On 15th and 16th of March 2017, the first National Conference for Local Economic Development in Palestine took place in Ramallah. This conference was organized by the Ministry of Local Government in partnership with MDLF, UNDP, the Belgian Development Agency, DANIDA, and VNG.

Next to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Local Government and Minister of National Economy, mayors and councillors from cities and villages across Palestine, LED officers and experts in the field, and the private sector, also representatives from different partnering countries (such as South Africa, Slovenia, Italy, etc.) attended the Conference.

The conference covered four main topics: Local, Regional and International LED Experiences; Legal Environment for Local Economic Development; Sources of financing for LED initiatives; and Integrated public/private roles and responsibilities to achieve sustainable Local Economic Development. In addition there were also specialized sessions in which a more in-depth view is given on for example public-private partnerships; investment in renewable energy and solid waste; and international best practices.  

The main message of the Conference was that promoting the local economic dynamics and initiatives taken in each locality is essential for the integral development of the Palestinian territory. The Palestinian economy will be the product of local economic initiatives. This makes it clear that in each city, village or community, the local administration needs to work together with the private sector (the social and economic entrepreneurs) in order to promote the development of enterprises and to establish an enabling entrepreneurial environment. Local Economic Development is not only aiming to employ the youth and bring more revenues to the families, but also to enrich the territory and its inhabitants as a whole.  

BTC supported the Conference since the brainstorm phase. Aside from financial support also an infographic that explains the key ideas of Local Economic Development was developed by BTC. The short movie can be found here. In the aftermath of the Conference BTC will support a special edition of the Middle East Business Magazine that will be dedicated to the Conference. The magazine will include among others the papers presented in the Conference, related articles on the different pillars of LED, and interviews with the Minister of Local Government and the Minister of National Economy. This special edition will be distributed to all stakeholders related to Local Economic Development.