Abdul Karim az-Zubeidi, President of the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA), took part in the First Edition of the Arab Mayors Academy (AMA), launched by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and United Cities and Local Governments – Middle East and West Asia Section (UCLG-MEWA) in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. The event aims to equip city leaders with advanced knowledge and tools to effectively address the region’s unique challenges and opportunities in urban development.

The first edition is held with the participation of 13 governors, mayors, and city leaders from across the Arab region, including Jordan, Tunisia, Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, and Morocco. With the first part delivered in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, the training programme was developed jointly with city leaders to meet their needs on a priority basis. The training focused on a set of urgent issues that face Arab cities.

Az-Zubeidi stressed the importance of experience sharing in support of Palestinian cities, particularly in the light of challenges posed by the Israeli occupation, war, and siege on Gaza, all impeding development efforts. Az-Zubeidi emphasized that Palestinian mayors need to participate in these programmes, exchange experiences, and view best practices. This will improve the role of Palestinian local government units, which have been operating in a decades-long state of emergency.

It is worth noting that AMA events are organised in virtual meetings, online training sessions, and background readings over the next four months. These will be concluded in an event on the sidelines of the 12^th edition of the World Urban Forum in Cairo next November.