30 Jun Water Scarcity and Refugee Influx in Jordan: Policy Challenges and Sustainable Solutions for SDG 6

Bianca Aurora Cocconi

School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs, IE University, Madrid, Spain.

Dual Degree in Economics and International Relations.

E-mail: bcocconi.ieu2022@student.ie.edu.

Published June 2025.

Abstract

Jordan, one of the driest countries in the world, is suffering from a severe water crisis compounded by climate change, a surging population, and the ongoing refugee crisis, particularly from Syria. The piece will analyze Jordan’s precarious position in achieving SDG 6, water and sanitation for all. More specifically, the article will discuss the National Water Strategy, it will analyze the impact of the surrounding regional instability, and it will highlight the future transboundary agreements for water and energy trading. The article also prescribes policy, with a view to enhancing financial sustainability and constructing public trust. Finally, Jordan’s experience demonstrates that policies addressing water scarcity must be coordinated under such compromised conditions.

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Keywords: Water scarcity, SDG 6, Jordan, Refugees, Climate change, Desalination, Non-Revenue Water (NRW)