Jordan drivers of change
How do you create a positive, sustainable future for an entire country?
Under the patronage of the Royal Family of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, we are working with people from all walks of Jordanian society to understand what is driving change in their country, and to help them take positive actions to shape their own future.
Jordan Drivers of Change is a multi-year initiative, designed and established by Arup’s Foresight Group in London. The initiative is based in Amman and staffed by a Jordanian client team (recruited by Foresight). Foresight develop the strategy, the project team create the implementation plans, and they work with a set of carefully chosen partners to deliver on the ground.
The initiative is about listening, giving people a voice to speak to their government, and about helping communities to help themselves. It is about helping decision-makers to understand the systemic nature of societies, resources and change. It is about identifying insights and enabling people to think beyond their normal constraints.
Phase 1: Understanding change
Throughout the world there are many experts who know a lot about what is changing our world. They know why some of the changes in society are happening, and they know of the results of these Drivers of Change. The initiative is listening to these people and exploring their research, however experts do not know everything about change.
In fact, people who are not experts often know a lot more about change and how to deal with it, because they have to live their lives now, and cannot wait for outside assistance. Who are these people? They are all of us, regardless of education, wealth or status. Every individual in society has valuable knowledge about change.
To talk with local communities, the initiative is holding a series of workshops throughout the Kingdom. In these workshops we listen and help people think about the real world, the one that they live in day to day.
Once the initiative has gathered sufficient research and has spoken to enough people, it will collate the common themes and build on this to provide a comprehensive body of knowledge and ideas that can be used by individuals and government ministers alike.
Phase 2: Taking action
One aim of the initiative is to give people new insights and knowledge so that they can make the best decisions for their communities. To do this, the initiative is publishing all of its findings and seeking out key decision-makers, to explain what others are thinking and to explore the insights.
We have designed a workshop process that enables people to identify what actions they can take themselves, and how to find the necessary resources. The initiative also works with local communities to find the right partners to take action.
In addition, Foresight are creating several activities that will encourage people to think about change in a positive way. Some of these activities include working directly with school children and students, people in the private sector, government ministries and public sector employees. Other activities will support organisations that are already working for the benefit of the Kingdom.
