @UNDPJordan.