Amman, Oct. 6 (Petra) – The Nazaha project, EU support to social accountability and empowering civil society for better governance, jointly funded by the European Union (EU) and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), concluded on Monday after four years of implementation in partnership between the Al Hayat Center for Civil Society Development (Rased) and Rasheed for Integrity and Transparency (Transparency International–Jordan).

Minister of Social Development Wafaa Bani Mustafa patronized the closing ceremony, which was attended by EU Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, Spanish Ambassador Miguel de Lucas, and representatives of government institutions, civil society organizations, and project participants.

The project has had a tangible impact strengthening transparency and accountability in Jordan, said Mustafa, adding that the Nazaha platform is a qualitative addition to Jordan’s governance and reform efforts.

Transferring the platform to the Ministry, she pointed out, will be a tool accessible to civil society organizations, government institutions, and citizens to evaluate and enhance mutual trust.

She stressed that the project proved that civil society is a key partner in improving public services and policymaking, adding that reform is a shared responsibility grounded in cooperation and mutual confidence.

The EU ambassador noted that civil society in Jordan is stronger than ever, describing the project’s outcomes as "remarkable and a model that enhances Jordan’s soft power and regional standing.

He announced an upcoming €2 million EU grant for two new projects to support communities affected by the Syrian refugee crisis and to help displaced persons acquire skills, enabling a dignified return home.

The Spanish Ambassador said cooperation is at the heart of Spain’s values, noting that the project was an excellent example of shared goals and effective collaboration through capacity building and civil society empowerment.

Director of Rased, Amer Bani Amer, highlighted that the project succeeded in building trust between civil society and the government, producing several policy papers with actionable recommendations that have been adopted by various institutions. He also noted that the project fostered partnerships between municipalities and community organizations and engaged hundreds of youth and women across the country.

Rasheed’s Executive Director Abeer Mdanat said the project is marked by "challenge, innovation, and success," outlining key activities that advanced transparency, governance, and civic participation.

During the ceremony, Rased signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Social Development to transfer the domain and technical infrastructure of the Nazaha platform, signed by Bani Amer and Secretary-General of the Societies Registry, Nasser Shraideh.

//Petra// AO