As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the financial capacities of staff members of Palestinian local government units (LGUs), the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) held a specialized training workshop on Financial Analysis. The workshop brought together 46 participants representing 36 LGUs, all members of the Financial Directors Hub and Taskforce of Financial Directors.

In the opening session, Abdul Mu’min Afaneh, Director of APLA Technical Support Unit, welcomed the participants and noted that this activity aligned with APLA’s efforts to promote LGU sustainability. It contributed to building LGU personnel’s capacity in ways that would positively impact the quality of services delivered to citizens.

The session was delivered by financial expert Dr. Ghassan Da’as. Simplified through Microsoft Excel, Da’as provided detailed training on financial analysis mechanisms and their practical applications using internationally recognized tools. The workshop emphasized the importance of data management and accounting practices based on financial indicators, efficiency and solvency metrics. These serve as essential tools for supporting evidence-based financial planning and generating accurate outcomes.

The workshop offered participants a practical space to apply the acquired concepts by analyzing real financial data from their respective LGUs. This enhanced their applied skills and helped bridge theoretical knowledge with practical implementation. The workshop concluded with an open discussion session where participants shared feedback and exchanged relevant experiences and best practices. 

This training was part of the Municipal Technical Exchange Hubs, implemented in partnership with the GIZ Local Governance Reform Program (LGRP). These include six core hubs: Engineering and Planning, Financial Management, Public Relations, Innovation and Creativity, Sustainable Development Goals, and Village Councils.