Jordan-EU Cooperation
Courage in Partnership Conference Highlights the Future of EU–Jordan Migration Cooperation and Refugee Leadership
Amman | 22 June 2026
On 22 June 2026, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF MENA), through its Refugees Project in Jordan and in partnership with iLearn Foundation, organized the conference "Courage in Partnership: EU–Jordan Migration Cooperation & Refugee Leadership " at the Landmark Hotel in Amman. Held in conjunction with Refugee Week and World Refugee Day 2026, the conference brought together representatives of the European Union, Jordanian government institutions, diplomatic missions, academia, civil society organizations, international organizations, and refugee leaders to discuss the future of migration governance, refugee inclusion, and sustainable development.
From Humanitarian Response to Sustainable Development
The conference focused on the evolution of the Jordan–EU partnership from an emergency humanitarian response to a long-term development framework that prioritizes resilience, economic inclusion, education, livelihoods, and institutional cooperation. In his opening address, H.E. Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, Ambassador of the European Union to Jordan, reaffirmed the European Union's long-term commitment to Jordan and highlighted the importance of investing in human capital, labour market participation, and regional cooperation while preparing for the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of Syrian refugees whenever conditions permit.
Opening the conference, Jörg Dehnert, Regional Director of FNF MENA, emphasized that refugees should be recognized not only for the challenges they face but also for their resilience, innovation, and ability to contribute to society. He reaffirmed FNF's commitment to empowering refugees through entrepreneurship, digital transformation, leadership, and skills development.
High-Level Dialogue on the Future of Migration Cooperation
The panel discussion brought together representatives from the European Union, the Syrian Refugee Affairs Directorate (SRAD), the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, the Refugees, Displaced Persons and Forced Migration Studies Centre at Yarmouk University, and iLearn Foundation. Discussions explored the future of EU–Jordan migration cooperation, emphasizing sustainable livelihoods, education, healthcare, localisation, and stronger collaboration between governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector.
The discussion also highlighted the European Union's continued investment in Jordan, including more than €600 million supporting refugee programmes and national systems, as well as the broader €3 billion Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership (2025–2027) supporting human capital, economic resilience, institutional cooperation, and regional stability.
Lt. Col. Mishal Khaled underscored that refugee protection depends on coordinated partnerships and balancing humanitarian obligations with national security. Looking ahead, he stressed that preparations for refugee return must always ensure that return is "voluntary, safe, and dignified" while equipping refugees with the skills needed to contribute to Syria's future recovery.
iLearn Foundation, called for a shift in development programming by stating, "We do not work for refugees, we work with refugees."
Dr. Ibrahim Darwish, Director of the Refugees, Displaced Persons and Forced Migration Studies Centre at Yarmouk University, highlighted that "behind every refugee statistic is a human story" and stressed that education represents one of the most sustainable investments in refugee resilience and future recovery.
Refugee Leadership in Action
Complementing the policy dialogue, the conference featured a Refugee Alumni Project Showcase, presenting refugee- and host community-led initiatives that have transformed skills and lived experiences into successful businesses and social enterprises. Projects showcased included Regen (recycled plastic products), Afaq Platform (interactive English learning), Together Hub (digital marketplace for home-based businesses), Al-Baraka Farming (organic agriculture), Farah Gift Shop (creative promotional products), Eco Harmony (biodegradable products), Caprs (AI-powered e-commerce), WELEARN (coding and AI education), TJ Agency (digital marketing and AI solutions), and Sillage (natural cosmetics). Together, these initiatives represent a selection of alumni from a wider network of more than 400 refugee leaders who have participated in the programmes, demonstrating how refugee leadership drives innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable community impact.
Strengthening Partnerships for the Future
The conference concluded by reaffirming the importance of sustained cooperation between governments, international organizations, civil society, academia, and refugee leaders to develop inclusive, evidence-based migration & Refugee policies. Through high-level dialogue and the showcase of refugee-led innovation, Courage in Partnership reinforced the shared commitment of Jordan and the European Union to advancing resilience, opportunity, and sustainable development through partnership.
