In a press conference that was organized in Ramallah, Khaled Al-Qawasmi, Palestinian Minister of Local Governance, announced the launching of the First Palestinian Urban Forum which is scheduled to be held between March 27^th and 29^th at An-Najah University.

The Forum is administered and directed by the Palestinian Ministry of Local Governance, the United Nations Agency for Human Settlements and An-Najah University. The Forum’s committees are made of members in the related national and local institutions, Palestinian universities, and the institutions of the civil society and the private sector.

Those are the organizing committee while the scientific committee consists of the academic experts and it is mainly responsible of the scientific materials of the Forum.

He also mentioned that the Forum comes in line with the preparations that are begin made for the World Congress on Cities which will be held in Naples, Italy. He explained that the Ministry of Local Governance will manage the Forum due to its experience and authorities in the field of urban planning and organization as well as its role in supporting the local bodies in setting the policies and strategies for urban and local development.

The anticipated Forum aims to reinforce general dialogue regarding the current situation in Palestine, shed light on the challenges and problems that urban development faces, discuss the roles and responsibilities of the concerned bodies with respect to the planning process, and finally provide the opportunity for the participants to exchange expertise and ideas.

Prof. Maher Abu Eid, Vice President for Academic Affairs at An-Najah, pointed out that the University has hosted and organized many conferences and meetings in various fields and emphasized the fact that An-Najah gives substantial attention to the issue of urban planning and development through its Master programs in urban and regional planning, transportation and highway engineering, as well as water and energy engineering. Moreover, he said the University offers a Bachelor degree in Urban Planning Engineering which is considered the only one of its kind in Palestine.

Furthermore, Prof. Abu Eid mentioned that An-Najah has worked on reinforcing its cooperation with other institutions and organizations working in the field of urban planning and development. Philippe de Kort, General Coordinator of the United Nations Agency for Human Settlements, said the Palestinians are taking the issue of urban settlements seriously to transform the country into urban communities.

The 3-day Forum will be held at Prince Turki Bin Abdul Aziz Theater at An-Najah’s New Campus and will consist of several sessions and meetings to discuss the issue of urban planning and development.

For further information about the Forum please refer to this link: www.unhabitat.ps/puf