The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA), represented by President Mr. Abdalkarim Al-Zubaidi and Executive Director Mr. Abdallah Anati, participated in the 20th General Assembly of the Arab Towns Organization (ATO), held in Salalah City, Dhofar Governorate, Oman, under the theme “More Innovative and Sustainable Cities", alongside a number of Palestinian and Arab mayors and municipal representatives.
The General Assembly included a range of sessions and activities, including meetings of the Executive Council of the Arab Towns Organization and technical sessions addressing key issues and challenges facing Arab cities and LGUs, as well as a dialogue session on developing municipal work and advancing sustainable urban development. Discussions also covered innovation and digital transformation, service and infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and the exchange of experiences and knowledge among Arab cities. The General Assembly concluded with discussions on the recommendations and final statement, as well as opportunities for cooperation and the signing of agreements among participating cities and local authorities.
On the sidelines of the General Assembly, APLA President Mr. Abdalkarim Al-Zubaidi chaired a meeting between Palestinian municipalities and H.E. Mr. Badr Wael Badr Al-Ajeel Al-Askar, Secretary-General of the Arab Towns Organization, attended by mayors and representatives of Al-Bireh, Hebron, Halhul, Dura, Ramallah, and Salfit municipalities, along with APLA Executive Director Mr. Abdallah Anati. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between APLA, Palestinian municipalities, and the Arab Towns Organization, enhancing communication and joint action, and supporting the participation of Palestinian LGUs in the Organization’s activities and programs.
APLA’s participation in the General Assembly reflects its role in representing Palestinian LGUs and strengthening their presence in Arab and international forums, while expanding their relations with their Arab counterparts and creating opportunities to exchange experiences and practices in local governance and urban development. The participation also provides an opportunity to advance decentralized cooperation and city diplomacy for Palestinian LGUs, and to benefit from Arab experiences in developing local work and service delivery approaches that respond to the needs of local communities and enhance their capacity to provide more efficient and sustainable services.
The Arab Towns Organization is a leading regional organization dedicated to developing municipal work and strengthening cooperation among its member cities and local authorities. It promotes the exchange of experiences and best practices, addresses common urban challenges, and supports solutions that contribute to building more sustainable cities capable of responding to changing circumstances.
