Appointed on 8 October 2020, Bisher Al-Khasawneh served as the 43rd Prime Minister of Jordan until 15 September 2024. His tenure spanned significant domestic and global challenges, including the management of the COVID-19 pandemic and the coordination of national parliamentary elections. He navigated these responsibilities while holding the concurrent portfolio of Minister of Defence.
Academic and Professional Foundations
Al-Khasawneh completed his undergraduate law studies at the University of Jordan. His advanced academic training included a Master of Arts in International Affairs, Diplomacy, and Economics from the School of Oriental and African Studies, alongside a Master of Laws and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Law from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Furthermore, he holds executive diplomas in public policies from Harvard University’s Kennedy School and in counter-radicalization and counter-terrorism from the National Defense University. His professional experience involves acting as a part-time lecturer at the University of Jordan and the Jordan Institute of Diplomacy, alongside roles as Director General of the Jordan Information Centre and advisor at the Bureau of Legislation.
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Before his premiership, Al-Khasawneh represented Jordan internationally in various capacities. He served as the nation's ambassador to France, Egypt, Kenya, and Ethiopia. His diplomatic reach extended to the African Union, the League of Arab States, and UNESCO. He also functioned as the Coordinator General and Director of the Peace Process and Negotiations Bureau, engaging in high-level multilateral forums such as the 59th session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2004.
Governmental Roles and Policy Initiatives
Entering ministerial service in 2016, Al-Khasawneh acted as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and later as Minister of State for Legal Affairs within the cabinet of Hani Mulki. His transition into the Royal Hashemite Court saw him serve as an advisor to King Abdullah II for Communication and Coordination, and subsequently as an advisor for policies. As Prime Minister, his agenda included economic reform, the establishment of a public safety net, and the drafting of realistic government budgets. His public health efforts involved securing vaccine supplies via BioNTech/Pfizer and the COVAX initiative led by GAVI, the WHO, and CEPI.
Fast facts
- Born: 27 January 1969
- Place of birth: Amman, Jordan
- Prime Minister of Jordan: 2020-2024
- Education: London School of Economics and Political Science
- Ministerial experience: Foreign Affairs, Legal Affairs, Defence
- Primary language: Arabic
- Awards include: Supreme Order of the Renaissance, Order of the Star of Jordan
Questions readers ask
What major tasks did Bisher Al-Khasawneh undertake as Prime Minister?
He was tasked with improving state capabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic and overseeing the November 2020 parliamentary elections.
Did Al-Khasawneh hold any academic positions?
Yes, he served as a part-time lecturer at the Faculty of Law at the University of Jordan and at the Jordan Institute of Diplomacy.
Achievements
- Minister of Foreign Affairs of Jordan
- Prime Minister of Jordan (2020–2024)
- Minister of State for Legal Affairs (2016–2018)
- Educated at Grand Tavé and London School of Economics and Political Science
