The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Al-Quds University, aimed at expanding access to higher education for local government staff, aligning academic pathways with the practical needs of municipal work, and building specialized professional capacities that contribute to strengthening the local governance sector.

Under the agreement, staff of local government units that are members of the Association are granted a 30% tuition discount on all master’s programs at Al-Quds University, in addition to a special 50% tuition discount for the Master’s program in Land Administration, subject to the university’s admission requirements and academic performance criteria. The Land Administration program is considered among the most closely aligned with the core responsibilities of local authorities and the daily challenges they face in planning, zoning, land management, and resource governance.

This cooperation reflects APLA’s strategic commitment to investing in municipal human resources by equipping them with advanced knowledge tools that enhance professional competence, improve the quality of services delivered to citizens, and strengthen the ability of LGUs to manage complex technical and planning files—particularly within the challenging context in which local governance operates in Palestine. The MoU also establishes a practical framework for cooperation between APLA and Al-Quds University, encompassing training, knowledge exchange, and support for applied research linked to municipal practice, ensuring that academic education translates into tangible impact on institutional performance and the development of local authorities.