APLA

APLA plays a vital and constructive role in developing, unifying, representing, and advocating for local authorities.

[APLA @OfApla]

Dr. Ahmad Jaber, SDGs Projects Officer at the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA), participated in a number of specialized sessions held as part of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan. The sessions addressed key issues related to sustainable development, decentralized cooperation, integrated urban planning, and community participation.

In this context, Dr. Jaber presented during a session titled “From Integrated Planning to Action - Project Platforms as a Tool for Decentralized Cooperation and SDGs Localization”, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government in Palestine, the Joint Planning Unit, and the municipalities of Ramallah and Al-Bireh. During the session, he highlighted the SDGs localization plan and APLA’s efforts in promoting sustainable development concepts and transferring knowledge to LGUs staff and local communities. He also presented the decentralized cooperation program and its main activities, particularly within complex contexts, in addition to showcasing the key partnerships signed by APLA during the recent period.

Dr. Jaber also moderated a dialogue session titled “Bankable BRT Planning: Partner Matchmaking to Bridge the Delivery Gap (Ramallah–Al-Bireh, Palestine)”, which discussed opportunities for advancing the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in the Ramallah and Al-Bireh area, as well as mechanisms for transforming integrated urban plans into implementable projects through partnership-building and enhanced funding and cooperation among local and international stakeholders.

In another intervention, and in collaboration with “The Local Learning Studio: Localising the SDGs in Built Environment Education”, Dr. Jaber presented the winning project of the “SDGs in Action” competition and showcased APLA’s experience in raising awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals through community participation programs and integrated cooperation between LGUs and local communities. He also highlighted several community initiatives and interactive activities targeting children and youth, which contribute to strengthening civic engagement and linking sustainable development concepts to everyday life.

These participations come within APLA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its presence in international forums, exchange expertise with cities and international institutions, and highlight Palestinian experiences in the fields of sustainable urban development, decentralized cooperation, and community participation.

#WUF13 #WorldUrbanForum

[APLA @OfApla]

The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) organized a dialogue session titled “When Housing Brings Cities Together: Local Cooperation in Practice” as part of the 13th World Urban Forum @WUF_UNHabitat, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, with the participation of @MMUTurkiye, @UCLGMEWAorg (UCLG MEWA), Al-Bireh Municipality, and the Belgian agency for international cooperation @EnabelPalestine.

The session highlighted the importance of decentralized cooperation between cities and LGUs in addressing housing and urban development challenges, particularly in contexts affected by conflicts, crises, and increasing urban pressures. It also discussed mechanisms for inter-city cooperation and the role of LGUs in facilitating partnerships, exchanging expertise, and strengthening joint municipal action.

During the session, Mr. Abdallah Anati, Executive Director of APLA, presented APLA’s experience in strengthening cooperation among Palestinian municipalities and building local and international partnership networks, contributing to enhancing the resilience of Palestinian cities and improving responses to housing and service-related challenges. He also outlined APLA’s approach to local and international partnership programs aimed at strengthening the capacities of Palestinian municipalities and creating opportunities for their engagement in development projects.

The session was moderated by Mr. Odai Al-Jabari, a local governance expert at ENABEL. The discussion also included contributions from Ms. İrem Korkmaz, Director of the Urban Policy Center at the Marmara Municipalities Union, and Mr. Junaid Rafiq, Communications Coordinator at UCLG-MEWA, who highlighted the role of municipal unions in shaping urban policies, strengthening cooperation among cities, and underscoring the importance of regional and international networks in supporting cooperation among LGUs and ensuring the continuity of joint municipal action. The session also included a presentation by Ms. Amneh Abu Sharar, Acting Head of the Planning Department at Al-Bireh Municipality, who shared Al-Bireh Municipality’s experience in urban planning and in building local and international partnerships.

#WUF13 #WorldUrbanForum

[United Cities and Local Governments | MEWA Section @UCLGMEWAorg]

@WUF_UNHabitat
13 Baku, Azerbaijan

📢 When Housing Brings Cities Together: Local Cooperation in Practice

🗣️ Junaid Rafiq, Communications Coordinator, UCLG-MEWA

In the session “When Housing Brings Cities Together: Local Cooperation in Practice”—organized through collaboration between UCLG MEWA, @OfApla , Al Bireh Municipality, and @MMUTurkiye

UCLG MEWA Communications Coordinator Junaid Rafiq emphasized the pivotal role of municipal associations. He underscored that these associations must evolve from being mere advocates into infrastructures of cooperation that enable cities to move from dialogue to delivery.

