In the context of its efforts to promote the status and leading role of local government units (LGUs) in spearheading reform, change, and development policymaking, the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) launched the Local Government Units Mayors Forum. To serve as a strategic hub for consultations, exchange of experience and ideas, and innovative insights, the forum will promote the role and efficiency of the local government sector, empower it to address current challenges, and achieve sustainable development that fulfils Palestinian community aspirations and supports the sustainability of municipal functions.
APLA initiated the forum activities by organizing a series of dialogue sessions, entitled “Assessing the Current Situation and Developing a Vision of the Local Government Sector in Palestine.” The series included five main sessions held in Jenin, Tulkarem, Nablus, Ramallah, and Hebron. These involved a broad participation of 142 representatives of 108 LGUs, including 80 LGU mayors, from across the West Bank governorates.
Eng. Abdel Mu’min Afaneh, Manager of the APLA Technical and Legal Support Unit, explained that APLA was attentive of organizing regular meetings with different LGUs in Palestine to strengthen outreach, share ideas, and hold inclusive consultations on issues of interest to the local government sector. According to Afaneh, these meetings provide a platform to identify common priorities and make policies that contribute to improving performance and enhancing efficiency of LGUs.
Dialogue sessions were facilitated by Dr. Ahmed Hijawi, who used a methodological approach to investigate current challenges and identify opportunities to develop the local government sector. Hijawi also applied a participatory approach, allowing all participants to express their views and share their experiences, ending up with realistic and workable recommendations. Based on the outcomes of these sessions, Hijawi will develop a comprehensive strategic vision of the local government sector.
Discussions highlighted major components with the aim of providing an overall picture of the current context of and ways to develop the local government sector. Addressing the financial position of LGUs, the first component shed light on revenue and expenditure challenges and explored innovative mechanisms to achieve sustainable financing in support of efficient service delivery. Focusing on regulatory and legislative frameworks, the second component reviewed laws and regulations on LGU functions, analysed obstacles to law enforcement, and made proposals to enhance these frameworks in line with requirements for the current stage. The third components assessed the quality of and considered ways of improving basic services to ensure equitable and efficient accessibility for all groups.
This activity is part of APLA’s efforts to strengthen accountability, transparency and community engagement within LGU functions. It is a component of the Promotion of Accountability and Transparency within Palestinian LGUs project, funded by the UNDP Transparency, Evidence and Accountability (TEA3) Programme.
