Museums are access points for knowledge and centres of education in the service of society and its development. Museums acquire, conserve, research, communicate and exhibit the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment for the purposes of education, study and enjoyment (definition adopted by ICOM in 2007). Museums also contribute to mutual understanding and social cohesion as well as economic and human development.

Jordan currently has 29 museums countrywide. In 2006, a preparatory needs assessment study was undertaken to evaluate the status of museum management techniques and capacities of museum personnel. Jordan’s wealth of cultural objects has made it a priority for the UNESCO Amman Office to enhance the competencies and capacities of museum staff and to update the management methods and techniques used.

UNESCO has developed close partnerships with the Department of Antiquities and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to introduce enhanced museum practices and policies that meet international standards in management, conservation and preservation, exhibitions management, merchandising and marketing.

Since 2010, the UNESCO Amman Office, in partnership with the Department of Antiquities has been holding a series of lectures on museum management for museum professionals in Jordan. The Museum Seminar Series provides museum professionals with materials to assist them in managing their collections and the opportunity to develop a network for exchanging information and ideas.

UNESCO will continue to promote and strengthen the role of museums as social, educational and economic actors, as well as promote different facets of cultural resources management as opportunities for employment and income generation.