In a pivotal move to reinforce transparency and accountability within the Jordan National NGOs Forum (JONAF), the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) has officially announced the launch of the forum’s final governance framework. This milestone is part of the “Future Forward: Unlocking Sustainable Local Opportunities” project, funded by the European Regional Development and Protection Programme (RDPP) to support Jordan and Lebanon.
The governance framework was introduced through two consultative meetings held on April 22 and 23, 2025. The first meeting took place virtually with members of the General Assembly, while the second was held in person at ARDD’s headquarters with the forum’s administrative board. These sessions aimed to present and explain the framework’s core components while offering a space for feedback and questions, paving the way for a comprehensive and actionable implementation phase.
Key topics discussed included the framework’s decision-making mechanisms, internal and external operational structures, roles and responsibilities of committees, and fundamental governance principles—such as transparency, participation, inclusiveness, and the integration of institutional and humanitarian analysis. A monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plan was also introduced, alongside the development of tailored performance measurement tools.
The development process of the governance framework spanned from 2023 to 2025 and involved several integrated phases. It began with a thorough assessment of JONAF, a review of relevant networks and platforms, and individual and group consultations with forum members and coordinators to understand the organizational context and key challenges. The process relied on internal evaluations and wide member engagement, culminating in a consultative workshop in November 2024 to finalize the draft framework before its official launch.
This initiative not only seeks to clarify roles and responsibilities and build consensus among members, but also to set a roadmap for future steps. These include strengthening inter-organizational collaboration and expanding community representation within the forum.
Zainab Al-Khalil, Executive Coordinator of JONAF, emphasized that the launch of the governance framework marks a turning point for the forum: “It is a milestone that reinforces our collective commitment to transparency, accountability, and shared vision, ultimately increasing the forum’s institutional impact.”
The “Future Forward” project, implemented by ARDD, aims to empower local communities, foster partnerships among stakeholders, and support livelihoods and economic resilience, particularly among vulnerable groups. A central component of the project is enhancing the JONAF platform by developing a governance structure that truly reflects the aspirations and needs of its members.
Established in 2016 as an initiative led by ARDD in collaboration with local and community-based organizations, JONAF promotes coordination, resource sharing, and policy influence grounded in community needs. The forum currently includes an administrative board of 10 members and a General Assembly comprising 41 members and supporting organizations from across Jordan—north, central, and south. These organizations represent a wide array of civil society actors, including groups specialized in working with persons with disabilities, reaffirming the forum’s commitment to inclusiveness and responsiveness to marginalized populations.
