Launch of the Permanent National Committee for Transboundary Water Negotiations

The Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI) hosted the kick-off meeting of the "Permanent National Transboundary Water Negotiation Committee" project on Monday, 9 February 2026, marking a key step toward strengthening Jordan's national capacity in transboundary water negotiations and regional water cooperation.

The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and will be implemented by the Water Diplomacy Center (WDC) hosted by the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST).

The meeting was chaired by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, H.E. Dr. Jihad Al-Mahamid, and attended by the WDC team, along with Ms. Jasmin Freischlad, Head of the Water Sector Governance (WSG) Program at GIZ.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Al-Mahamid underscored the importance of institutionalizing national water negotiation mechanisms to address the growing challenges related to shared and transboundary water resources. He emphasized the need for enhanced negotiation skills, coordinated national positions, and evidence-based approaches to support Jordan's water security and regional stability.

Under this project, the WDC will implement a comprehensive capacity-building program that includes targeted training sessions and study tours to countries with extensive experience in managing shared water resources. The program is designed to strengthen the negotiation capacities of government officials, diplomats, and water resources managers engaged in transboundary water issues. It will also support the development of negotiation strategies for various collaborative scenarios, taking into account evolving regional and geopolitical dynamics.

As part of the project activities, the first training session, titled "Foundations of Water Diplomacy," was conducted from 15 to 17 February 2026. The session was delivered by WDC Director Prof. Mutawakil Obeidat, Prof. Ammar Albalasmeh, and Prof. Mohammed Azzam, providing participants with essential concepts and practical skills in water diplomacy and negotiation.

Key objectives of the project include promoting regional dialogue to reduce tensions and resolve disputes related to transboundary water allocation, use, and management; supporting the formulation of treaties, agreements, and legal frameworks governing shared water bodies; strengthening regional partnerships; and providing technical expertise in hydrology, climate change, and water resources management to inform evidence-based decision-making and negotiations.

Ms. Jasmin Freischlad, Head of the Water Sector Governance Program, underlined Germany's commitment to advancing transboundary water management in Jordan in partnership with the WDC, under GIZ's support to the Ministry of Water and Irrigation. WDC Director Prof. Mutawakil Obeidat highlighted the center's role in delivering tailored capacity-building and training activities to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of the Permanent National Water Negotiation Committee.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment among all stakeholders to advance the project through close coordination, capacity building, and sustained institutional engagement.