He noted that the real challenge is not the absence of partnerships but the lack of continuity and implementation, as commitments often stall with political changes.

Associations, he argued, should act as catalysts rather than propagandists, facilitating cooperation, capacity building, and global engagement while avoiding politicization.

As a practical step for the next two to three years, he recommended establishing mechanisms for systematic follow up and continuity to ensure housing agendas are sustained across leadership transitions.

He framed housing as more than shelter—highlighting it as a matter of dignity, resilience, and inclusion—and stressed that municipal associations must guarantee that partnerships translate into tangible homes and thriving communities.

📍 WUF13 | Baku, Azerbaijan

📢 عندما تجمع السكن المدن معاً: التعاون المحلي في الممارسة العملية

🗣️ جنيد رفيق، منسق الاتصالات في UCLG-MEWA

في جلسة "عندما تجمع السكن المدن معاً: التعاون المحلي في الممارسة العملية"، التي نُظمت بالتعاون بين منظمة المدن المتحدة والإدارات المحلية فرع الشرق الأوسط وغرب آسيا (UCLG-MEWA)، والاتحاد الفلسطيني للهيئات المحلية، وبلدية البيرة، واتحاد بلديات مرمرة:

سلط جنيد رفيق، منسق الاتصالات في UCLG-MEWA، الضوء على الدور الحاسم لاتحادات البلديات. وأكد على ضرورة تحول هذه الاتحادات من مجرد هيئات للمناصرة والدفاع إلى بنيات تحتية تعاونية تمكن المدن من تحويل الحوار إلى ممارسات عملية على أرض الواقع.

وأشار رفيق إلى أن المشكلة الأساسية لا تكمن في نقص الشراكات، بل في غياب الاستمرارية والتنفيذ نتيجة انقطاع الالتزامات مع التغيرات السياسية.

كما أوضح أنه يتعين على اتحادات البلديات النأي بنفسها عن التسييس، والعمل كمحفزات تسهل التعاون، وبناء القدرات، والتفاعل العالمي.

📢 Konut Şehirleri Bir Araya Getirdiğinde: Uygulamada Yerel İşbirliği

🗣️ Junaid Rafiq, UCLG-MEWA İletişim Koordinatörü

UCLG-MEWA, @OfApla, Al-Bireh Belediyesi ve @marmarabb iş birliğiyle düzenlenen “Konut Şehirleri Bir Araya Getirdiğinde: Uygulamada Yerel İş Birliği” oturumunda,

UCLG-MEWA İletişim Koordinatörü Junaid Rafiq, belediye birliklerinin kritik rolüne dikkat çekti. Bu birliklerin yalnızca savunuculuk yapan yapılar olmaktan çıkarak, kentlerin diyaloğu uygulamaya dönüştürmesini sağlayan iş birliği altyapılarına dönüşmesi gerektiğini vurguladı.

Asıl sorunun ortaklık eksikliği değil; siyasi değişimlerle birlikte taahhütlerin kesintiye uğraması nedeniyle süreklilik ve uygulama eksikliği olduğunu ifade etti.

Rafiq belediye birliklerinin, siyasallaşmadan uzak durarak iş birliği, kapasite geliştirme ve küresel etkileşimi kolaylaştıran katalizörler olarak hareket etmeleri gerektiğini belirtti.

Önümüzdeki iki ila üç yıl için somut bir öneri olarak ise konut gündemlerinin yönetim değişikliklerinden etkilenmeden sürdürülebilmesi adına sistematik takip ve devamlılık mekanizmalarının kurulmasını önerdi.

Konutun yalnızca bir barınma meselesi olmadığını; aynı zamanda onur, dirençlilik ve kapsayıcılık konusu olduğunu vurgulayan Rafiq, belediye birliklerinin ortaklıkların somut konutlara ve güçlü topluluklara dönüşmesini güvence altına alması gerektiğinin altını çizdi.

[APLA @OfApla]

Mr. Abdallah Anati, Executive Director of the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA), participated in a specialized session titled “Addressing Internal Displacement in Devastated Cities – Should Housing and Service Provision Take Centre Stage”, held as part of the World Urban Forum WUF13, taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan.

