Political Reference

In light of the growing economic, social, and environmental challenges facing local and regional communities, the Change Mediators Center for Sustainable Development believes in the importance of integrated development work based on a holistic vision rooted in the principles of social justice, good governance, and environmental sustainability. Guided by its mission to promote sustainable development and expand community participation, the Center grounds its programs and initiatives in clear policy frameworks aligned with national and regional priorities and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Center has identified six strategic pillars that form the overarching framework of its work, aiming to create tangible impact in the lives of individuals and local communities. These pillars include:

  1. Economic development and employment, through job creation and support for local economic initiatives.
  2. Higher education and research, as a foundation for innovation and knowledge-building.
  3. Social and civic affairs, by promoting social justice and empowering marginalized groups.
  4. Water, environment, and the blue economy, recognizing their central role in environmental and water security.
  5. Transport and urban development, to ensure more sustainable and resilient cities and communities.
  6. Energy and climate, as part of efforts to promote clean energy and address the impacts of climate change.

Through this integrated approach, the Center seeks to build effective partnerships with government institutions, civil society, the private sector, and international actors, with the goal of delivering comprehensive development solutions that respond to real community needs and enhance the capacity of local communities to shape their own futures.

Promoting economic development and job creation is one of the core pillars of the work of the Change Mediators Center for Sustainable Development. The Center firmly believes that inclusive and equitable economic growth is the cornerstone for building stable and balanced communities. In this context, the Center strives to support policies and initiatives that foster local economic environments conducive to investment and improve the business climate, particularly in rural areas and vulnerable communities.

The Center’s approach is based on strengthening the social and solidarity economy, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and providing vocational and technical training programs for youth and women, with the aim of reducing unemployment rates and achieving economic justice. The Center works in an integrated manner with partners from the public and private sectors, as well as civil society organizations, to ensure the design and implementation of sustainable programs that respond to the needs of the local labor market.

The Center focuses on creating pathways for decent employment, stimulating entrepreneurial initiatives, and encouraging multi-stakeholder development partnerships to generate fair economic opportunities that are gender-sensitive and inclusive of marginalized groups. It also supports the integration of local communities into economic planning processes, stemming from a deep belief that development begins at the grassroots level, and that community participation in setting economic priorities is a key guarantee for the sustainability and impact of development projects.

The Change Mediators Center for Sustainable Development places the highest importance on higher education and scientific research, recognizing them as pivotal tools for achieving sustainable development and societal progress. By investing in quality education and knowledge production, it is possible to build generations capable of keeping pace with economic, social, and environmental transformations, and leading innovative development initiatives that meet the needs of local communities.

The Center focuses on strengthening the integration between higher education institutions and various development sectors by supporting applied research projects that respond to national and sectoral development priorities. It also seeks to develop strategic partnerships with universities and research centers to deliver field studies and practical solutions to development challenges in rural and underserved areas.

The Center supports social innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives among university students and young researchers through training programs and business incubators that encourage the development of innovative projects with social and economic impact. Special attention is given to engaging youth in public policy dialogue and encouraging their participation in community-based research related to issues such as environment, water, energy, and economic empowerment.

Through these efforts, the Center aims to build an education and research ecosystem that contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enhances the role of youth and the academic community as key actors in decision-making and development policy formulation.

The Change Mediators Center for Sustainable Development considers social development and the building of an active civil society as foundational pillars for any comprehensive and sustainable development. From this perspective, the Center develops programs and initiatives aimed at empowering marginalized and vulnerable groups, promoting equality and social justice, and ensuring the fundamental rights of individuals and communities—including women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

The Center believes that social and civil affairs are not merely about providing social services, but rather a participatory process aimed at achieving social cohesion, raising awareness of human rights, and enhancing local governance and community participation in decision-making. Accordingly, the Center launches awareness campaigns and field projects that contribute to reducing gender-based violence, promoting a culture of dialogue, and building the capacities of local civil society organizations to become effective partners in serving their communities.

The Center places particular focus on rural and underserved areas, where it implements integrated programs for social protection and community empowerment based on the real needs and priorities of the people. It also seeks to promote social inclusion and equal opportunities for all members of society, while encouraging youth and cultural initiatives that support active civic engagement and contribute to building a cohesive society that fosters inclusive development.

Water, environment, and the blue economy occupy a central place in the work of the Change Mediators Center for Sustainable Development, recognizing the critical importance of these sectors in ensuring environmental and water security, and achieving sustainable development that balances human needs with natural resources. The Center supports initiatives aimed at conserving and sustainably managing water resources through awareness programs and field projects that improve water consumption efficiency and promote water harvesting technologies, especially in rural communities.

In the environmental domain, the Center launches awareness campaigns to promote a culture of environmental protection, reduce emissions, and adapt to climate change. It also implements projects focused on waste recycling and renewable energy, reinforcing the concept of a green economy and sustainable communities.

Regarding the blue economy, the Center seeks to support economic activities linked to water resources, such as sustainable fishing, eco-tourism, and the development of water-related industries. Special attention is given to protecting marine and freshwater ecosystems through community-based initiatives that enhance local participation in preserving natural resources and ensuring their sustainability for future generations.

The Change Mediators Center for Sustainable Development places transport and urban development among its strategic priorities, recognizing them as vital sectors that directly impact individuals’ quality of life and access to services and economic opportunities. In this context, the Center supports the development of sustainable transport policies that consider environmental and social dimensions, reduce congestion and harmful emissions, and provide safe, reliable, and accessible public transport alternatives—especially in rural communities.

The Center also focuses on supporting urban development projects that improve infrastructure, enhance public spaces and green areas, and promote inclusive urban planning based on community needs. It advocates for the active involvement of local residents in city planning processes to ensure urban environments are more responsive to people’s needs and better equipped to address environmental and social challenges.

Additionally, the Center implements programs to raise community awareness about the importance of sustainable transport, curb unplanned urban sprawl, and integrate smart city concepts into development plans—contributing to the creation of resilient, sustainable, and inclusive urban environments for all segments of society.

The energy and climate file represents one of the most pressing development challenges that the Change Mediators Center for Sustainable Development addresses with strategic focus, recognizing the profound impact of climate change and the energy crisis on economic and social development pathways in Jordan and the region. The Center works to promote a culture of environmental sustainability and clean energy through projects and initiatives aimed at increasing reliance on renewable energy sources and encouraging local communities and municipalities to adopt innovative environmental solutions.

The Center’s work in this area focuses on supporting rural and remote communities in mitigating the effects of climate change through environmental awareness, launching household and community solar energy projects, and providing training workshops on adaptation strategies to extreme climate phenomena such as drought and rising temperatures. It also supports government institutions and civil society in developing local climate policies aligned with global frameworks, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement.

Through partnerships with local and international institutions, the Center seeks to strengthen the concept of the green economy, encourage investment in renewable energy projects, and develop energy management systems in public and private facilities. Additionally, the Center promotes environmental and climate responsibility among youth, encouraging them to lead community campaigns and initiatives that contribute to reducing carbon emissions and raising climate awareness.

Through these integrated efforts, the Center aims to build a more informed and resilient society, prepared to face climate challenges and achieve a just transition toward sustainable energy and low-carbon development.