Minister Attari further highlighted that Rebuilding Futures is a response to the current unemployment crisis, as well as, a proactive step towards building a robust and inclusive labor market. By investing in diverse sectors, the initiative aims to equip Palestinian workers with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in an evolving economy. She reiterated the Ministry of Labor’s commitment to fostering partnerships that prioritize sustainable development and called upon international donors to join in expanding this critical effort.

During the launch of the initiative, Volker Oel, Director for the Middle East at the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, emphasized the need to strengthen the Palestinian economy. “During my visit to the West Bank, I have met with well skilled people willing to work hard to make a living. What is needed are opportunities to do so. Sustainable economic development is at the heart of German Cooperation with Palestine. We are proud to be the first donor to contribute to this important initiative.”

The first project of the German contribution will be implemented by the UNDP through the Investment Programme for Resilience (IPR). The programme focuses on enhancing economic opportunities - particularly for women -, strengthening access to gender-responsive social services, and fostering social cohesion in marginalized communities across Palestine. It is expected to create at least 1,235 employment opportunities, while provision of social services will directly benefit 33,000 people. Haoliang Xu, UN UnderSecretary-General and UNDP Associate Administrator emphasized the critical need for inclusive socio-economic development, stating “We have a responsibility to address rising unemployment while advancing gender equality by empowering women as leaders in resilience-building. Today’s agreement reaffirms our commitment to addressing immediate needs and building a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous future for all Palestinians.”

This position was also confirmed by Amal Khatib, Deputy Director for Operations at UNRWA WBFO. UNRWA will implement the second project under the German contribution. UNRWA plans to create up to 6,600 temporary employment opportunities across the West Bank, with a focus on 19 refugee camps. These jobs will be created through maintenance and infrastructure measures. Nearly 150,000 refugees will benefit from improved infrastructure, e.g. schools and health centers. The project will also offer training opportunities for Palestine refugee women. Young Technical and Vocational Education and Training graduates will receive on-the-job training opportunities to support their long-term employability on the job market.