Vienna, Austria, 23 June 2026 – H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, and H.E. Zeina Toukan, Jordan’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation and (IsDB Governor), signed the Rural Employment and Agricultural Growth Project (Harvesting Opportunities for Poverty Eradication “HOPE” Program) during the Arab Coordination Group Heads of Institutions Meeting and the OPEC Fund Development Forum in Vienna.

Supported by an IsDB contribution of US$11.25 million within a total project cost of US$48.09 million, the initiative aims to create economic opportunities in rural areas, particularly for women and youth, by improving access to finance, strengthening agricultural value chains, and promoting climate-smart farming practices.

The project is being implemented in partnership with IFAD, WFP, UN Women, IWMI, and the UK-FCDO. It will help enhance food security, build climate resilience, and support more inclusive and sustainable rural development across Jordan.

The HOPE Program aligns closely with Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision and national strategies for food security and agricultural development. By supporting farmers, cooperatives, and rural enterprises, it will contribute to job creation, higher productivity, improved incomes, and stronger resilience in rural communities.