The private sector and social responsibility: A new era
Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan is seeking to establish new traditions and concepts in social responsibility and the national role of the private sector, companies, and capital in Jordanian policies. His approach involves having this sector contribute a portion of its profits to support major economic and service-related projects. According to sources close to the Prime Minister, the amount raised so far is nearly JD130 million over three years, and this figure is expected to increase. The funds will be allocated to major economic and service-oriented projects.
The largest contributor to date has been the Association of Banks, which took the initiative to donate JD90 million over three years for projects related to health and education. Other major national institutions and large companies have also donated millions of dinars to support the Jordanian treasury. This effort is also an attempt to bridge the gap caused by the decline in US aid and funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). While some financial assistance has returned for infrastructure projects such as the national carrier project, there are still other areas where the future remains unclear.
Regardless of US aid, this kind of cooperation and involvement from the private sector is expected to become a foundational pillar in building the political and social fabric of the country. It is not just about the financial support offered for essential sectors like education, health, and services. While the private sector and major companies have contributed to developmental and humanitarian efforts in the past, those contributions were often ad hoc, impulsive, and individual in nature. However, when such efforts are organized into a large collective framework with clear priorities and project outlines, their impact can be significantly greater.
It is not an exaggeration to say that instilling such traditions is extremely important—not only economically, but also in defining a healthy relationship rooted in national solidarity and mutual support. This forms an integral part of what is called 'social capital,' whose value is no less than that of financial capital. First, it strengthens the sense of national, social, and moral duty among private sector actors, investors, and companies, reinforcing their feeling that they are an inseparable part of the national fabric. On the other side, it enhances public appreciation of the private sector's role in national development, helping reduce the sense of class disparity among poorer or lower-middle-class groups, and contributes to building a stronger internal national front.
One of the most prominent political theorists today, Francis Fukuyama, argues that economic aspects cannot be separated from cultural, social, and political dimensions. In his acclaimed book Trust: The Social Virtues and the Creation of Prosperity, Fukuyama discusses how local cultures influence the development and reinforcement of economic growth, and how social values play a crucial role during national and economic crises. He provides important examples from countries like the United States, Japan, and Germany to illustrate how wealthy companies and the industrial sector stood by the state and supported the poor and the national economy during critical turning points.
One of the key themes Fukuyama explores, echoing the famous work of Max Weber The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, as well as many of Weber's writings linking cultural and ethical dimensions to economic revival, is the major influence of cultural values and ethics on economic performance and national solidarity. This influence extends even to economic competitiveness and the promotion of domestic industries without the need for laws or regulations, as seen in Japan.
Such fundamental and significant dimensions may not have received sufficient attention in Jordan in past stages, but now is the time to reconsider and focus on them, especially in the current era, with the early signs of global economic and trade wars. While these may not directly affect Jordan at the moment, their future impact is inevitable. This calls for a new perspective on the economy, development, and the role of the private sector. Hopefully, Prime Minister Hassan's ideas about institutionalizing new traditions will serve as a prelude to this important transformation.
