Jordan Launches National Committee to Plan 2030 Celebration of Jesus Baptism Anniversary
Jordan's Prime Minister Jafar Hassan chaired the first meeting of a national committee in August 2026 to prepare for the 2,000th anniversary of the baptism of Jesus Christ, set for 2030. The government plans to build a pilgrim village, a new museum, and infrastructure upgrades at the Al-Maghtas UNESCO World Heritage site. Officials expect millions of international visitors.
Jordan has launched a national committee to coordinate preparations for the 2,000th anniversary of the baptism of Jesus Christ, scheduled for 2030.
Prime Minister Jafar Hassan chaired the inaugural meeting of the "National Committee for the Preparation of the Celebration of the Second Millennium of the Baptism of Jesus Christ" in August 2026. The committee includes ministers, religious leaders, and heads of relevant institutions.
The commemoration will center on Al-Maghtas, also known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the eastern bank of the Jordan River. The site is widely recognized across Christian traditions as the location where John the Baptist baptized Jesus.
The Jordanian government is planning several infrastructure projects to accommodate an expected influx of pilgrims. Plans include an integrated pilgrim village built in an authentic first-century style, a new museum dedicated to the baptism of Jesus, a green corridor, and general site upgrades.
Acting under directives from King Abdullah II, the government views the 2030 celebration as an opportunity to highlight Jordan's historical and religious significance. Officials also aim to promote the kingdom as a destination for Christian heritage tourism and to reinforce messages of peace and coexistence.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen Jordan's tourism sector, which is a key component of the national economy. Church leaders from multiple denominations worldwide are being engaged to encourage interdenominational participation in the commemoration.
