The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities concluded in Barcelona a series of meetings and discussions that marked an important step in advancing its cooperation track with Barcelona City Council, the Barcelona Provincial Council, the Catalan Fund for Development Cooperation, and a number of partner institutions. The meetings resulted in agreement on the executive framework of the joint action plan for the coming two years, giving this cooperation a clearer and more structured direction, and grounding it in the actual needs and priorities of Palestinian local authorities.

The visit also provided an opportunity to explore urban and municipal experiences related to the management of public and green spaces, urban planning, and environmental infrastructure. These areas are becoming increasingly relevant to Palestinian local authorities in light of the growing need for more efficient and flexible models for city management and service delivery.

As part of the program, APLA took part in a dedicated session held on the sidelines of the United Cities and Local Governments meetings, focusing on the prospects of cooperation between Palestinian and Catalan cities. The session provided an important platform to deepen dialogue with municipal actors and partner institutions on ways to advance this cooperation track and consolidate its place within international municipal spaces, further strengthening the position of Palestinian local authorities as active partners in global networks of municipal cooperation and advocacy.

On the sidelines of this participation, APLA Executive Director Eng. Abdallah Anati held a meeting with Mr. Sithole Mbanga, Chief Executive Officer of the South African Local Government Association. The meeting resulted in agreement to reactivate cooperation between the two associations and move toward signing a renewed partnership agreement in the coming period. This would open the way for a more structured path of institutional cooperation, including direct twinning arrangements between Palestinian municipalities and their South African counterparts, the development of specific cooperation plans, the implementation of joint initiatives and projects, and the exchange of expertise and professional visits. The two sides also agreed to jointly organize a dedicated session during the World Urban Forum in Baku focusing on the role of local authorities in crisis management and institutional preparedness.

In the same context, Eng. Anati also met with Mr. Suat Yildiz, Secretary General of the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye. The meeting addressed recent developments in Palestine, ways to strengthen institutional cooperation between the two sides, and means of expanding support and solidarity for Palestinian local authorities. Discussions also covered a dedicated training program for Palestinian municipalities in 2026, as well as strengthening joint presence in regional and international spaces related to local government work.