The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) conducted a training workshop through the Engineering and Planning Hub on Strategic and Master Urban Planning, over the course of three days, attended by 22 representatives from the engineering and planning departments at local authorities, with the aim of supporting them in achieving SDGs, especially in relation to inclusive urban planning based on community participation.

Planning Advisor, Dr. Khalid Rajab, provided a summary on participatory urban and development planning, explaining the key concepts and tools, in addition to an introduction on SDGs and its connection to sustainable cities and urban planning. Furthermore, he gave a presentation on the legal and institutional framework for urban planning in Palestine.

Participants were divided into groups to guarantee active participation and exchange of expertise among themselves through a group of interactive exercises aiming at equipping participants with knowledge and analytical skills in specialized topics related to inclusive urban planning of the fields and issues related to maintaining archeological and historical sites, enhancing local economic development, as well as social and environmental development. 

Participants presented all the challenges they face in the process of urban planning within local authorities, in addition to the work priorities in these fields. It was agreed to present all recommendations in details and in writing in order to include them as part of the work priorities of APLA and partner organizations.

It is worth mentioning that the workshop was conducted under the Technical Hub Program for local authorities, implemented in partnership between APLA and LGRP-GIZ, comprised of five platforms: Engineering and Planning Hub, Public Relations Platform, Financial Management Hub, Village Councils Hub, Innovation Hub.