Center of Continuing Education Offers Local Economic Development Program

Birzeit University’s Center of Continuing Education launched on August 10, 2016 a program for improving local economies and enhancing competitiveness among municipalities. The program is funded by the Municipal Development and Lending Fund and the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG).

University president Abdullatif Abuhijleh, general manager of the Municipal Development and Lending Fund Tawfiq Budeiri, the manager of VNG in Palestine Nasser Sheikh Ali, and the director of the Center of Continuing Education Marwan Tarazi attended the launching ceremony.

Tarazi pointed out that local economic development represents the effort expended by a community to improve economic conditions - and hence the quality of life -  by building up local capacity for effective planning and strategic implementation, especially in economic and innovative projects.

Abuhijleh underscored the importance of coordination and integration between all sectors to achieve a wise development planning and solid implementation programs. He pointed out that through the Center of Continuing Education and its joint programs with local and international partners, it encourages an inclusive developmental approach in planning and delivery of local services and thereby achieving the best quality of life for Palestinians.

Budeiri said that the Municipal Development and Lending Fund offers programs that empower local governments and municipal capacities to offer the best services for the public.

Sheikh Ali reaffirmed the VNG’s goal of supporting and contributing to the development of local governance in Palestine through various programs that build up economic capacities and create better conditions for economic growth and employment generations.