MoSD Discusses Support for Social Protection Programs in Palestine with Qatari Minister of International Cooperation through the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty
Ramallah – Minister of Social Development, Dr. Samah Hamad, today discussed with Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, ways to enhance joint cooperation to support high-impact pre-arranged plans within the framework of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.
This came during a meeting held at the Ministry of Social Development via video conference (Zoom), with the participation of representatives of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, and in the presence of a number of the Ministry’s staff.
Participating on behalf of the Ministry were Director General of Planning Sonia Al-Hello, Assistant Undersecretary for Family Care and Protection Akram Al-Hafi, Assistant Undersecretary for Community Partnership and National Referral Khuloud Abdel Khaleq, Assistant Undersecretary for Administrative Development and Planning Ashraf Al-Barghouthi, in addition to Du’a Wadi, Advisor to the Minister.
During the meeting, Minister Dr. Samah Hamad emphasized that the Palestinian government, through the Ministry of Social Development, is working to develop and implement comprehensive national social protection programs targeting the most vulnerable groups in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, including children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, as well as women, through an integrated package of social services that address the basic needs of the most affected groups.
She explained that these interventions are based on the Unified Social Registry, which aims to ensure that assistance reaches those entitled to it in a fair and transparent manner, prevent duplication of support, and enhance the efficiency of the national social protection system.
For her part, Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, affirmed the State of Qatar’s commitment to continuing its support for the Palestinian people, stressing the importance of obtaining a detailed overview of the proposed programs and their implementation mechanisms to ensure the effectiveness of interventions and that support reaches its rightful beneficiaries.
Dr. Al-Misnad also noted Qatar’s keenness to explore ways to contribute to supporting these programs, in coordination with the Palestinian government, emphasizing the importance of clear implementation mechanisms, particularly in light of the ongoing humanitarian and economic challenges facing the Palestinian people.
Representatives of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty explained that the Alliance’s role is limited to facilitating dialogue and coordination among partner countries and providing a platform that brings together governments and donors, without interfering in program management or implementation mechanisms.
They also stressed the importance of implementing these programs within a national framework led by the Palestinian government, in a manner that contributes to linking humanitarian and development efforts, strengthening national systems and social institutions, and ensuring the sustainability of interventions in the medium and long term.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to continue communication and coordination during the coming period, complete technical consultations, and explore ways for the State of Qatar to contribute to supporting Palestinian social protection programs, in a way that helps alleviate humanitarian and economic burdens on citizens and enhances the resilience of the Palestinian people under the current circumstances.