APLA Concludes Training Workshop on “Artificial Intelligence in the Work of Local Government Units: From Understanding to Application”

The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) concluded the second session of the specialized training workshop on “Artificial Intelligence in the Work of Local Government Units: From Understanding to Application,” with the participation of representatives from 30 Local Government Units (LGUs), totaling 44 participants from the Engineering and Planning Hub, under the supervision of AI trainer Dr. Majid Ayad.

The second session provided a practical continuation of the theoretical concepts covered in the first session, as participants moved to hands-on applications of artificial intelligence in planning, engineering, data analysis, and decision-making. The training also included a practical exercise on selecting the most suitable location for establishing a community services center. Participants used spatial data and GeoJSON and Excel files, alongside analyzing survey results, reviewing documents, and summarizing information, with the aim of developing recommendations based on a comprehensive set of evidence and sources.

The training also highlighted the importance of clearly defining problems before seeking technological solutions, verifying the consistency and variation of sources and data, connecting information from different sources, and assessing the accuracy and relevance of AI-generated outputs in light of professional standards and the local context.

The workshop emphasized that the true value of artificial intelligence in local governance lies in using it as a tool to support human expertise, rather than as a replacement for it. This approach enhances LGUs’ ability to handle data and information more efficiently, supports the development of engineering and planning practices, and contributes to improving decision-making processes.

The workshop forms part of APLA’s efforts to build the capacities of LGUs, keep pace with digital transformation, and leverage modern technologies to advance local governance. funded bythe Local Governance Reform Programme III (III-LGRP), implemented by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), with support of (GIZ).