The President of Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Professor Khalid El-Salem, hosted a high-level delegation from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) at the university campus. The delegation included Ms. Janine Kuriger, Head of the Water Section at SDC; Ms. Nathalie Semoroz, Senior Policy Advisor on Water; and Mr. Mufleh Alalaween, Regional Cooperation and Water Diplomacy Advisor at the Swiss Embassy in Jordan. The meeting was attended by JUST Vice President, Professor Ahmad Al-Ajlouni; Director of the Water Diplomacy Center, Professor Mutwakil Obeidat; and Director of the Blue Peace Middle East Capacity Development Project, Professor Mohammed Azzam.

The meeting focused on enhancing collaboration between JUST and SDC, particularly in educational and research initiatives related to water diplomacy and resource management. Professor El-Salem reaffirmed the university's full support for the Water Diplomacy Center, emphasizing JUST's commitment to developing the center into a leading regional hub for excellence in water diplomacy and related scientific research.

Professor El-Salem highlighted that JUST, in partnership with SDC, is committed to addressing regional and global water challenges through innovative research and capacity-building programs spearheaded by the Water Diplomacy Center. These programs aim to equip professionals with the tools necessary to promote sustainable water management and resolve water-related conflicts.

The SDC delegation expressed its appreciation for JUST's proactive approach in advancing education and research in water diplomacy. It commended the pivotal role of the Water Diplomacy Center in fostering regional collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Discussions during the meeting explored ways to deepen the partnership in education and research. The focus was on expanding joint training programs, supporting the recently launched Master's program in Water Diplomacy, which has admitted 10 students from Blue Peace Middle East Initiative countries and Canada. In addition, the delegation discussed exploring research collaboration opportunities to address issues of water scarcity and transboundary water resources in the Middle East and North Africa.

This partnership reflects a shared vision for promoting sustainable water management, developing negotiation and mediation skills for water professionals, and enhancing regional cooperation to tackle water challenges effectively and sustainably.​

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