Jafar Hassan, a seasoned diplomat and policy strategist, has served as Prime Minister of Jordan since his appointment by King Abdullah II in September 2024. With a distinguished career in both international and domestic affairs, he has been instrumental in guiding Jordan’s policy landscape across a range of critical roles over three decades. Born in 1968, he pursued an advanced education that laid the groundwork for his extensive public service, earning a PhD in Political Science and International Economics from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, along with graduate degrees from Harvard’s Kennedy School, Boston University, and a BA from the American University in Paris. His academic background underscores his deep expertise in international relations and economic development.
Jafar Hassan began his career in Jordan’s foreign service in 1991, with postings in Washington, D.C. and Geneva, establishing early on his diplomatic acumen and commitment to strengthening Jordan’s global partnerships. From 2006 to 2009, he directed the International Affairs Department at the Royal Hashemite Court, where he contributed to shaping Jordan’s foreign policy agenda. His appointment as Minister of Planning and International Cooperation in 2009 marked a pivotal moment, as he spearheaded efforts to drive socio-economic reforms, foster international cooperation, and address national development priorities until 2013. In this role, he worked extensively with Jordan's global partners to secure critical international support in response to complex regional challenges, including an unprecedented wave of Syrian refugees. In his role as Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, he served as the Kingdom’s Governor at the World Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
In 2014, Jafar Hassan became Chief of Staff to King Abdullah II, a role that placed him at the heart of Jordan’s policy making and strategic planning. His tenure was characterised by his focus on economic reforms aimed at mobilising economic growth and reducing public debt, and in 2018, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, tasked with overseeing critical economic reforms to promote growth and resilience. Hassan has been honoured both nationally and internationally for his outstanding contributions. In Jordan, he received the Order of the Star of Jordan and the Order of Independence, two of the nation’s highest distinctions. His efforts to strengthen Jordan’s diplomatic ties earned him Japan’s prestigious Order of the Rising Sun in 2020. Additionally, he has also been honoured with the Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown from Belgium, the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic from Italy, and the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit from Portugal. These accolades reflect his remarkable service and dedication to advancing development and international cooperation.
Following his reappointment as Director of the Office of His Majesty in 2021, Jafar Hassan continued to support key national priorities until his appointment as Prime Minister. A published author, his 2020 book on Jordan's political economy offers insights into his strategic vision for the country’s future. A firm believer in the government's role as an enabler of equal opportunities, Jafar Hassan highlights in his book how Jordan's economy has withstood immense challenges and shown remarkable resilience. This strength, he argues, stems from its parliamentary constitutional monarchy, robust institutions, and the wisdom of its leadership, which have guided the nation through regional crises and turmoil.
Jafar Hassan's passion for local development has marked his work, with a strong focus on active fieldwork. "Navigating high-level developmental strategies and much-needed interventions at grassroots levels go hand in hand to ensure no one is left behind," is the motto of his constant outreach activities. Known for his diplomatic skill and commitment to reform, he leads Jordan’s government with a focus on sustainable development, economic resilience, regional cooperation, and strengthening Jordan’s international standing.
