Abdul Karim az-Zubeidi, President of the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA), participated in the 12th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12), convened by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in Cairo, Egypt. Bringing together representatives of over 182 countries, the session was held under the theme It All Starts at Home: Local Actions for Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Az-Zubeidi stressed the need to strengthen Palestine’s effective visibility at international forums, indicating that the Palestinian pavilion at the WUF12 furnished a valuable opportunity to present grave challenges that face Palestinian cities and highlight Palestinians’ fundamental right to live in dignity on their land.
Az-Zubeidi explained that this participation reflects Palestinian local government unit (LGU) “aspirations for building resilient cities and embody our people’s resolute will to end the occupation, stop the ongoing aggression, and achieve inclusive development across the homeland. It also sends a message to the international community to bear its responsibilities towards the question of Palestine and Palestinian people.”
Additionally, Az-Zubeidi took part in the closing training session of the first cohort of the Arab Mayors Academy (AMA) initiative, 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). Az-Zubeidi stressed that the “particular circumstances in Palestine require that maximum advantage is taken of this initiative.” He said that turning challenges to Palestinian cities into opportunities would need innovative tools and advanced knowledge. Capacity strengthening for city mayors can contribute to devising effective and innovative solutions to address urban crises and achieve sustainable development, supporting the Palestinian pursuit to build a better future and bring about stability and prosperity in complex and difficult circumstances.
Az-Zubdeidi also participated in a dialogue facilitated by Clima-Med and Cities Alliance initiative, focusing on promoting the capacity of Palestinian municipalities to address climate challenges by adopting long-term sustainable development strategies. While tirelessly attempting to achieve sustainable development, Palestinian LGUs find themselves compelled to concentrate more on managing incessant crises, rather than on development. Struggle for survival is an urgent need that requires a rapid innovative response to citizens’ needs in all circumstances.
On the sidelines of the WUF12, a special meeting was held by the Palestinian community in Egypt. Attended by Az-Zubeidi and Palestinian Minister of Local Government, the event reviewed recent developments in Palestine, particularly in the besieged Gaza Strip. The audience stressed the importance of strengthening national unity and solidarity between Palestinians both in Palestine and abroad “to address challenges to our just cause.” They also pinpointed the need to intensify international efforts and support Palestinian resilience in the face of the occupation.