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In the dawn of the new millennium, 189 countries came together at the UN General Assembly and agreed to improve the situation of the peoples of the planet. Among the goals agreed upon was to make available to people, the benefits of new technologies—especially information and communications technologies. Stemming from this objective, the UN Inter-Agency Resource Centre established at UNESCO Amman aims at enhancing “ Knowledge Sharing” for researchers, scholars, teachers, students and the public at large, in Jordan, by making accessible common facilities equipped with research tools and training capacity, up-to-date Information, as well as a variety of information networks around the world, including paid for web sites by UNESCO, that will be accessible from the Centre.

The Centre will, therefore, offer a broad base of resources including multimedia equipment with a link to the super information highway, books, references, periodicals, audio-visual materials and online web references, including the newly launched Bibliotheca Alexandrina when in service. A multi purpose Exhibition Hall is also available and can host over 150 people for art exhibitions and celebrations. These efforts will help raise better awareness as regards UN work in Jordan and serve the needs of the intellectuals, professionals as well as reach out needy communities.

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The Common Country Assessment and the United Nations Development Assistance Framework constitute two pillars of the UN Programme of Reform initiated to improve the coordination and efficiency of the United Nations assistance at country-level.

In Jordan, a constructive dialogue between Amman-based UN-Agencies and the National Government has led to the preparation of a Common Country Assessment for the Hashemite Kingdom. Based upon the findings and recommendations of the Common Country Assessment, a United Nations Development Assistance Framework was established by the UN Agencies and approved by the Government of Jordan.

The two documents are officially launched today, 24 October 2002, on the occasion of the commemoration of the 57th UN Day.

“The CCA/UNDAF process, as a platform for strengthened dialogue and improved understanding of major developmental issues, is an achievement in itself” comments Ms. Christine McNab, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Jordan. For the UN Resident Coordinator, “The outcome of the CCA/UNDAF process fully reflects the UN Reform spirit while providing a solid frame of reference for more coherent and coordinated development strategies in Jordan.”

Jordan’s Common Country Assessment and United Nations Development Assistance Framework are available at the UN Building in Shmeisani (Office of the UN Resident Coordinator).