In her welcoming remarks, Ms. Christine McNab, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Jordan will focus on the global commitment and UNDP’s role as the Millenium Development Goals Score Keeper for the UN.

HRH Princess Basma Bint Talal will highlight Jordan’s stand, achievements and aspirations in the context of poverty reduction efforts as related to environmental and developmental sustainability, and will provide guidance and future directions to organizations working in this field.

UNDP’s perspective of the linkages between environment and poverty leading to achieving the Millenium Development Goals will be highlighted by Dr. Iyad Abumoghli, UNDP Assistant Resident Representative.

Mr. Munir Al Adgham, the SGP National Coordinator in Jordan, will overview the experiences and results of partnership between the GEF/SGP and the local communities in Jordan over the past ten years. The UNDP in Amman initiated the GEF/SGP back in 1992 when the Programme started its partnership with non-government organizations and local communities around the country. Through supporting initiatives undertaken at the local community level, the Programme has succeeded in promoting environmentally and developmentally sustainable means of livelihoods to the local communities.

Two new publications related to the theme of the event will be launched during the event. Special recognition will be awarded to three volunteers who significantly contributed to local community development in the context of the GEF/SGP efforts in the country. An exhibition of local community products will be on display during the event. It is hoped that this event will contribute to poverty reduction efforts on the national level and promote local community efforts to improve their living conditions and that of their environment