Minister of Social Development: The CSO sector is one of the vital sectors and plays a national role.  Bani Mustafa: The legislative framework regulating the work of associations and CSOs must be reconsidered in a way that serves national priorities and enhances transparency and governance within them.  The ambassador of Spain to Jordan conveys their readiness to support Jordanian efforts.  The Minister of Social Development, Wafaa Bani Mustafa, said during her patronage of the opening of the conference on developing legislative frameworks for the law of associations on Monday, organized by the Nazaha Project, that the association sector is one of the vital sectors in our country and plays a national and pioneering role.  Bani Mustafa stressed that it is necessary to re-examine the legislative framework regulating the work of CBOs and associations in a way that serves national priorities and enhances transparency and governance in this sector, in the presence of the Spanish Ambassador to the Kingdom, Miguel de Lucas.  She pointed out that the Ministry always seeks to enable CSOs to play their role in serving local communities, and reviewing the Associations Law is part of the process of reforming the association sector, which was included in the National Social Protection Strategy and was intertwined under royal directives with visions of political, economic, and administrative modernization.  She indicated that the Ministry has worked to amend several pieces of legislation related to organizations and associations, including the amendments made to the union system, the effects of which will be felt positively by the volunteer sector. These are efforts that are being worked on diligently to reach a unified framework that responds to what we aspire to in terms of associations playing their pioneering role. And organizing the volunteer sector in a way that does not conflict with the relevant constitutional texts.  Her Excellency added that the Ministry is working to establish a legislative basis, considering the review of the Associations Law, to adopt a classification of associations with the aim of evaluating them and determining their level of performance clearly, according to specific standards, in a way that is reflected in their role in serving local communities.  She pointed out that the “Takamul” platform was launched through the association's registry to facilitate associations and CSOs and unify data on aid, to achieve justice and avoid duplication and repetition in delivering it to those who deserve it, and to provide data and information to associations and CSOs.  She expressed her appreciation for the efforts made by Al Hayat Center RASED and civil society organizations in the field of developing legislative frameworks for associations and CSOs, which intersect with the efforts of the Ministry so that this sector continues to grow and develop permanently and contributes to achieving development in various parts of the Kingdom.  For his part, H.E. Mr. Miguel de Lucas González, the Spanish Ambassador to Jordan, emphasized the depth of the strong political relations between Jordan and Spain. He expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Social Development for its keen interest and effective contribution to the development and advancement of the political, economic, civil, social, and cultural aspects of Jordanian society. He also praised the European Union Delegation in Jordan for its support of the Nazaha Project and all the partners involved in it, as well as all stakeholders working alongside them in various projects. De Lucas stated that his country witnesses the progress taking place in Jordan in all fields and the support provided by His Majesty King Abdullah II for reform efforts. He also mentioned that Spain is ready to offer its expertise in all areas to enhance the participatory approach between government institutions and civil society, that civil society is a fundamental pillar for society and the government, and to facilitate in-depth dialogues on the regulatory frameworks governing the work of civil society organizations and associations, including the main challenges, proposed amendments, and best global practices.  The Spanish Ambassador praised the role played by His Majesty King Abdullah II and his international movements in support of the Palestinian crisis and mobilizing international and regional efforts to stop the aggression on the Gaza Strip. He emphasized that Spain's position is the same as Jordan's, as both countries share the common goal of finding a political horizon through dialogue that ensures just peace.  Dr. Amer Bani Amer, Director of the Hayat Center-RASED, said that the NAZAHA Project—Strengthening Community Accountability and Enabling Civil Society Organizations to Access Good Governance—is a project funded jointly by the European Union and Spain through the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation for Development (AECID). It is implemented in cooperation between the Hayat Center - RASED and Rasheed (Transparency International-Jordan).  The project was created based on the pivotal role that civil society organizations must play in promoting a culture of governance that includes integrity, transparency, and community accountability. It seeks to bridge the gaps related to the work of civil society organizations and to develop their internal policies and governance, which will positively impact their community performance.