With the theme “Investing in the Future,” IGNITE is scheduled to kick off on Sunday, 8 December 2024, at the King Hussein Business Park Auditorium in Amman, Jordan. The event delves into the pressing question of how communities in fragile regions can remain part of the global economy despite challenges such as the climate crisis, digital transformation, and global instability. By exploring topics such as green economies, digital education, artificial intelligence (AI), sustainable tourism, remote work, and agribusiness, IGNITE provides a platform to strategise around resilience, adaptability, and inclusive growth—especially for those affected by conflict and displacement.

The one-day IGNITE Amman conference is set to convene approximately 500 participants from 12 countries, including influential figures from Jordan and beyond. The agenda features 35 high-profile speakers—policymakers and global experts—who will address critical topics such as artificial intelligence, green transition, innovation, sustainable tourism, and policymaking.

Focused on addressing the pressing issues of youth unemployment, gender equality, and economic displacement, the conference seeks to develop strategies that empower local communities through education, job creation, and skills development. It provides a space for key stakeholders to align on priorities, explore collaborative opportunities, and craft concrete actions to improve the region’s economic future.

The overarching theme of IGNITE Amman “Investing in the Future” will focus on how communities in fragile regions can remain connected to the global economy. This will be explored through a variety of panels and interactive workshops addressing urgent issues such as the green economy, digital upskilling, and building resilient business models in times of crisis.

The opening panel, Investing in the Future, will address how the global economic landscape is shifting due to challenges like automation, climate change, and geopolitical tensions. The panel will explore how fragile regions can ensure their inclusion in the global workforce, particularly as 85 million jobs are at risk due to automation by 2025, while simultaneously, 97 million new jobs are expected to emerge. Experts will discuss the critical role that governments, the private sector, and international donors must play in creating the necessary frameworks for these communities to thrive. The conversation will also delve into the importance of digital and remote work in bridging gaps, enabling young people in fragile states to gain access to the job market, and ensuring that these opportunities are equitable.

The second panel, Green Forward, will explore practical steps for advancing a green and circular economy in the Southern Neighbourhood. As climate change accelerates, there is an urgent need for sustainable economic models that can generate jobs while reducing environmental harm. The panel will discuss how national policies, local business support, and innovative models can work together to foster a green transition. Participants will hear from experts at Expertise France, SPARK, UNIDO, and the EU, who will highlight successful strategies and provide insights on how the region can harness the power of the green economy for sustainable growth. They will discuss how businesses, from microenterprises to large corporations, can implement circular economy practices to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and support local economies.

In the Reimagining Tourism panel, discussions will focus on how the tourism sector can become a driver of economic recovery while ensuring sustainability. With tourism contributing significantly to Jordan’s GDP, there is a growing need to implement practices that support environmental and cultural preservation while also creating meaningful job opportunities. This panel will examine how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can adopt sustainable tourism practices, how policymakers can facilitate this transition, and how this sector can serve as a means of empowering local communities.

For SMEs and entrepreneurs in the region, the conference will also offer valuable workshops that address key issues affecting their growth and sustainability. The Policy Talks workshop will focus on leveraging regional and international partnerships to create policies that foster innovation and sustainability. It will explore the role of digitalisation and the regulatory barriers that startups face in fragile regions, offering strategies for overcoming these challenges and driving long-term growth. Meanwhile, the Access workshop will focus on small and medium enterprises in both host and refugee communities. It will address regulatory hurdles, financing challenges, and the support structures available to these enterprises, as well as practical solutions for improving their sustainability and enabling access to local and international markets.

Through these sessions, IGNITE Amman will offer not only a forum for conversation but also a tangible roadmap for action. The discussions will help stakeholders from various sectors identify collaborative opportunities, understand the pressing needs of vulnerable populations, and create the pathways for inclusive, sustainable growth in the region.

IGNITE Amman is not just another conference—it is a critical moment for stakeholders to come together and tackle the challenges facing fragile regions head-on. It will be a space where real, meaningful solutions are discussed and where the potential for change is maximised. Organised by SPARK in collaboration with leading local partners such as the Business Development Centre Jordan, Parachute16, TTi, Sarh Group, Jusoor and Cewas and international organisations including UNIDO, Expertise France, the European Union, the Islamic Development Bank, Google.org, and the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, it fosters impactful solutions through a unique blend of local expertise and global support. By uniting stakeholders, IGNITE maximises the potential for real change, driving transformative impact in conflict-affected areas.