Al-Dhahiriya Municipality Participates in a Strategic Working Visit to Jordan to Strengthen Partnerships and Promote Sustainable Development

As part of its continuous efforts to expand international cooperation and build new partnerships, Al-Dhahiriya Municipality, represented by Eng. Yousef Shroukh, Director of the Development Unit, participated in a strategic working visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan under the German–Middle Eastern Municipal Partnerships Program. The visit aimed to explore opportunities for practical cooperation and develop innovative solutions that contribute to local economic development and the creation of sustainable employment opportunities within the city.

The visit included participation in a specialized workshop focused on designing practical solutions to support local employment and stimulate innovative economic initiatives. In addition, participants conducted field visits to several successful development projects implemented by Jordanian municipalities, providing an opportunity to learn from best practices in local development and sustainable resource management.

The workshop brought together approximately fifteen representatives from municipalities in Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon, creating an important regional platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences, strengthening cooperation, and enhancing the capacities of local authorities to address development and economic challenges.

The workshop also featured the participation of several German municipalities through video conferencing technology. Their representatives shared valuable experiences and expertise in local governance, sustainable development, and project implementation, contributing to stronger partnerships and direct knowledge transfer among participating municipalities.

During the workshop, Mr. Wissam Jabarin, Regional Development Advisor and representative of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), emphasized the importance of focusing on sustainable job creation and strengthening local communities’ resilience. He highlighted the need for close cooperation with municipalities to develop practical development solutions, reduce operational burdens, improve resource management efficiency, and enhance institutional and financial sustainability.

Within this framework, Al-Dhahiriya Municipality continues to strengthen its partnership with the Enzkreis District in Germany through the development of an important cardboard waste management and recycling project. The initiative aims to establish an integrated sorting and recycling line for cardboard waste, contributing to improved solid waste management, reducing pressure on municipal services, creating new employment opportunities for youth, and generating a sustainable source of income through a modern and efficient recycling system.

These efforts are part of the German–Middle Eastern Municipal Partnerships Program, implemented through the Local Governance Reform Programme in Palestine under the supervision of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and in partnership with Engagement Global / SKEW. The program seeks to support Palestinian municipalities in building long-term international partnerships and implementing development projects with sustainable economic and social impact, thereby promoting local development and improving the quality of life for citizens.

Al-Dhahiriya Municipality Discusses Water Sector Development Projects with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

As part of its ongoing efforts to improve essential services and infrastructure, Al-Dhahiriya Municipality held an important meeting at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ramallah to discuss potential projects related to the water sector in the city.

The meeting brought together the Mayor of Al-Dhahiriya Municipality, Eng. Ali Abbas Al-Awaisat, and Ms. Sobha Ghannam, Energy and Water Projects Manager at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The meeting was attended by Eng. Bahjat Jabarin, Municipal Council Member Amjad Al-Hawarin, Director of the Services Department Eng. Yasmeen Al-Kaaki, Head of the Health Department Mehran Manaa, and members of the municipal technical team.

During the meeting, the municipality presented a comprehensive overview of the city of Al-Dhahiriya, highlighting its development needs as well as the major challenges and issues facing the municipality. Particular attention was given to the growing demand for water services and the need to improve water infrastructure in underserved areas.

The discussions focused on a number of proposed water-sector projects, including the construction and expansion of water distribution networks to serve a large number of communities that currently lack access to public water networks. Several priority interventions were identified, forming the basis for future cooperation between Al-Dhahiriya Municipality and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Al-Dhahiriya Municipality continues its efforts to secure new development projects that contribute to improving the quality of life of its residents, strengthening public services, and advancing the city’s infrastructure in line with its sustainable development objectives.

Al-Dhahiriya Municipality Strengthens Its International Presence Through Participation in the UCLG-MEWA Meeting in Türkiye

Al-Dhahiriya Municipality participated in the meeting of the United Cities and Local Governments Middle East and West Asia Section (UCLG-MEWA), currently being held in the city of Konya, Türkiye. The event brings together representatives of municipalities and local authorities from across the region with the aim of enhancing cooperation, exchanging experiences, and building partnerships among cities and local governments.

Representing Al-Dhahiriya Municipality at this important event were Municipal Council Member Mr. Akram Hamza Abu Allan and Municipal Director Mr. Ahmad Qaisiya. They took part in various working sessions and specialized meetings that addressed issues related to sustainable local development, improvement of municipal services, and the role of local authorities in addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges. The sessions also highlighted successful experiences and best practices in local governance and municipal administration.

This participation reflects the Municipal Council’s vision of expanding cooperation and strengthening relationships with local, regional, and international institutions and organizations. Such efforts contribute to opening new horizons for development, attracting expertise, and creating opportunities for projects that serve the city of Al-Dhahiriya and benefit its residents. The event also provides an important platform to introduce the city, showcase its development needs, and highlight the challenges it faces, particularly under the exceptional circumstances experienced in Palestine.

During the meeting, the municipality’s delegation emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation among cities and exchanging knowledge and expertise to improve institutional performance and enhance the quality of services provided to citizens. The delegation also held a number of meetings with representatives of participating municipalities and organizations to explore future cooperation opportunities and establish partnerships that support local development efforts.

In line with its strategic vision, Al-Dhahiriya Municipality continues to expand its engagement in local, regional, and international forums, strengthening the city’s position and enabling it to benefit from various development programs and initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable development and improving the quality of life for its citizens.