MoSD & the Palestinian Media Development Network Sign Cooperation Agreement to Promote Empowerment and Community Development

Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development and Minister of State for Relief Affairs, and Dr. Yousef Al-Karnaz, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Palestinian Media Development Network, signed a cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening partnership in the fields of media training, capacity development, and community empowerment. The agreement seeks to support targeted groups and enhance their active participation in society.

The agreement comes within the Ministry’s efforts to expand its network of partnerships with civil society organizations and national media institutions in support of social development objectives and to enhance opportunities for the economic and social empowerment of youth, women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups.

Under the agreement, the two parties will implement joint training and capacity-building programs targeting Palestinian youth, media students and graduates, and young journalists. These initiatives aim to strengthen professional skills, improve employability, and promote meaningful community engagement.

The agreement also includes the organization of workshops, awareness sessions, and specialized conferences, in addition to capacity-building programs designed to improve access to training opportunities for the most vulnerable groups, with a particular focus on empowering women and persons with disabilities and expanding their participation in social and media-related fields.

Dr. Samah Hamad emphasized that the agreement reflects the importance of collaborative action between government institutions and civil society organizations. She noted that the Ministry places special emphasis on expanding empowerment and capacity-development opportunities for marginalized groups, strengthening their capabilities, promoting sustainable social development, and reinforcing social cohesion.

For his part, Dr. Yousef Al-Karnaz stated that the agreement represents an important step toward developing high-quality programs that contribute to youth empowerment and strengthen the role of media in advancing community development issues, thereby generating a positive and sustainable impact on Palestinian society.

The signing ceremony was attended on behalf of the Ministry of Social Development by Mr. Akram Al-Hafi, Assistant Deputy Minister for Social Care and Development; Mr. Mohammad Amarna, Director of the Economic Empowerment Department; Ms. Sally Baroud; and members of the Ministry’s media team, including Mr. Qais Yassin and Ms. Ghadeer Jawabra.

Representing the Palestinian Media Development Network were Ms. Wisal Abu Alia, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors; Ms. Walaa Asfour, Board Secretary and Member of the Board; and Mr. Samer Awad from the media team.

The agreement reaffirms both parties’ commitment to strengthening cooperation and developing initiatives and programs that contribute to building a more inclusive, equitable, and participatory society, while supporting empowerment and sustainable development efforts for the most vulnerable groups within Palestinian society.