The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA), in partnership with Barcelona Provincial Council and Barcelona City Council, concluded the second training round entitled “Local Socio - Economic Development” under the "Catalan – Palestinian Municipal Cooperation Initiative, District 11: Cities of Palestine". The training was held in Amman, Jordan, from 19 – 21 September 2026, bringing together 12 representatives from 12 Palestinian Local Government Units (LGUs), alongside participants and experts from Catalan municipalities, institutions, and universities.

The training focused on the role of LGUs in strengthening local economies and creating an enabling environment for economic opportunities. Key topics included Local Economic Development frameworks, local-level planning, youth entrepreneurship and employment, the economic empowerment of women and marginalized groups, and public-private partnerships. The training also provided Palestinian LGUs with an opportunity to present their experiences, projects, and challenges through four thematic groups focusing on capacity building, sustainability, economic development, and social infrastructure, facilitating the exchange of experiences and practices with their counterparts from Catalan municipalities.

The training brought together representatives from Dura, Dair Samet Al-Simya, Taffouh, Bani Na’im, Attil, Khallet Al-Mayah, Rafat, Al-Jib, Jamma’in, Azzoun, Baqa Al-Sharqiya, and Sarra municipalities. From the Catalan side, representatives from Rubí, Terrassa, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, and Mollet del Vallès municipalities participated. The program included municipal presentations and experiences, discussion and knowledge-exchange sessions, as well as connecting development projects with future cooperation opportunities between Palestinian LGUs and their Catalan counterparts.

The training was held as part of the activities of the Catalaoni–Palestine Municipal Cooperation Initiative, District 11: Cities of Palestine, implemented by APLA to strengthen the role of LGUs in Local Economic Development and Local Socio-Economic Development, support their capacity to develop initiatives that respond to the needs of their communities, and strengthen partnerships at the local and international levels. The initiative seeks to contribute to creating more inclusive economic opportunities for youth, women, and marginalized groups by translating knowledge and experience exchange into practical pathways for cooperation, twinning, and the development of joint development projects.