Mohammad Abu Rumman is an Academic Advisor of Politics and Society Institute, Political Scientist in University of Jordan
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Jordan News
20 hours ago
- Jordan News
Jordanian Tourism Under King Abdullah II: Comprehensive Renaissance and Sustainable Growth - Jordan News
Jordanian Tourism Under King Abdullah II: Comprehensive Renaissance and Sustainable Growth Under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, Jordan's tourism sector has witnessed a qualitative transformation and comprehensive development, becoming one of the main pillars of the national economy. The Kingdom adopted an ambitious development strategy focused on diversifying tourism products, improving infrastructure, and enhancing investment in its unique archaeological and natural sites. اضافة اعلان Thanks to the direct attention of His Majesty, tourism has become an effective tool for promoting Jordan's positive global image and attracting tourists from all over the world. This has contributed to job creation, revitalized local communities, and preserved Jordan's cultural and historical heritage. The progress achieved in this sector in recent years clearly reflects the King's enlightened vision that views tourism not just as an economy, but as a bridge for cultural exchange and sustainable development. Since assuming his constitutional powers, His Majesty has worked to transform Jordan into a model for comprehensive and sustainable development in the region, with sustainable tourism being a cornerstone of this vision. Recognizing its economic importance and role in reducing unemployment and raising social welfare, the King has consistently directed successive governments to provide all necessary facilities to advance the tourism industry and make it innovative, attractive, and reflective of Jordan's rich historical, environmental, and cultural assets. In line with these royal directives, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has aligned its recent plans with the Economic Modernization Vision (2023–2033), prioritizing tourism under the "Jordan as a Global Destination" track. The Ministry is working to achieve this vision by creating 99,000 jobs in the tourism sector, stimulating investment, and increasing tourism revenues. Regarding the targets of the Economic Modernization Vision, tourism revenues have already achieved 100.6% of the set targets, while employment in the sector has reached 105.4% of the expected figures. The Ministry developed a national sectoral strategic plan (2021–2025) in collaboration with local stakeholders and updated it to align with the modernization vision. The tourism sector has seen remarkable growth under King Abdullah II's reign, surpassing annual targets. During the first five months of 2025 alone, the number of international visitors reached approximately 2.7 million, while tourism revenue in the first third of the year hit 1.721 billion Jordanian dinars, contributing 13.5% to the GDP. Tourism sector employment exceeds 57,000 full-time workers, including a notable increase in female employees, who now number 7,728. The total number of tourism establishments has surpassed 3,706, including 924 hotels, 1,316 restaurants, 883 tour operators, and 583 other facilities. Hotel rooms have also increased, especially in Aqaba, Petra, and Wadi Rum, with a nationwide total of over 36,000 rooms. Jordan's global recognition has grown, with five Jordanian sites added to the UNESCO World Heritage list under King Abdullah II: Umm ar-Rasas (2004), Wadi Rum (2011), the Baptism Site (2015), Salt (2021), and Umm al-Jimal (2024). An additional 13 sites are on the tentative list. Jordan has also registered five elements on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, including Bedouin culture in Petra and Wadi Rum (2008), the Samer dance (2018), Mansaf (2022), Arabic calligraphy (2021), and the Date Palm file (2022). In 2023, Umm Qais and Al-Sela village were selected among the world's best tourism villages by UNWTO, and Petra was named one of the New Seven Wonders in 2007. The Baptism Site was recognized as a global Christian pilgrimage site, and five Christian pilgrimage locations were designated by the Vatican. Jordan was declared a regional hub for medical and wellness tourism in 2023. Madaba was named the Arab Tourism Capital in 2022, and Irbid the Arab Capital of Culture. Jordan also chaired the UNWTO's Regional Commission for the Middle East for two years. On the international front, Jordan signed 26 cooperation agreements, 13 MoUs, and 28 executive programs with various countries, and hosted the 49th session of the UNWTO Regional Commission for the Middle East on June 7, 2023. Jordan also led the "Tourism Eyes 2022" project with UNWTO to empower women, participated in the UNWTO Youth Summit in Italy, chaired the Arab Tourism Ministerial Council, and led the Middle East Regional Commission (2023–2025). Jordan also chaired the Arab League's Technical Committee for Tourism and joined UNWTO's Affiliate Membership Committee. In a step to support investment, the Kingdom published its