As part of its central role in supporting and linking youth initiatives to national sustainable development policies, the Association of Palestinian of Local Authorities (APLA), in partnership with Dura Municipality and Dura Youth Council, delivered an intensive training program titled Sustainable Development Goals and Contemporary Environmental Issues. With the participation of 63 young men and women, the three-day training took place at the Dura International Stadium.
Over the course of two days, trainer Uday Qabajah delivered sessions on the global concepts of sustainable development as outlined in the 2030 Agenda. Qabajah outlined the difference between broad goals, specific targets, and indicators used to measure progress. The training also reviewed Palestine’s national experience in this field and addressed key issues directly affecting the Palestinian context, such as climate change and climate justice. Emphasis was placed on Goal 7 (ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all) and Goal 13 (climate action). These serve as two foundational pillars in empowering local government units (LGUs) and communities to protect the environment and enhance their resilience to climate challenges.
The training incorporated a comprehensive practical component with interactive activities and educational games designed to solidify the introduced concepts and transform them into a living experience. Young participants engaged in group challenges, memory games, and goal-linking exercises, offering them the opportunity to practice teamwork, critical thinking, and innovation.
To highlight the role of youth as active partners in environmental protection and sustainable development, the training concluded with a field tree-planting activity at the Bir al-Wad promenade. The trainees, alongside local community volunteers, planted over 150 diverse saplings along the walkway. This initiative reflected a shift from awareness to action and affirmed the potential of youth-led initiatives to create direct impact by enhancing green spaces and improving the environmental landscape within Palestinian communities.
As part of APLA’s efforts to implement the SDG Localization Plan, this intervention is also a component of the Community Engagement Program, which APLA put in place to strengthen citizen involvement in development efforts and bridge the gap with LGUs on decision-making issues. These activities were carried out under the Empowering Palestinian Society to Grab Sustainable Development Opportunities project with support from the Belgian Development Agency (Enabel).