During the session, Mr. Anati highlighted the reality faced by internally displaced persons in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and presented the most urgent needs that must be addressed, particularly those related to housing, infrastructure, and the provision of essential municipal services. He also reviewed the efforts undertaken by Palestinian LGUs to respond to challenges arising from the Israeli occupation measures, as well as the initiatives implemented to mitigate the catastrophic impacts of the aggression on Gaza and settler violence in the West Bank.

Furthermore, the intervention addressed the planning and implementation mechanisms adopted by Palestinian LGUs in carrying out relief interventions under a complex political, social, and economic reality.

In his remarks, Mr. Anati stressed the urgent need to place the issues of refugees and internally displaced persons in Palestine and other countries at the forefront of global priorities and agendas, especially amid the growing number of conflicts and the resulting displacement crises worldwide. He also emphasized the major challenges associated with rebuilding cities devastated by conflicts, while underscoring the importance of preserving the dignity of citizens and displaced persons and restoring their rights.

#WUF13 #WorldUrbanForum

[Global Taskforce @GlobalTaskforce]

🌐At the World Assembly of Local and Regional Governments, #WUF13

@AnatiAbdallah, Executive Director of APLA

“We need to put peace, reconstruction and conflict resolution at the center of our rethinking of urban challenges.”

#Listen2Cities

[Global Taskforce @GlobalTaskforce]

📍#WUF13

🌐World Assembly of #LRGs

👏Interventions emphasized that shelter is about dignity, safety and peace.
Across regions, #LocalGovs and partners called for stronger territorial capacities and renewed cooperation to respond to today’s urban challenges.

[APLA @OfApla]

Eng. Ohoud Enaia, Programs and Policies Manager at the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities- APLA, moderated a session titled "From Rubble to Resilience- Housing as the Backbone of Urban Recovery in Protracted Crises" as part of the WUF13 taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, with the participation of Khan Younis Municipality and representatives from Aleppo governorate, UN-Habitat and Clima-Med.

The session highlighted the realities faced by conflict-affected cities, particularly in the Gaza Strip and Syrian cities, and addressed the challenges associated with housing loss and its impact on local governance, social cohesion, the continuity of essential services, and local economies. It also emphasized the importance of developing strategic plans for recovery and reconstruction through strengthening housing and property rights, upgrading infrastructure and services, and promoting the exchange of experiences among cities affected by crises.

Ms. Haya Al Agha, Director of Development and Investment Unit at Khan Younis Municipality, presented the key challenges facing the municipality amid the destruction caused by the war, as well as the municipality’s experience in managing response and recovery efforts. She also stressed the importance of strengthening the role of municipalities as key partners in reconstruction and sustainable urban planning efforts.

#WUF13 #WorldUrbanForum

[APLA @OfApla]

Mr. Abdalkarim Zbaidi the President of The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities- APLA, participated in a panel discussion titled “Bridging the Urban Leadership Gap- The Arab Mayors Academy as a Platform for Knowledge Sharing, Capacity Building, and Impact,” organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia @UNESCWA as part of the World Urban Forum @WUF_UNHabitat held in Baku, Azerbaijan with the participation of Arab and Palestinian leaders, experts, and specialists in sustainable urban development. 🌏

Mr. Zbaidi presented the experience of APLA in developing specialized knowledge platforms and digital training programs to support LGUs staff. He highlighted how these initiatives have helped overcome geographical and political challenges facing Palestinian municipalities by enabling remote access to training and specialized knowledge. He also emphasized the importance of documenting municipal experiences and transforming them into sustainable institutional knowledge, sharing examples such as waste management under blockade, solar-powered water supply solutions, and the continuity of municipal services under emergency conditions.

He added that “technology and knowledge platforms are no longer an educational luxury, but a lifeline for municipal work", calling for the development of learning platforms that take into account the unique challenges and crises faced by cities, and contribute to building sustainable institutional impact in the local government sector.

The session also featured the participation of Mr. Ahmed Abu Laban, Ramallah Municipality Manager, who highlighted key changes in policies, planning, and governance resulting from the municipality’s participation in the Arab Mayors Academy, as well as the impact this experience has had on its institutional development.

