Under the patronage of his Excellency Eng. Sami Smeirat, the IGNITE Amman Conference concluded at the King Hussein Business Park, bringing together over 500 participants from 12 countries. Organised by SPARK in partnership with international and local organisations, the event delivered innovative solutions to pressing challenges posed by climate change, regional conflicts, and global instability while encouraging dialogue around resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable economic growth.

Themed “Investing in the Future,” IGNITE Amman highlighted the potential of cross-sector collaboration to empower vulnerable communities and advance sustainable growth. Jordan served not only as the host but also as a key case study, showcasing its proactive policies in integrating displaced populations and encouraging socio-economic inclusion. As one of the world’s largest refugee-hosting nations per capita, Jordan’s resilience and commitment provided a powerful model for addressing challenges faced by fragile regions worldwide.

Supported by major donors, including the European Union, Islamic Development Bank, Google.org, and the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, the conference demonstrated how governments, private sector actors, and civil society can work together to tackle global economic shifts. Vibrant discussions were led by 35 distinguished speakers, including policymakers and global experts.

The opening panel, Investing in the Future, explored how regions affected by conflict and displacement can adapt to challenges like automation, climate change, and geopolitical tensions. Speakers emphasised the importance of digital upskilling and remote work in enabling young people to participate in global job markets, with a focus on ensuring equity and inclusivity.

Sustainability was a central theme, with the Green Forward panel addressing strategies for advancing green and circular economies in the Southern Neighbourhood. Experts from SPARK, Expertise France, and UNIDO highlighted the role of local businesses and national policies in driving green transitions. Meanwhile, the Reimagining Tourism panel examined how sustainable tourism can contribute to economic recovery while preserving environmental and cultural heritage.

Workshops provided participants with practical tools to overcome regulatory barriers, secure financing, and access new markets. These sessions focused on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those led by entrepreneurs in host and refugee communities.

A standout feature of the conference was the startup showcase, where 30 local and regional entrepreneurs presented innovative solutions across sectors like green industries, technology, and sustainable tourism. These ventures demonstrated the potential of entrepreneurship to drive job creation and economic resilience in fragile economies, further emphasising Jordan’s role as a regional leader in entrepreneurship.

Throughout the conference, Jordan’s unique role as a pillar of stability and progress in the region was celebrated. Its effective integration of displaced populations into the socio-economic framework showcased its commitment to creating opportunities and hope for vulnerable communities. IGNITE Amman emphasised the importance of investing in local leadership and sustainable development to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

The event concluded with a strong call to action, urging stakeholders to turn insights into tangible initiatives. By aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), IGNITE Amman underscored the importance of collective efforts in promoting inclusive growth and resilience in fragile regions.

Organised by SPARK in collaboration with partners such as UNIDO, Expertise France, and the European Union, as well as local organisations including the Business Development Centre Jordan and Parachute16, the conference delivered not only dialogue but also a roadmap for action. Together, these partnerships ensured that IGNITE Amman will have a lasting impact on advancing economic resilience in fragile regions.