7 July 2026
Geneva Centres Open Middle East Hub to Deepen Regional Engagement
Amman/Geneva
DCAF – Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance – and the GICHD – the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining – today established a joint regional hub for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in Amman, Jordan.
The hub represents a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the two organisations. Through this initiative, DCAF and the GICHD aim to strengthen their presence and deepen their engagement across the region in their respective fields of expertise: security sector governance and humanitarian demining.
Named “The Geneva Centres in Amman”, the hub was inaugurated on Sunday, 5 July 2026, in partnership with Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates and with the support of the Swiss Embassy in Jordan.
Jordan was selected as the home of the new regional hub following careful consideration of its unique strengths. As a recognised regional centre for dialogue, cooperation and peace, Jordan offers a stable environment, strong connectivity across the MENA region and the infrastructure needed to support effective regional engagement.
The decision also reflects the longstanding partnership between Jordan and Switzerland – and with the Geneva Centres – and their shared commitment to promoting peace, security and sustainable development.
Located in Amman, the hub will facilitate closer engagement with national authorities, regional partners and communities across the Middle East and North Africa, as well as with United Nations agencies and other international organisations.
"We see this initiative as a meaningful contribution to lasting peace, security and safer communities in the region, something that can only be built through close partnerships, mutual trust and sustained engagement," said Amin Awad, President of DCAF's Foundation Council.
"By bringing Geneva-based expertise closer to the region, the hub will help ensure that our support is better aligned with regional priorities and evolving needs, delivering greater impact for affected communities on the ground," added Barbara Haering, President of the GICHD's Council of Foundation.
“The establishment of the Geneva Centres in Amman reflects Jordan’s role as a trusted regional hub for dialogue, cooperation and expertise,” said the Ambassador of Switzerland in Jordan Emilija Georgieva. “Switzerland is proud to support this joint initiative, which brings our longstanding commitment to peace, security and humanitarian action closer to the region and strengthens partnerships with countries across the Middle East and North Africa.”
The inauguration brought together representatives of the Jordanian authorities, diplomatic missions, international organisations, donor governments, civil society organisations and the media.
“As the region continues to grapple with widespread contamination from explosive ordnance, countries become mine-free when national institutions lead the way. Our role is to support them in building the systems, strategies and partnerships needed to protect communities and deliver lasting results,” highlighted GICHD Director Ambassador Tobias Privitelli.
"At a time of renewed regional tensions and the resurgence of hard security paradigms, we centre our efforts on reshaping governance to make security more effective and sustainable for all. To deliver effectively and remain responsive to changing conditions, we need to stay closely connected with our partners," said DCAF Director Ambassador Nathalie Chuard.
Founded by the Swiss Government more than 25 years ago, DCAF and the GICHD are independent, Geneva-based organisations contributing to peacebuilding, security and humanitarian efforts worldwide. By sharing a common base in Amman, they aim to enhance coordination, strengthen operational responsiveness and deepen regional collaboration.