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Jordan’s welfare benefits the world

Feb 07,2016 - Last updated at Feb 07,2016

His Majesty King Abdullah’s address at the recently held “Supporting Syria and the Region Conference” in London underscored the urgent need to adopt a new approach in dealing with the protracted Syrian crisis, as “we are confronted with what is arguably the worst, most tragic humanitarian crisis of our time”.

The repercussions of the brutal conflict in Syria are global, but the immediate neighbours feel the brunt of it most, having opened their doors to millions of Syrian refugees, a humanitarian gesture, no doubt, but one that takes a toll on host countries.

In the case of Jordan, a country with meagre resources to start with, hosting the huge number of refugees seeking safe haven here puts a big strain, so in order to deal with this crisis, the King suggested “broader and bolder action”, a “sustainable solution”, a “holistic approach” that “talks of investment and growth, not just aid and relief”.

The reason for such a new approach is obvious: the Syrian crisis is believed to be a long-term problem. Peace talks, or even convening such talks, consistently fail and there is no solution in sight for the Syrian conflict any time soon.

Knowing this, there is a need for long-term planning based on sustainable development plans both for the host countries and for the refugees, who have to be empowered and become self-sufficient, as a matter of priority, rather than having to live “a demeaning reliance on handouts”.

Jordan needs to promote and maintain a robust economy in order to be able to offer long-term support to the refugees.

The international community can appreciate that and act accordingly.

Entrepreneurship and investment are sure to unlock opportunities for Jordanians who, the King said, are carrying hardship and distress, so much so that “we have reached our limits”.

While assuring that the Kingdom will continue to do what it can to help those in need, the Monarch also warned that this “cannot be at the expense of our own people’s welfare”. 

As such, the international community should enter a meaningful partnership with Jordan, which will not only be “helping my country continue to do the right thing, fulfilling a critical role in our region and staying strong for the world”, but will also be an “investment in hope creation in an area where hope has been in limited supply”.

In order to secure the stability of the region — seriously tested by conflicts most everywhere — the entire world must come together and “act as one”.

Jordan has been a bulwark against terrorism and extremism; its actions in the course of its history have proved its commitment to world peace and security, and showed it as an example of generosity and moderation.

 

It should be kept so, for the global community only stands to gain from it.

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