tourism investment guide in cooperation with UNWTO in 2024. In digital transformation, the Ministry launched a tourism indicators dashboard, electronic tickets for heritage sites, the Jordan Pass platform, Urdunna Jannah platform, electronic licensing, and an integrated tourism statistics system. To develop the tourism product, 11 visitor centers were established across the Kingdom, including a center for exploration and adventure tourism in Shobak. Sites were also adapted for accessible tourism and many heritage sites were rehabilitated, such as Umm ar-Rasas, Umm al-Jimal, and Machaerus. The "Urdunna Jannah" domestic tourism program attracted 311,000 participants in 2024. From its relaunch on April 24, 2025, until May 20, about 35,000 more joined. Handicraft training centers were launched in several provinces, and Christian religious tourism was promoted locally and internationally. The Pope visited Jordan three times, recognizing five pilgrimage sites. Legislatively, the Tourism Law (1988) was amended three times, producing 15 bylaws and multiple directives. Laws on heritage and antiquities were also updated, generating several supporting legal instruments. The Department of Antiquities continued documenting and preserving Jordan's archaeological heritage, registering numerous sites with UNESCO and Islamic heritage lists, including Umm ar-Rasas, Wadi Rum, the Baptism Site, Salt, Ajloun Castle, Qasr Amra, and the Kharak School. Jordan contributed to drafting international heritage charters such as the 2017 Thessaloniki Charter for Byzantine Heritage. Databases like MEGA Jordan were created, mapping 15,000 archaeological sites. The department also launched a system to document museum artifacts and established a digital library. Museum infrastructure saw major improvements with new museums in Ajloun, the Dead Sea, Hallabat, Feynan, Umm al-Jimal, Tafilah, and the Jordan Museum. Conservation work covered 21 archaeological sites and restoration of 16 rare books. In 2023, the Regional Conservation Center (Nuweijis) was founded. Key archaeological discoveries included the world's oldest blood samples in Azraq, the oldest known loaf of bread (2018), ancient statues, and Roman baths. The Jordan Tourism Board implemented initiatives to enhance Jordan's global image, notably the "Kingdom of Time" tourism brand, promoting adventure and health tourism, and helping Jordan host global conferences. The Jordan Trail was also recognized as a premier adventure destination. The Board partnered with five low-cost carriers to expand air connectivity to 25 destinations across 17 countries and secured charter flights from nine countries. Direct flights now connect Jordan to 37 countries, 69 cities, and 78 airports. Digitally, the Board launched specialized websites to promote Jordan's diverse tourism offerings.


Jordan News
20 hours ago
- Jordan News
King Receives Cables of Congratulations on Accession Anniversary, Great Arab Revolt, and Army Day - Jordan News
King Receives Cables of Congratulations on Accession Anniversary, Great Arab Revolt, and Army Day His Majesty King Abdullah II has received cables of congratulations from leaders of brotherly and friendly countries on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of his accession to the throne. اضافة اعلان The senders expressed their heartfelt congratulations, wishing His Majesty continued health and prosperity, and praying that the occasion returns with blessings for the King and further progress and prosperity for the Jordanian people. His Majesty also received congratulatory cables from senior civilian and military officials, as well as representatives of official and popular bodies, marking this national occasion along with the anniversaries of the Great Arab Revolt and Army Day. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II received similar cables on these national occasions. — (Petra)


Jordan News
a day ago
- Jordan News
King Meets Iraqi President in Nice, Affirms Deep Fraternal Ties - Jordan News
King Meets Iraqi President in Nice, Affirms Deep Fraternal Ties His Majesty King Abdullah II, during a meeting with Iraqi President Dr. Abdul Latif Rashid on Sunday, reaffirmed his pride in the deep fraternal relations between the two countries and their peoples. اضافة اعلان The meeting, held on the sidelines of the third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France—which begins its sessions tomorrow—focused on ways to expand bilateral cooperation across various fields, intensify efforts to end the war on Gaza, ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid, and de-escalate the dangerous situation in the West Bank. His Majesty emphasized the importance of building on the outcomes of the recent Arab Summit held in Baghdad. For his part, President Rashid congratulated His Majesty on the Jordanian national football team's qualification for the World Cup. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi, Director of His Majesty's Office Eng. Alaa Batayneh, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dr. Fuad Hussein, and the accompanying Iraqi delegation. — (Petra)