Jordan, 1  June, 2021 – The Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship (MoDEE) and its mandated Advisory Committee and Sub-Committees, supported by the United Nations Development Programme Jordan (UNDP Jordan) and Impact Hub gathered to advance policy development work in support of social entrepreneurs in Jordan.

The UNDP program, “Heart of Amman II”, aims at advancing the development of the social entrepreneurship ecosystem and the promotion of policy dialogue to implement solutions to commonly faced challenges amongst social enterprises. Through a series of policy dialogue workshops, led by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship (MoDEE), in collaboration with UNDP and Impact Hub, key policy makers, funders, academia, business development experts, impact measurement related stakeholders, social enterprises and civil society collaborate to develop social entrepreneurship policy and enable a social economy environment in Jordan.

During the 1-2 June workshop, an in-depth review of the Jordan social enterprise ecosystem was conducted; opportunities and gaps were discussed alongside topics such as return on investment, institutional frameworks, access to finance, impact measurement & management and international impact certification practices. The workshop insights will be embedded and concluded with a report summarizing draft policy recommendations to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship (MoDEE), its Advisory Committee, related Sub-Committees and involved stakeholders. Following this, co-created policy initiatives, as well as a roadmap for policy development, will be proposed and presented. 

His Excellency Ahmad Hanandeh opened the workshops on 1 June by stating that, “There is a need, and a national gain, to enhance social entrepreneurship support structures – to allow social enterprises to start up, but also to scale up and grow in order to maximize their contributions to solving pressing social issues, enhancing livelihoods and reaching out to the marginalized and vulnerable.” 

UNDP Resident Representative Sara Ferrer Olivella stated, “We are pleased to support national efforts and aspirations to develop a policy and regulatory framework in which social entrepreneurs can thrive, boost the economy and positively impact society and nature.”

Gabriela Gandel, Executive Director of Impact Hub commented, “As we get closer to concrete policy recommendations for the Jordanian context, with significant stakeholder support, we are pleased to also see increased committed interest of both local and international financial and non-financial organizations to engage with the growing social enterprise Jordanian ecosystem. This will ensure that the return on investment from this initiative becoming reality will have significant local impact and bring international credibility and opportunity.” 

Policy makers can stay connected with the initiative by reaching out to UNDP Jordan. Social enterprises and social enterprise support organisations locally and internationally can get involved by reaching out to Impact Hub Amman.  

To follow the work that UNDP Jordan and Impact Hub are doing as part of the Heart of Amman II project, and be the first to know of opportunities to get involved, follow along on our social media channels.  

In all Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram posts, please tag Impact Hub (@impacthub), the UNDP (@UNDPJordan) and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship (@MODEEJo) when they are mentioned, and use the hashtags #ImpactHub4Jordan #JordanSocEntPolicy #HeartOfAmman #ImpactInAction

About Impact Hub

Impact Hub is a global network focused on building entrepreneurial communities for impact at scale. With 100+ communities of 16,500 social entrepreneurs & innovators in more than 55 countries across five continents, Impact Hub is one of the world’s largest communities and accelerators for positive change. It contributes to the development of social enterprise ecosystems to drive collaboration and innovation around the Sustainable Development Goals through locally rooted Impact Hubs, as well as with partners and allied networks.

Impact Hub media contact

Wendy van Leeuwen, Global Communications Director, [email protected]

About UNDP Jordan

Established in 1976; the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is one of the United Nations Agencies working in Jordan and is the main convener of sustainable development.

As part of the global development system; UNDP Jordan upholds a vision focusing on the achievements of Sustainable Human Development in Jordan, ending poverty and reducing inequalities. UNDP is at the heart of the UN’s work on sustainable development and a leader for the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals.

UNDP media contact

Tala Al Shakhanbeh, Communication Coordinator, [email protected]