The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) signed a Cooperation Agreement today, marking a significant step toward strengthening sustainable development, heritage preservation, environmental stewardship, and youth empowerment in Aqaba and the Wadi Rum region.
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of ASEZA Chief Commissioner, H.E. Shadi Ramzi Al-Majali, and UNESCO Representative to Jordan and Head of Office, Ms. Noha Bawazir. The agreement was signed on behalf of ASEZA by Dr. Thabet Al-Nabulsi, Commissioner for Tourism and Youth Affairs, and on behalf of UNESCO by Ms. Noha Bawazir.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Al-Nabulsi emphasized that the agreement reflects ASEZA’s vision of safeguarding the cultural heritage of Wadi Rum and enhancing its sustainability as one of Jordan’s most significant cultural and natural sites, inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. He noted that preserving the area’s cultural identity and authentic Bedouin heritage constitutes a cornerstone of ASEZA’s sustainable development plans. He further stressed that the agreement seeks to strengthen support for local communities through sustainable development projects that promote community participation and create sustainable economic opportunities for local residents.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Noha Bawazir emphasized that the partnership reflects a shared vision for sustainable development, cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and greater opportunities for communities in Wadi Rum and Aqaba and across Jordan.
This agreement is more than a formal commitment; it represents the beginning of a dynamic partnership built on trust, shared values, and a common ambition to create meaningful and lasting impact for local communities and future generations.
Noha Bawazir
Under the agreement, UNESCO Amman Office and ASEZA will collaborate through the “Sustainable Futures for Aqaba and Wadi Rum”. Key areas of joint cooperation build on existing initiatives and foresee implementing projects that contribute to sustainable and inclusive development including sustainable tourism initiatives, safeguarding cultural and natural heritage, support for youth skills development and employment pathways, environmental protection and marine biodiversity awareness, community resilience, and media and information literacy.
The partnership will also support efforts toward the designation of the Aqaba Mountains as a UNESCO Global Geopark, highlighting the region’s unique geological heritage while promoting environmental conservation and community engagement.
Among the flagship initiatives foreseen under the agreement is the establishment and operation of the Rum Village Production Kitchen and Café, which will contribute to local economic development and create opportunities for women and local communities in Wadi Rum.
The cooperation further aims to strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET), foster sustainable tourism products and heritage routes, and explore collaboration under UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy Cities initiative in Aqaba.
The signing reflects the shared commitment of UNESCO and ASEZA to harness the potential of culture, education, heritage, and environmental sustainability as drivers of inclusive growth and long-term development in southern Jordan.
UNESCO and ASEZA reaffirmed their commitment to working closely together to translate the agreement into concrete actions that benefit local communities while safeguarding the unique cultural and natural assets of Aqaba and Wadi Rum.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-amman-office-and-aseza-sign-cooperation-agreement-advance-sustainable-development-aqaba-and?hub=701
