Media coverage
Quds Net · 2019-03-31
PalThink held a closing conference simultaneously in Gaza and Ramallah via video conference for the project “Enhancing Cooperation Among Palestinian Community Organisations for Building the Palestinian State,” with the participation of civil society representatives, activists, and researchers. The conference reviewed the project’s role in strengthening partnership among 34 institutions from the West Bank, Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, implementing 17 initiatives, and drafting policy papers, while also discussing cooperation between civil society organisations and decision-makers and the legal and organisational challenges they face. Participants recommended ending the Palestinian division, expanding joint work and coordination between the northern and southern governorates, and enabling civil society organisations to access information in order to serve Palestinian society’s priorities.
PalThink held a closing conference simultaneously in Gaza and Ramallah via video conference for the project “Enhancing Cooperation Among Palestinian Community Organisations for Building the Palestinian State,” with the participation of civil society representatives, activists, and researchers. The…
PalThink held a closing conference simultaneously in the cities of Gaza and Ramallah via video conference for the project "Enhancing Cooperation among Palestinian Local Community Organizations for the Building of the Palestinian State," which aims to strengthen work and interaction among civil society organizations at the national level and enable them to confront and address the repercussions of the division through the implementation of joint activities and events that contribute to finding solutions to the challenges and issues facing Palestinian society and to presenting scientific visions and policy proposals that support the efforts of the Palestinian National Authority in building the Palestinian state.
The conference was opened by Mr. Omar Shaban, Director of PalThink Foundation, who affirmed that civil society has always been and remains supportive of Palestinian society, and that civil society organizations are always ready to provide visions and recommendations to decision-makers, who in turn appreciate the role and impact of civil society organizations. Shaban also highlighted the success of the project "Enhancing Cooperation among Local Community Organizations," which lasted for 9 months, noting that there will be future efforts aimed at strengthening and developing relations among civil society organizations.
For her part, Sally Al-Sammak, the project coordinator, presented a summary of the project’s role in strengthening relations among civil society organizations in the northern and southern governorates, noting the joint work of 34 organizations in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip within this project. These organizations worked together to implement 17 initiatives and draft policy papers addressing some societal issues and offering practical recommendations. Among the project’s most prominent achievements is that some of the partner organizations developed plans for projects and initiatives among themselves for the coming phases, thus continuing cooperative work and genuine partnership among the organizations. Al-Sammak noted that PalThink is working to develop further efforts that serve cooperation and the building of relationships and trust among civil society organizations in service of the Palestinian national interest.
Speakers from partner organizations participated in the conference during two sessions in which several themes were addressed, including some topics concerning all civil society organizations in general, as well as the experience of the organizations within this project in particular. The first session included two main themes, the first of which was cooperation and partnership among civil society organizations in the northern and southern Palestinian governorates. Participating in it was Mr. Jamil Al-Darbashi from the Palestinian Center for Communication and Development Policies in Hebron, who pointed out that the division had weakened interaction among civil society organizations, and that organizations must strive to overcome the division and cooperate according to unified goals that bring about change at all levels. He added that civil society organizations should give greater attention to networking and joining international institutions and networks.
In the same context, Ms. Ihsan Awad from Bunyan Association in Khan Younis spoke about the project’s role in creating genuine partnerships between organizations in the West Bank and Gaza, emphasizing the importance of providing the resources and possible capacities to maintain communication and work among organizations in Gaza and the West Bank and to continue challenging difficulties and obstacles.
As for the second theme, it addressed the societal dimension of partnership among organizations in the northern and southern governorates and its impact on segments of society. Speaking on this was Ms. Maali Abu Mousa, a women’s rights activist from the Palestinian Working Woman Society for Development in Tulkarm, who discussed the project’s role in providing the opportunity to think about the needs of individuals in the West Bank and Gaza in order to reflect them in practical projects that serve society as a whole and within a strategic vision. Mr. Hatem Abu Taha from the United Cultural and Social Association in Rafah also spoke about the societal and developmental role of civil society organizations, their governmental coordination role in working with the authorities to serve society, and the need for continued cooperation between organizations in Gaza and the West Bank, especially since civil society is the only open door under the current circumstances for bringing about change and societal reconciliation.
In the second session, the focus was on two themes. The first was titled the forms of cooperation between civil society organizations and decision-makers. Participating in it was Dr. Omar Rahhal from the SHAMS Center for Human Rights and Democracy Media in Ramallah, who spoke about the necessity of having a legal environment that regulates the relationship between civil society organizations and decision-makers and that is supportive of them, as well as providing civil society organizations with access to information. Also participating was Mr. Abdel Moneim Al-Tahrawi from the Palestinian Center for Democracy and Conflict Resolution in Gaza, who stressed that there is a need for a clear vision among civil society organizations to define and regulate the relationship with the various segments of Palestinian society and with decision-makers. He also emphasized the need to strengthen the relationship between the authorities and civil society, and the necessity of facilitating and lifting restrictions on civil society and empowering it.
As for the second theme, it addressed the obstacles and challenges facing community action organizations and their impact on the efficiency of their work. Speaking on this topic was Mr. Kayed Mi’ari from the Witness Center for Citizen Rights and Community Development in Nablus, who noted that Palestinian civil society is strong and highly productive, but it faces some laws that hinder its work. There is also a need for activities between organizations in the West Bank and Gaza to be sustainable and ongoing, as efforts do not necessarily have to be large-scale and require a third-party intermediary to provide funding, but rather small efforts with sustainable impact.
For her part, Ms. Rose Al-Masri from Amjad Association for Creativity and Community Development in Gaza also spoke, stressing the need for a comprehensive review of the laws issued in relation to the work of civil society organizations in the West Bank and Gaza, and for the continuation and expansion of joint work among civil society organizations.
The attendees, who included representatives of civil society organizations, community activists, researchers, and relevant stakeholders, participated actively in the discussion during the two sessions. The attendees praised the importance of this project, which received broad societal support because it strengthens cooperation among civil society organizations and contributes to bridging the gap resulting from the internal Palestinian division. They affirmed that all organizations should follow and continue these steps toward permanent cooperation and partnership among civil society organizations at the national level, in order to unify visions and priorities between the Palestinian civil and official sectors.
The speakers and attendees recommended the necessity of ending the Palestinian division, continuing and expanding joint work among civil society organizations, coordinating together in the northern and southern governorates, and providing civil society organizations with access to information in order to build efforts that serve the needs and priorities of Palestinian society.
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