It is estimated that approximately half of the world’s population is today in lockdown, with the other half likely to have experienced drastic changes in their day-to-day lives as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Needless to say, this crisis will have severe consequences on the health of economies and global markets alike. However, it has reminded us all of the foremost priority of both public and private institutions; the human life. As citizens and institutions around the world practice and implement social distancing, I can proudly say that solidarity has truly become a global phenomenon.
In a recent analysis of the possible scenarios of both the health and economic consequences of the virus, Mckinsey(1) laid out a fundamental imperative; in order to traverse this global challenge, we need to safeguard our lives and our livelihoods. That is, for us to come out of this stronger and more resilient, we must focus our efforts on both the public health crisis and the ensuing economic disruption.
Here in Jordan, the country I proudly call home, this crisis has brought us closer, both as people, and to our public institutions. The response of the Jordanian Government has been one of the most extraordinary on a global scale. From enacting a full, country-wide lockdown, to introducing emergency fiscal, monetary, social welfare and labor protection policies and measures, Jordan has reinforced itself and its capabilities on the global stage. In addition to first responders, medics and all those working in the field for our safety, this crisis has also revealed a new type of hero: Mobile Money.