“No Going Back”: A National Roundtable in Ajloun to Discuss Fair Development Policies and Pathways for Thriving and Livable Rural Communities

Ajloun – Jordan | August 10, 2026

Intermediaries of Change Center for Sustainable Development , in partnership with Sawt Ajloun Community Radio, and as part of the activities of the “Reef Safe Youth Space” project, in cooperation with the German Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, is organizing a national roundtable entitled “No Going Back: Fair Development Policies and Pathways for Thriving and Livable Rural Communities.” The roundtable brings together representatives of government, legislative, educational, training, development, and financing institutions, as well as civil society organizations, political parties, youth, and women’s representatives.

The roundtable comes as part of ongoing efforts to follow up on the recommendations and outcomes developed through a series of meetings and dialogues conducted by the “Reef Safe Youth Space” project with young women and men, stakeholders, and decision-makers. These dialogues addressed issues related to education, employment, job opportunities, training, economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and local development in Ajloun Governorate and rural communities.

The roundtable is grounded in a vision that recognizes young people and women in rural communities not merely as beneficiaries of policies and programs, but as essential partners in identifying priorities, developing solutions, following up on implementation, and assessing the impact of development interventions.

Intermediaries of Change Center for Sustainable Development emphasized that the challenges facing rural communities are interconnected, noting that education cannot be separated from employment opportunities, nor can employment be addressed independently of training, financing, and local economic development. The Center pointed out that the weak alignment between educational outcomes and labor market needs, along with limited access to training and financing opportunities, remain among the key challenges facing young men and women in the governorates.

The roundtable aims to open a national dialogue on ways to advance development equity by discussing the role of educational and vocational training institutions in developing the skills required by the labor market, strengthening career guidance and practical training, and building more effective partnerships between educational institutions and economic sectors.

The roundtable will also examine the current state of employment and training programs and the extent to which they reach youth and women in the governorates. It will highlight the importance of moving from short-term programs toward more sustainable economic interventions linked to real opportunities in local markets, with a focus on measuring the impact and effectiveness of these programs.

The discussion will also explore opportunities to promote entrepreneurship and small businesses, improve access to financing, technical support, and marketing, while taking into account the specific needs of rural enterprises and initiatives led by youth and women. It will also emphasize the importance of linking financing with capacity building and mentorship to ensure the sustainability of economic ventures.

The roundtable will also highlight the economic opportunities available in Ajloun Governorate in areas such as agriculture, rural and ecotourism, food and handicraft industries, the green economy, and digital work. It will explore ways to transform natural, cultural heritage, and human resources into sustainable productive opportunities that contribute to improving economic conditions and advancing local development.

The roundtable will also discuss the importance of achieving greater equity in the distribution of development opportunities and programs and ensuring their accessibility to youth and women in rural areas. This will help address gaps related to geographic location and economic and social circumstances, while enhancing the participation of groups with limited access to resources and services.

The project emphasizes that improving education, employment, and economic empowerment policies is an essential component of the political reform process and strengthening public participation. Effective youth participation in public life and decision-making is closely linked to their sense that their voices are heard and that their priorities are reflected in national policies and programs.

During the roundtable, participating institutions will present their programs, plans, and achievements, while also discussing existing challenges and gaps and exploring opportunities for cooperation among government and legislative institutions, civil society, and youth. A dedicated space will also be provided for young women and men to share their experiences and assess existing programs and their impact on their lives and communities.

The organization of this roundtable comes as part of the “Reef Safe Youth Political Space” project, implemented by the Center for Change Agents for Sustainable Development in partnership with Sawt Ajloun Community Radio and in cooperation with the German Rosa Luxemburg Foundation. The project aims to provide a safe civic and political space for young women and men to express their concerns and priorities, strengthen dialogue with stakeholders and decision-makers, and contribute to developing and following up on recommendations related to priority development issues.

The roundtable seeks to establish a practical pathway for follow-up and cooperation that ensures the continuation of dialogue and translates recommendations into actionable steps. This will contribute to achieving fairer policies, more prosperous rural communities, and equitable development opportunities for youth and women in Ajloun Governorate and across rural communities.