Launch Event of Southwest Ramallah Cluster Marks yet another Strategic Collaboration in SDLG Program

January 29, 2024

On Tuesday, January 9, the Ministry of Local Governance (MoLG) hosted the launch event of the Southwest Ramallah cluster, the second cluster to be supported under the Sustainable Development through Improved Local Governance (SDLG) programme. The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders committed to strengthening local governance and promoting coordinated development planning in Palestine.

Strengthening inter-municipal collaboration

The launch event convened representatives from VNG International, the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA), the Mas Research Institute, and the Ramallah Directorate, along with the heads of the nine Local Authorities (LAs) forming the Southwest Ramallah cluster: Ras Karkar, Al-Janiya, Bi’lin, Kafr Ni’meh, Deir Ibzi’, Saffa, Beit ‘Ur At-Tahta, Beit ‘Ur Al-Fauqa, and Al-Tireh.

In his opening remarks, Hani Njoom, Director General of the Urban Planning Directorate at MoLG, welcomed participants and emphasized the shared responsibility in advancing inclusive and sustainable development. His message set a collaborative tone for the day’s discussions.

A shared vision for sustainable local development

Subsequent contributions from Azzam Alhojooj, outgoing General Director of the Ramallah Directorate, and Busaina Abu Eisheh, Head of the Urban Planning Department at MoLG, highlighted the strategic importance of inter-municipal cooperation. They noted that by working as a cluster, local authorities can better address shared challenges, optimize resources, and jointly plan for long-term development.

Representatives from VNG International and APLA underscored the critical significance of planning and the need to overcome challenges through strategic foresight. The session also served to introduce the Mas Research Institute, which will conduct a political economy analysis in the coming weeks to inform the cluster’s development priorities and planning approach.

Despite shared concerns raised by Local Authority members, their unwavering commitment to the project was evident, highlighting its profound importance in shaping the future trajectory of their communities.