In the framework of the joint Capacity Building Programme for Local Authorities in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, a first mission to Jerusalem was successfully organised by UN-HABITAT and UNITAR between the 29th May and the 2nd June.
This first mission was aimed at establishing contact with potential donors and securing the support of local institutional partners, as both monetary funds and institutional partnerships are essential for the programme’s timely implementation. Productive meetings with local institutional partners, namely the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA - based in Ramallah), the Ministry of Local Government, and the Mayor of Gaza, were held. Equally valuable meetings were held with potential donors like the European Commission Office for West Bank & Gaza and UNRWA, the Representative Office of Norway to the Palestinian Authority, and USAID.
UN-HABITAT and UNITAR are now in the process of jointly preparing for a second official mission to the region, scheduled for the last week of August. The cooperation of local institutional partners will be integral to making the proposed mission activities operational. An evaluation will be conducted, through questionnaires and field visits to municipalities, of the training needs of mayors, local elected officials, and leaders, in the field of good governance. The capacity of existing training and capacity building institutions will also be assessed.
These significant initial steps are ensuring that the activities envisaged within the framework of this three-year capacity building programme are implemented in an appropriate and effective manner.
Fundraising activities continue to be actively pursued as additional funding is integral to the successful execution of this ambitious programme and the realization of its objectives.
For more information on the Capacity Building Programme, please contact Mr. Philippe ATHANASSIOU
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