Amman, Minister of Government Communications, Faisal Shboul, on Monday attended the launch of a training and capacity-building program for government communication staff at the Institute of Public Administration (IPA).
The program is funded with a grant from the US Embassy in Jordan, and implemented by Magenta International Consulting.
In a speech at the launching ceremony, Shboul, who is also the government spokesperson, said that this program is divided into two parts, the first of which is training and building the capabilities of media spokespersons and government communication staff, and the second is modernizing and developing the press conference hall in the Prime Ministry.
He explained that the government started training ministries spokespersons last year, pointing out that the training resulted in developing the capabilities of a number of spokespersons to be trainers in the upcoming training programs, in addition to smoothly providing access to information to the media.
Shboul indicated that the Ministry of Government Communications seeks, during the next three years, to train a number of spokespersons in ministries and government institutions, and staff in media departments in state institutions.
For her part, Acting US Deputy Ambassador Stefanie Altman-Winans lauded the strategic relationship between the United States and Jordan, which is an important element of stability in the region, pointing out to the memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries for 2023-2029.
She reaffirmed the United States’ support for Jordan, and the political, economic and administrative modernization programs that fall within the visions of His Majesty King Abdullah.
Winans pointed out that the training and capacity-building program for government communication staff extends for three years and targets 150 people, at a cost of $1.2 million, and includes all levels of government communication staff, including spokespersons, coordinators, digital media and media relations.
She said that this program will support the renovation of the press conference hall in the Prime Ministry by providing it with the latest technology.
She expressed hope that the program will contribute to enabling the Jordanian government to communicate effectively with the public and increase awareness and knowledge of government plans and priorities.
Winans explained that effective government communication is based on informing the public of success stories, government programs and plans, and taking the initiative to address rumors and fake news.
SOURCE: JORDAN NEWS AGENCY