Initiative supporting underprivileged children launches Amman chapter

AMMAN — The Global Challenges Forum (GCF), which aims to provide a better life and education for underprivileged children in Jordan and the Middle East, was launched in Amman on Wednesday.

Co-founded in Geneva 11 years ago by a global team, led by former Jordanian Senator Talal Abu Ghazaleh and former US diplomat Walter Christman, the GCF addresses global challenges through several initiatives.

The initiative witnessed the merger of multiple NGOs, including Gift of Life International, an international NGO which has provided medical assistance to children since 1975, with the GCF.

The event marked the 70th birthday of the late Mustafa Nasereddin, an avid and early supporter of the GCF.

Nael Musharbash of Gift of Life International, said during a press conference that his organisation has 84 chapters serving approximately 4,000 children across four continents. 

“We decided to expand the work in Jordan in cooperation with charitable organisations, paediatrics, cardiologists and surgeons,” Musharbash said.

The GCF focuses on youth empowerment, according to GCF Chairman Walter Christman, who co-founded the organisation with Talal Abu Ghazaleh in 2010.

“There are strategic opportunities that previously didn’t exist…” Christman said. 

“We are able to develop new ways of collaboration,” Christman added.

Riyad Al Khouri, a board member and senior adviser for Jordan at the GCF, said: “The pandemic affected everyone in the world, and it’ll continue to affect people.”

 He added that special emphasis should be directed towards addressing poverty.