The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) conducted a workshop in partnership with the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) and funded by the European Union (EU), to discuss APLA's initial strategic plan draft set for the years 2019 till 2022. In the presence of APLA's President Eng. Mousa Hadid, Executive Director Eng. Abdallah Anati and members of its Administrative Committee accompanied with VNG's Director in Palestine Nasser Al-Sheikh Ali. The workshop came in light of implementing APLA's methodology in the preparation of the plan by expanding the consultation efforts to launch a completed strategic plan.
APLA’s President Eng. Mousa Hadid identified the importance of future planning, taking into account studying the reality of Local Government Units in Palestine in developing a comprehensive strategic plan that is consistent with the needs of the Government Sector in Palestine. Also stressing on the importance of institutional work under clear regulations and an accurate work map, saying that this phase will act as a solid foundation to start implementing APLA's work plan and achieving the desired objectives through the participation of all stakeholders.
The strategic planning expert Dr. Khaled Rajab presented a detailed display of the initial drafted strategic plan, starting with APLA's historical background, how to link the national policies agenda with the ongoing development goals, the methodology followed in preparing the plan, stakeholders contextual analysis, and ending it with forming the vision, mission, setting the general and specific goals. In addition to, proposing the strategic priorities and the new proposed structure of the Executive Office.
On the other hand, APLA’s Administrative Committee members expressed their pride of APLA’s accomplishments lately, stressing the importance of the strategic plan in identifying APLA's agenda which will enhance the contribution of LGUs and development processes, through empowering APLA as an association that advocates for the LGUs’ rights and represents them at national, regional and international levels. Other aspects of the plan were discussed thoroughly by the attendees, introducing their notes and interventions in which they highlighted the importance of declaring APLA's independence and identity, as this will be the first planning document issued by APLA since its inception.
It is worth mentioning that this workshop is among a series of other workshops intended to discuss APLA's strategic plan which is meant to be launched before the end of this year, based on the EU project "Area C Resilience Development Initiative (ARD)" in Palestine, executed by APLA in cooperation with VNG.
