Conclusion of the "Youth Protection and Civic Engagement" Programme Projects Highlights the Importance of Youth Empowerment and Civic Participation
Ramallah – Mr. Taha Al-Irani, Deputy Minister of Social Development, affirmed that strengthening youth protection, empowering young people, and expanding their civic participation are fundamental pillars of community development and resilience. He emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces that enable young people to express their concerns and actively contribute to the development of their communities and the shaping of their future.
His remarks came during his participation yesterday in the closing ceremony of three projects implemented under the Youth Protection and Civic Engagement Programme, in partnership with the Belgian Development Agency (Enabel). The event was attended by representatives of the Belgian Consulate, partner institutions, implementing organizations, and a number of participating young people. Representing the Ministry of Social Development were Mr. Mahdi Hamdan, Advisor to the Minister for Relief Affairs, along with representatives from the General Directorate of Planning and Projects, the General Directorate of Child Affairs, the General Directorate of Women's Affairs, and the General Directorate of Associations, in addition to representatives of civil society organizations and partner associations.
In his remarks, Mr. Al-Irani emphasized that the programme’s achievements demonstrate the value of partnership between government institutions, international partners, and civil society organizations. He noted that the Ministry remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote youth protection, empowerment, and civic engagement while providing young people with a safe environment in which they can develop their capacities and play an active role in serving their communities.
He also expressed appreciation for the support provided by the Belgian Development Agency and for the continued partnership in implementing programmes and projects that promote the rights, protection, and empowerment of young people in line with national priorities and the needs of Palestinian youth.
The event marked the culmination of three years of joint efforts under the Youth Protection and Civic Engagement Programme, implemented through a partnership between the Belgian Development Agency, several ministries, national institutions, and civil society organizations. The programme aimed to strengthen the protection of Palestinian youth, enhance their meaningful participation in society, and expand their engagement in both digital and public spaces.
The programme focused on three main thematic areas: digital rights, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), and protection from gender-based violence (GBV). More than 7,800 young women and men from across the Palestinian governorates benefited from the programme, including university students, journalists, social media influencers, digital entrepreneurs, human rights advocates, mental health and psychosocial support service providers, youth leaders, and persons with disabilities.
The programme also provided a platform for strengthening youth leadership and civic participation through a wide range of awareness-raising, advocacy, and community dialogue initiatives. These activities promoted the values of protection, equality, and social justice while empowering young people to voice their concerns, articulate their priorities, and contribute to shaping their future.
In addition, the implemented projects included specialized interventions in the fields of mental health and psychosocial support, improved access to protection services, prevention and response to gender-based violence, promotion of digital safety and awareness of digital rights, and capacity-building in advocacy and community leadership.
Partner organizations highlighted the Ministry of Social Development’s role as the programme’s national governmental partner, recognizing its leadership in the areas of protection, care, rehabilitation, and empowerment, as well as its coordination and follow-up efforts to ensure that interventions reached the intended beneficiaries and complemented the work of all partners.
At the conclusion of the event, participants emphasized the importance of building on the programme’s achievements and ensuring the sustainability of its outcomes by further strengthening youth participation in development processes and decision-making, thereby contributing to a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient society.