UNDP, UNHABITAT work with donors on planning efforts in Palestine – UNDP press release

Press Release

Ministry of Planning with UNDP and UNHABITAT discuss with
 Donors Palestinian National Spatial Planning

Ramallah – 04 November 2013 – The Ministry of Planning and Administrative Development in partnership with UNDP’s Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People and UNHABITAT organized a donor meeting on Monday 04 November 2013 to discuss the National Spatial Planning Programme and the additional resources needed for further implementation.

The Programme aims at supporting the formulation of a National Spatial Plan (NSP) for the State of Palestine by providing a holistic guide to planning efforts in Area C, East Jerusalem, Gaza, and the rest of the West Bank.

Minister of Planning, Mohammad Abu Ramadan emphasized that the Palestinian National Spatial Plan is one of the national priorities for the Palestinian Government and is essential for state building. “UNDP and UN-Habitat have shown great commitment to continue their joint support, each in their respective areas of technical competence, to help make this national priority an actual body that serves our Palestinian State”, H.E. added.

The NSP formulation process, coordinated by the Ministry of Planning and Administrative Development, is set up in a broad multi-sectoral framework, gathering ministries, municipalities, CSO’s and private sector to ensure a genuine participatory dialogue. The NSP will address a multitude of sectors including the economy, education, environment, infrastructure, urban development, agriculture, cultural heritage, transportation and others.

During his speech, UNDP Special Representative of the Administrator, Frode Mauring, stressed on the need for spatial planning to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life. “Spatial planning in the Palestinian context presents an opportunity to agree how best to use incentives to drive change and unleash social and economic development. UNDP and UNHABITAT will bring their specialized experiences and field presence to support the Palestinian Government in tackling a critical need”.

Fiona McCluney, Head of UN-Habitat highlighted the current partnership between the different UN agencies and the State of Palestine and the importance of this programme at the current State building stage. She also added that UNHABITAT’s programme focuses on capacitating Palestinian institutions on spatial planning and housing through policy strategies and capital investment projects.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of planning, also included a presentation by Spatial Planning project manager Ahmad Saleh who explained about the progress and achievements so far and the support still needed for further implementation.

With a long-term plan up to the year 2025, and a 2050 vision, the Palestinian National Spatial Planning programme will also look into various planning scenarios based upon the situation on the ground and what may develop through negotiations.

For further information, please contact:

Dania Darwish, Communications Specialist, Tel. +972-2-6268229