Report: "Review of the National Policy Agenda 2017/2022"

The workshop was part of the mutual project "Strengthening the role of civil society on influencing the national and sectorial policies". Dr. Bashir Al-Rais, head of the "Reform and Policy Unit" at the Prime Minister’s Office, spoke to representatives of civil society organizations via Skype from Ramallah about the interest of Prime minister, Dr. Rami Hamdallah, for involving the Gaza Strip in the national agenda.

Mr. Mahmoud Ataya, Director General of the "Reform and Policy Unit" at the Prime Minister’s Office, spoke in detail about the national agenda, which focuses on the citizen. Four priorities were set in the agenda: Freedom and independence; Equality and justice; Prosperity and development; Improvement of public services; as well as environment and its sustainability. Moreover, Mr. Ataya elaborated on the objectives of the Prime Minister’s office. Ending the Israeli occupation, achieving national unity, and strengthening the status of the state of Palestine in the world community are thus at the heart of the political agenda. In the area of ​​administrative reform, he explained that the focus was on the efficiency and effectiveness of the management of public resources, as well as promotion of accountability and transparency. Furthermore, the national agenda would contain the objective of sustainable development of the Palestinian economy that includes reducing the unemployment and poverty rates; the realization of social justice; strengthening of youth; and raising the quality of education and health levels.

The aim of the workshop was to raise the voice of civil society. A lively discussion between the speaker and invited guests from civil society and journalists ensued. Many questions were asked about the timing of the implementation of the national agenda in the Gaza Strip, as well as the promotion of the Gaza economy, or the beginning of the construction of a seaport.