#WUF13 #WorldUrbanForum

[APLA @OfApla]

The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) and the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI) signed a cooperation agreement during APLA’s participation in the World Urban Forum 13. 🤝

The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in capacity building for LGU personnel and the local governance sector in Palestine, supporting municipal work and the exchange of expertise in urban development.

The agreement was signed by Eng. Abdallah Anati, Executive Director of APLA, and Dr. Anas Al-Mughairy, Director General of AUDI, in the presence of H.E. Dr. Sami Hijjawi, Minister of Local Government of Palestine, and Mr. Abdul Karim Zubaydi, President of APLA, alongside the Palestinian delegation participating in the forum.

This agreement reflects the shared commitment of both parties to strengthening cooperation and expanding partnerships that support urban development, empower LGUs, and enhance their capacities in municipal governance and sustainable development.

[APLA @OfApla]

🗣️ As part of the World Urban Forum, Abdallah Anati, Executive Director of APLA, participated as a speaker alongside representatives of local and regional governments in a panel discussion organized within the World Assembly of Local and Regional Governments WALRG.

#WorldUrbanForum #WUF13

[United Cities and Local Governments | MEWA Section @UCLGMEWAorg]

@WUF13Azerbaijan

📢World Assembly of Local and Regional Governments WALRG

Speakers from MEWA Region

🗣️Uğur İbrahim Altay, Mayor of Konya, UCLG Executive President

🗣️Ahmet Metin Genç, Mayor of Trabzon, UCLG-MEWA Co-President

🗣️Şenol Kul, Mayor of Terme

🗣️Dr. Mehmet Duman, UCLG-MEWA Secretary General

🗣️Abdallah Anati, Executive Director, Association of Palestinian Local Authorities

🗣️Mohammad Ali Shafiee: Deputy for International Affairs Municipality of Tehran

🔵The speakers highlighted the central role of multilateral collaboration in addressing housing challenges. They stressed that housing should not be seen only as shelter, but as a matter of dignity, belonging, and identity.

🟢Their interventions underscored the importance of local governments as first responders and providers of essential services to communities.

🔴Strengthening municipalities with the necessary tools, resources, and opportunities for cooperation was presented as key to enabling them to work more effectively and to build resilience through shared knowledge and partnerships across the world.

🟠This collective perspective from MEWA leaders reinforced the idea that empowering local governments is fundamental to ensuring inclusive housing solutions and advancing global collaboration.

#WorldUrbanForum

[APLA @OfApla]

APLA Signs New Cooperation Agreement under the “Catalan–Palestinian Municipal Initiative, District 11: Cities of Palestine” 🤝 ✨

The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities- APLA has signed a new cooperation agreement with the Barcelona City Council under the framework of the “Catalan–Palestinian Municipal Initiative, District 11: Cities of Palestine”, as part of a trilateral partnership bringing together APLA, the Barcelona City Council, and the Barcelona Provincial Council.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Abdul Karim Zubaydi, President of APLA, and Ms. Maria Eugènia Gay Rosell, Deputy Mayor of Barcelona City Council for International Relations, in the presence of Mr. Antoni Montseny Domènech, Director of International Relations at the Barcelona Provincial Council, Mr. Abdallah Anati, Executive Director of APLA, along with representatives and staff members from both APLA and the Barcelona City Council.

During the signing ceremony, Mr. Abdul Karim Zubaydi expressed his appreciation for Spain and Catalonia for their supportive positions toward the Palestinian people, noting that such support “is not merely symbolic, but represents tangible support at both the national and local levels, particularly at a time when Palestinian LGUs are facing increasing pressure in addressing complex political, economic, and social challenges”.

He further stated that “this agreement represents a starting point toward a shared understanding that sustainable development, democratic governance, and social unity begin at the local level, and that it serves as a model for decentralized cooperation based on solidarity and shared values”.

Deputy Mayor of Barcelona City Council Ms. Maria Eugènia Gay Rosell stated that “the agreement represents a message of political support for Palestinian LGUs and reflects the Barcelona City Council’s commitment to expanding avenues of cooperation with them in Palestine in order to build pathways for joint action”. She added that this agreement opens a new chapter in Catalan–Palestinian relations.

