Palestinian Local Authorities Union Visits “Makani” Innovation Hub, Emphasizes the Importance of Experience Exchange Between Municipalities
The Mayor of Ramallah, Issa Qassis, received a delegation from the Palestinian Local Authorities Union (PLAU) at the Municipality’s “Makani” Innovation Hub. The delegation was headed by Abdul Karim Al-Zubaidi, President of the Union, and included Abdullah Anati, Executive Director of the Union; Nadeen Nakhleh, Advocacy and Communications Officer; Ahood Inaya, Director of Programs and Policies; and Abdel Moneim Afana, Head of the Technical and Legal Support Unit.
The delegation was welcomed by Ahmad Abu Laban, Director General of Ramallah Municipality; Maram Tottah, Director of the Communications Department; Irene Saadeh, Director of the Sustainable Development and International Cooperation Department; and Majd Shabaneh, Programs Manager at Makani Innovation Hub.
During the visit, the delegation was introduced to Makani’s experience in supporting innovation and youth-led initiatives, and the role the hub plays in enhancing youth participation in municipal work and developing creative solutions to serve the local community. The meeting also addressed key challenges facing Palestinian municipalities in the areas of local development and service delivery, emphasizing the importance of strengthening cooperation and coordination between the Union and municipalities to address these challenges effectively.
Mayor Qassis expressed his pleasure in hosting the Union’s delegation, affirming that Ramallah Municipality, through Makani Innovation Hub, seeks to support youth ideas and transform them into development projects that serve the local community. He stressed the importance of exchanging expertise and transferring successful experiences among Palestinian municipalities to improve performance and service delivery.
For his part, Al-Zubaidi emphasized that pioneering initiatives such as Makani Innovation Hub represent an inspiring model that can be replicated in other municipalities, contributing to enhanced youth participation in local decision-making and the development of more sustainable and innovative cities.
At the conclusion of the visit, both sides expressed their commitment to continuing cooperation and networking between the Union and municipalities to strengthen local development and advance entrepreneurial initiatives across Palestinian cities.
