Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni’s Humanitarian Mission to Jordan
The mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, is embarking on a crucial diplomatic mission this Sunday to Jordan, where he will spend two days engaging in humanitarian activities. His first stop will be the Humanitarian Action Center of the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) located near the capital, Amman. This initiative is a part of Collboni’s commitment to fostering humanitarian aid and international collaboration.
Originally, Collboni’s trip was slated to begin on Friday with visits to the Palestinian cities of Bethlehem and Ramallah. However, his plans were abruptly altered when Israel revoked his visa shortly before his scheduled travel to Tel Aviv, as confirmed by a statement from the Barcelona City Council. Despite this setback, the mayor remains focused on his humanitarian goals.
Meeting with UNRWA Officials
During his visit, Collboni is set to meet with Khunal Dar, the deputy director of programs at UNRWA. This meeting will delve into the logistics of how emergency aid is dispatched to Gaza from the Amman center and assess the operations at the new Amman camp, alongside discussions about health programs that are co-financed by the Barcelona City Council.
This engagement highlights the importance of coordinating efforts to provide crucial assistance to those affected by ongoing conflicts. Collboni’s dialogue with UNRWA underscores Barcelona’s strategic role in humanitarian efforts and international diplomacy in the region.
Strengthening Ties with Amman
In addition to his humanitarian engagements, the mayor will also establish diplomatic relations by meeting his counterpart from Amman, Youssef al-Shawarbeh. This will be an opportunity to “strengthen ties” between the two cities, promoting collaboration on various social and economic initiatives.
The emphasis on diplomatic relations can be seen as part of a broader strategy by the city to leverage municipal diplomacy as a tool for advancing dialogue and peace.
Barcelona’s Commitment to Peace
Barcelona’s commitment to peace in the region was emphasized in a statement released by the city council. The refusal of Israel to allow Collboni to enter Tel Aviv has only increased the city’s resolve to adhere to the principles that have historically guided its international relations. The city’s approach is evident in the international strategy laid out for 2025-2029, which designates municipal diplomacy as a key avenue for promoting peace.
Historically, Barcelona has played a significant role in fostering peace between Israel and Palestine. The city was an early signatory to the 1995 Barcelona Declaration, which aimed to foster cooperation between Mediterranean nations and was inspired by the Oslo Peace Accords. This long-standing commitment underscores the city’s desire to be a mediator and facilitator of dialogue in the region.
Ongoing Humanitarian Contributions
Barcelona’s involvement in humanitarian initiatives is reflected in its direct support for Gaza. The city has consistently provided technical cooperation and support via NGOs, particularly through UNRWA. One ongoing project involves distributing food aid to those in need, which has received a contribution of €300,000 from Barcelona. This shows a tangible commitment to aid, which is more important than ever in the current context of humanitarian needs.
In addition to this specific food aid project, the city’s annual contribution to UNRWA is set to increase, reaching €190,000 per year starting in 2024. These contributions are crucial in sustaining the necessary programs that provide basic services and support to Palestinian refugees.
Through his trip to Jordan, Mayor Collboni reaffirms Barcelona’s strong commitment to humanitarian efforts and peace-building initiatives in the region. By engaging with various stakeholders, he aims to bolster a collaborative approach, ensuring that the voices of those affected by conflict are heard and addressed adequately.
Public interest and support for these initiatives highlight the role of cities like Barcelona in global humanitarian efforts and the importance of continuing bilateral discussions that can lead to peaceful resolutions and improved living conditions for vulnerable populations.