🔸This agreement includes three main components, coordinating and organizing technical exchange between Palestinian municipalities and their counterparts in Catalonia to facilitate the transfer of expertise and knowledge in areas such as urban planning, environment, water, local economic development, and entrepreneurship; implementing a joint municipal cooperation project in Palestine aimed at improving services, facilities, and public spaces; and strengthening decentralized cooperation and municipal diplomacy through the development of municipal partnerships and twinning initiatives, the launch of a digital platform for communication and shared learning, and the organization of an annual joint solidarity week to enhance Palestinian visibility at the international level and support advocacy efforts.

#APLA #BarcelonaCityCouncil #BarcelonaProvincialCouncil #District_11 #CitiesOfPalestine

[APLA @OfApla]

▶️ Join us for an online webinar on “Community Partnerships”, as part of ongoing efforts to support the capacities of LGUs and within the framework of strengthening partnerships between LGUs and their local communities, in collaboration with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).

The webinar will be delivered by:
▪️ Michele Lieberman, Alachua County Manager, USA.
▪️ Mohammed Masalmeh, City Manager of Beit Awwa.

This webinar is organized within the framework of the “Technical Exchange Hubs” program, implemented in partnership with the Local Governance Reform Program funded by GIZ.

📅 Tuesday, 19 May 2026
🕑 14:00- 15:30 (Palestinian Time)
7:00- 8:30 AM (Eastern Time- USA)
📍 Via Zoom:
https://t.co/KUN0msBJ0D

[APLA @OfApla]

▶️ APLA will participate in the World Urban Forum 13 through a series of sessions, networking events, and international dialogues highlighting the role of Palestinian local governments in sustainable urban development, resilience, decentralized cooperation, and SDG localization.✨
📍 🌐 Meet us at #WUF13 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

🔸 Networking Event: When Housing Brings Cities Together: Local Cooperation in Practice.
- Speaker: Mr. Abdallah Anati, APLAs Executive Director.
https://t.co/pstrkiahDT

🔹 Networking Event: Addressing Internal Displacement in Devastated Cities- Should Housing and Service Provision Take Centre Stage.
- Speaker: Mr. Abdallah Anati, APLAs Executive Director.
https://t.co/erMsQnO37K

🔸 Networking Event: Bridging the Urban Leadership Gap – The Arab Mayors Academy as a Platform for Knowledge Sharing, Capacity Building and Impact.
- Speaker: Mr. Abdulkarim Zubaidi, APLAs President.
https://t.co/dpi3bqlUNX

🔹 Assembly: Local Leadership Shaping a Renewed Multilateralism
- Speaker: Mr. Abdulkarim Zubaidi, APLAs President.
https://t.co/oY4CKIGUXp

🔸 Networking Event: Bankable BRT Planning: Partner Matchmaking to Bridge the Delivery Gap (Ramallah and Al-Bireh, Palestine).
- Moderator: Mr. Ahmed Jaber, Ph.D, Senior Projects Officer at APLA.
https://t.co/tV0ycPZVq8

🔹 SDGs in Action: From Integrated Planning to Action- Project Platforms as a Tool for Decentralized Cooperation and SDGs Localization.
- Speaker: Mr. Ahmed Jaber, Ph.D, Senior Projects Officer.
https://t.co/xMCbtSugPc

🔸 WUF Campus: Localising the SDGs in Built Environment Education.
- Speaker: Mr. Ahmed Jaber, Ph.D, Senior Projects Officer at APLA.
https://t.co/dSz103NBWR

🔹 Voices from Cities: From Rubble to Resilience – Housing as the Backbone of Urban Recovery in Protracted Crises.
- Moderator: Mrs. Ohood Enaia, Programs and Policies Manager at APLA.
https://t.co/K5dUvYMQW2

We look forward to seeing you there and to connecting with you. 🤝

#WUF13 #APLA #Palestine #LocalGovernments #SDGs #UrbanDevelopment #Housing #DecentralizedCooperation #Municipalities #Resilience #Cities

[APLA @OfApla]

78 Years Since the Palestinian Nakba 🇵🇸

#Nakba #النكبة_الفلسطينية

[APLA @OfApla]

🌏 Join us at the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Azerbaijan for a networking event titled:
“When Housing Brings Cities Together: Local Cooperation in Practice”
📅 21 May 2026
🕑 14:00 - 15:30
📍 Multipurpose Room 12

@WUF_UNHabitat @MMUTurkiye @UCLGMEWAorg
#WUF13 #HousingTheWorld #Baku2026 #RoadtoBaku #APLA