The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) and Mercociudades signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation, exchanging expertise, and expanding international partnership opportunities between the two sides, in a way that supports and enhances the work of Palestinian local Government Units. The signing took place on the sidelines of the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) World Congress, held in Tangier, Morocco.
The MoU was signed by APLA President Mr. Abdalkarim Al-Zubaidi, Mercociudades President Mr. Rodrigo Neves, and Vice President Mr. Fernando Gray, in the presence of APLA Executive Director Mr. Abdallah Anati, as well as members of the Palestinian delegation participating in the Congress, which included representatives from several Palestinian municipalities.
Mercociudades is the largest network of local governments in the Mercosur region and Latin America, bringing together hundreds of local governments. The network aims to strengthening cooperation among cities, fostering sustainable development, and reinforcing the role of local governments in decision-making processes at the regional and international levels
This agreement falls within APLA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen decentralized cooperation with international networks and local governments worldwide. It opens new opportunities for knowledge and experience exchange, the implementation of joint initiatives and programs, and contributes to the development of the local governance sector and the advancement of sustainable development pathways in Palestine.