Annual Report 2010 | 2011 - Columbia Global Centers

Currently, ISDP is planning for several upcoming courses including a third 10-day foundation course and three
five-day specialized courses on “Communications for Development,” “Participatory Approaches and Governance,” and
finally, “Poverty Measurement Methodologies.” All the courses will be delivered before the end of 2011.
In addition to administering multiple short courses, the Center’s Institute is committed to endorsing national
poverty reduction interventions and economic reform initiatives, and supporting the Jordanian Ministry of Planning
and International Cooperation and the Government of Jordan in the preparation of a National Poverty Reduction
Strategy. The revised strategy aims to identify practical programs to eliminate poverty in Jordan. This effort is a result
of multiple visits by a team of academics and experts from Columbia’s Earth Institute in June 2010, and again in
May and June 2011, including Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Earth Institute. The primary goal of these
visits has been to first assess the nation’s poverty alleviation programs, as well as to hold high-level discussions and
policy consultations with senior governmental officials, economic development experts and national stakeholders.
The meetings have so far focused on poverty reduction, economic reform, and energy challenges including possible
means of addressing them through an integrated approach to sustainable development. The series of meetings will
continue throughout next year, with each focusing on a specific theme and area of priority for Jordan.
The Center on Globalization and Sustainable Development at the Earth Institute is working with ISDP, under the
overall direction of Professor Jeffrey Sachs, to analyze the existing poverty situation and trends based on the latest
Household Income and Expenditure Survey, identify critical risk factors associated with poverty, delineate important
productivity factors linked to higher income earning potential, and finally, offer a data-driven, evidence-based policy
framework for addressing the poverty challenge in Jordan.
The Center’s Institute for Sustainable Development Practice also launched a Sustainable Development Masters
Fellowship Program in partnership with The King Abdullah II Fund for Development, the Jordanian Ministry
of Planning and International Cooperation, and the Earth Institute at Columbia University. One fellowship was
granted in 2011. The one-year program is a joint venture between the Earth Institute at Columbia University and
the School of Continuing Education, and will provide training in sustainability management at Columbia University
in New York City. The program is designed to strengthen the ability of fellows to implement reform, create policy,
and advance goals of sustainability. Upon conclusion of the program, fellows will return to Jordan to apply the
knowledge gained in practical development settings.
Economic Reform and Policy Unit
The Columbia Global Centers | Middle East is planning to establish an economic and policy research unit, to be
housed within its Amman premises, for primarily supporting decision-making and providing scientific input to the
reforms being dictated by the political and economic challenges and changes facing Jordan and the region. The Unit
will convene experts from the local and international arena to identify and address the challenges and opportunities
presented by such reforms. Ultimately, it is envisioned that this Economic Reform and Policy Unit will increase its
scope to become an active and trusted think tank in the region.
Among the Unit’s first activities will possibly be an economic reform conference to be held in 2012. The conference
would aim to address Jordan’s most pressing economic challenges and integration with the region, and set the stage
for the initiation of the Unit’s work.