Aqaba, 16 December 2025 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Japan today announced the launch of the “Community Security Grants Programme” in Aqaba, a new milestone under an existing programme worth US$1 million designed to strengthen community security, improve socio-economic resilience and expand opportunities for young people across the governorate.

At the heart of the programme is a competitive community grants mechanism that empowers local civil society organizations to deliver programmes and capacitate youth to design, develop, and deliver community-led initiatives that align with Aqaba’s evolving economic landscape.

Up to US$500,000 will be channeled through these grants, enabling over 30 community-based organizations to implement initiatives engaging young women and men in tourism, environment and the green economy, digital resilience, and creative innovation. These initiatives are designed to equip youth with practical, market-relevant skills that unlock employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Funded by Japan and implemented in close partnership with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and the Aqaba Governorate, the programme will directly benefit 500 young women and men, with an estimated 2,500 indirect beneficiaries.

“I hope that, through offering socio-economic opportunities, implementing various youth-led community initiatives and strengthening institutional capacities, social cohesion is fostered and community security is enhanced, contributing to effective prevention of juvenile delinquency and a safer, more resilient and prosperous community in Aqaba,” said H.E. Mr. ASARI Hideki, Ambassador of Japan to Jordan.

The programme aligns with Japan’s longstanding commitment to advancing community resilience in Jordan and builds on its partnership with UNDP to promote inclusive growth and support at-risk youth and women. It also reinforces UNDP’s work with national and local institutions to address the root causes of vulnerability and unemployment.

“UNDP is committed to working hand in hand with our partners in Aqaba to create sustainable opportunities for young people,” said Randa Aboul-Hosn, UNDP Resident Representative in Jordan. “By investing in youth skills and supporting local organizations, we are strengthening resilience and nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators.”

The launch ceremony in Aqaba brought together representatives from the Embassy of Japan, ASEZA, the Aqaba Governorate, the Public Security Directorate, UNDP Jordan and participating civil society organizations.

The initiative is part of the broader partnership between Japan and UNDP under the “Mitigating Juvenile Crime Incidents in Aqaba and Wadi Rum – Advancing the roles, participation and protection of women, youth and vulnerable groups” programme, aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods, expand opportunities for vulnerable groups and strengthen community security in southern Jordan.

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