Resources, City Spotlights Amman

City Spotlight: City of Amman, Jordan

Amman, the capital of Jordan, is home to approximately 4,000,000 people, close to half of country’s total population. Its strategic location and relative stability have contributed to substantial growth in recent decades. The city’s expansion is closely linked to its role as a refuge for displaced populations from neighbouring countries. This has markedly influenced Amman’s demographic composition, enhanced its cultural landscape and contributed to its economic development. However, this rapid growth and demographic shift have also presented significant challenges to urban planning, infrastructure and social cohesion.

Greater Amman Municipality’s (GAM) commitment to international cooperation and knowledge exchange is exemplified by its early support of the Strong Cities Network’s MENA Regional Hub. The municipality joined Strong Cities as a member in March 2023.

Categories:

What is the local government concerned about?

The GAM is confronting a complex array of challenges that collectively create an environment potentially vulnerable to social tensions and extremism that can lead to violence. At the core of these issues is Amman’s rapid population growth, driven largely by an influx of refugees from neighbouring countries. This has placed immense pressure on the city’s infrastructure, public services and social fabric.

The city faces the task of ensuring that diverse ethnic and religious groups, including a large refugee population, are effectively integrated into Amman’s social and economic landscape. The potential for friction between long-term residents and newcomers is heightened as resources are stretched thin, making equitable access to services a key priority for and challenge to maintaining social cohesion.

Further, the city faces considerable employment pressures, particularly among its youth. The city grapples with a large cohort of potentially disengaged young people, as 39% of those aged 16-30 are not in school, employment or training, which in turn breeds frustration and disillusionment. This can make some youth more susceptible to extremist or hateful ideologies that promise purpose or economic prosperity. The situation is particularly challenging for young women, of which 64% are unemployed.

The GAM is also grappling with the challenge of limited civic engagement by its residents. This lack of community involvement in local decision-making processes can lead to feelings of disconnection and disempowerment, particularly among historically marginalised groups.

Environmental challenges add yet another layer of stress to daily life in Amman. Severe water scarcity and waste management issues contribute to environmental degradation and health concerns, increasing frustration with the local government and quality of life.

Finally, maintaining public safety and addressing extremism and related threats are also concerns for the GAM, especially in light of historical events such as the 2005 hotel bombings and ongoing regional and global crises.

Equally important, there is a concern about the lack of practical coordination between national and local authorities, which impedes the City’s ability to effectively address and mitigate these threats. The local government recognises the need for both improved national-local cooperation and support from international partners to build resilience against these threats and safeguard social cohesion.

How is the local government responding?

Recognising the complexity and interconnectedness of these challenges, the GAM has prioritised a holistic approach to building urban resilience. The city government actively collaborates with national, local and regional governments, civil society organisations, the private sector and academia to address these issues.

The city government has implemented a range of preventative initiatives aimed at strengthening community engagement and resilience, citizen empowerment and social cohesion. The Amman Resilience Strategy, launched in 2017, outlines 54 actions to achieve 16 goals related to mobility, sustainability, innovation, equality and citizen participation. This strategy places particular emphasis on diversity and incorporates actions to make the city more inclusive for refugees and vulnerable groups.

Urban planning and infrastructure development are key priorities for GAM. The Amman Climate Action Plan, launched in 2019, sets a path towards carbon neutrality by 2050 and includes improvements to transportation and waste management systems. These efforts not only address environmental concerns but also contribute to creating more inclusive and accessible urban spaces.

The GAM is also focusing on youth engagement through innovative initiatives. The establishment of a Children’s Climate Academy within a new public park provides a safe and welcoming space for refugee and Jordanian children to play, interact and learn while cultivating a culture of environmental stewardship and inclusive climate action.

At the community level, the GAM has established neighbourhood committees to foster community participation, empowerment and positive interaction among residents. These bodies serve as a vital link between the community and the municipality, ensuring that local voices are heard and incorporated into decision-making processes.

To further enhance citizen engagement and urban resilience, the City launched the Amman is Listening platform in 2024. This interactive digital tool allows users to convey their ideas and opinions to municipal officials, which helps to improve service delivery and integrate community feedback into the city’s development plans.

The City is actively implementing social cohesion programmes aimed at fostering dialogue and understanding among different communities. The Heart of Amman Programme is part of this approach, targeting unemployed youth, including refugees and migrants and providing training and mentorship for development and entrepreneurship skills. This programme has supported the establishment of over 50 small and home-based businesses and facilitated technical and on-the-job training for more than 600 individuals.

The GAM also collaborates with relevant stakeholders to support community-based prevention efforts against violent extremism. The municipality works closely with the national government’s Community Peace Centre to organise awareness-raising events and lectures on topics such as cybercrime and extremism for district employees and local community members. This partnership focuses on promoting resilience and fostering a well-informed community. A formal cooperation agreement between GAM and the Centre has been established with liaison officers stationed in both organisations to facilitate communication and coordination. The Centre provides expertise and content for programmes whilst GAM offers spaces and venues leveraging its proximity to local communities. This arrangement allows for a more coordinated and effective approach to addressing factors that may lead to hate, extremism and polarisation that can lead to violence by focusing on prevention at the grassroots level.

What’s next?

Looking ahead, the GAM remains committed to continuous urban development, with ongoing improvements in infrastructure and public services to support the city’s growing needs. The municipality plans to expand its social cohesion and integration programmes to ensure all communities feel included and valued. Economic initiatives that create jobs and reduce inequalities, with a focus on youth and marginalised communities, will continue to be a priority.

City officials have asked Strong Cities to support them in building capacity for handling crises, including developing strategies and protocols for dealing with incidents related to hate, extremism and polarisation that can lead to violence. This includes strengthening public safety measures to maintain peace and prevent these threats while ensuring an open and inclusive society

To learn more

Explore or Search for City Spotlights

Search for spotlights by city names or themes

Hungary

Is your city a Strong City?

Strong Cities membership is open to local authorities at the city, municipal or other subnational level. Membership is free of charge.

Join the Network

City Spotlight: City of Amman, Jordan

What is the local government concerned about?

How is the local government responding?

What’s next?

Explore or Search for City Spotlights

Budavár

Fuvahmulah

Amman

Mandera County

Žilina

Bratislava

Novi Pazar

Portsmouth

Agadir

eThekwini (Durban)

Karachi

Delhi Municipal Corporation

Is your city a Strong City?