MoSD Holds the Fifth Steering Committee Meeting of the Youth Protection and Civic Engagement Programme in Partnership with the Belgian Development Agency
Ramallah – The Ministry of Social Development convened today the fifth Steering Committee meeting of the Youth Protection and Civic Engagement Programme, implemented in partnership with the Belgian Development Agency (Enabel). The meeting was attended by Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs; Mr. Rassem Swan, National Strategic Advisor at Enabel; and representatives of government institutions, civil society organizations, and partner organizations involved in the implementation of the programme.
Opening the meeting, Dr. Hamad highlighted the importance of the strategic partnership with the Belgian Government and the Belgian Development Agency, expressing appreciation for their continued support to the Palestinian people amid escalating humanitarian and social challenges. She emphasized that the meeting provided an important opportunity to review progress achieved under the programme, discuss priorities for the next phase, and strengthen mechanisms for joint cooperation.
The Minister reviewed the difficult humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the profound humanitarian, social, and psychological consequences of the war on children, youth, women, and Palestinian families, as well as the growing challenges facing Palestinian communities in the West Bank. She stressed the importance of strengthening the national social protection system and enhancing its capacity to respond to increasing needs.
Dr. Hamad also emphasized the importance of advancing national social protection systems and accelerating digital transformation efforts, including the National Social Registry, given its role in improving targeting mechanisms, unifying data systems, strengthening coordination among partners, and reducing duplication in the provision of services and assistance.
For his part, Mr. Rassem Swan, National Strategic Advisor at Enabel, reaffirmed the importance of the ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Social Development and highlighted the Agency’s commitment to continuing its support for national efforts aimed at protecting and empowering youth, expanding their civic engagement, and building on the achievements realized in recent years.
During the meeting, Project Manager Mr. Hani Al-Deek presented progress achieved under the Youth Protection and Civic Engagement Programme, highlighting key results in the areas of youth protection, mental health and psychosocial support, prevention of and response to gender-based violence, civic engagement, and updates on programme implementation and existing partnerships.
Participants also reviewed the programme portfolio and future work plans, including proposals to extend the programme through the end of 2028 and proposed adjustments to interventions in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank in response to evolving circumstances and increasing needs on the ground.
The Minister stressed the importance of strengthening field-level coordination with Ministry teams, particularly regarding interventions related to child and youth protection, mental health and psychosocial support, and gender-based violence, in order to ensure complementarity of efforts and avoid duplication of services and interventions.
In the context of discussions on proposed interventions in Hebron Governorate, Dr. Hamad addressed the issue of youth protection and service centers, emphasizing that any initiative to establish or support new centers should be based on a clear assessment of existing needs and service gaps and should align with national priorities. She further noted the existence of a functioning center in Hebron that could be further utilized and strengthened, stressing the importance of harmonizing efforts among partners and directing resources in a manner that promotes service integration, avoids duplication and overlap, ensures efficient use of resources, and maximizes benefits for target groups.
Participants also discussed growing needs in the northern West Bank, particularly in the field of child and youth protection, emphasizing the importance of directing interventions based on needs assessments and identified service gaps.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants agreed to strengthen coordination and joint planning between the Ministry and partner organizations. The Ministry of Social Development and the Belgian Development Agency reaffirmed their commitment to continuing cooperation in support of Palestinian youth and to strengthening social protection services, mental health support, and civic participation initiatives.