During the World Urban Forum 12 (WUF12) in Cairo, the EU-funded regional project Clima-Med had the honor of co-organizing a powerful and moving session with Cities Alliance – UNOPS titled “Empowering Palestinian Cities: Local Leadership for Inclusive Development.”

This session brought together a diverse group of key actors, including the Palestinian Minister of Local Governance, the mayors of Ramallah and Salfeet, representatives from the Abassan al-Kabira and Khan Younis municipalities in Gaza, South African civil society leaders, and members of the Ministry of Local Governance.

The focus was on addressing urgent urban challenges and identifying actionable strategies for resilient and inclusive development. Topics discussed included the profound difficulties of managing cities under the strain of occupation, where economic dependency, territorial fragmentation, and severe movement restrictions create significant obstacles, as well as the devastating destruction currently faced in Gaza.

Despite these challenges, the discussions highlighted the resilience and expertise of both Palestinian national and local authorities and civil society. It became evident that, although the circumstances are dire, Palestinians are active agents of change with well-established technical and planning capabilities. Their efforts to unite diverse stakeholders, including South African civil society and international NGOs, reflect a strong commitment to rebuilding their cities and communities.

The session also showcased various ongoing initiatives in Palestine, including urban planning and climate adaptation strategies, gender-inclusive projects, and heritage preservation efforts. These initiatives demonstrate the determination of Palestinian leaders and citizens to confront challenges, rebuild their cities, and preserve their culture for future generations. As the mayor of Ramallah powerfully reminded the audience, “Even in the darkest times, hope must endure. We must push back against political rhetoric that spreads division and instead focus on what unites us—building connections across cultures and communities.”

The interaction with prominent audience members reflected support and a willingness to participate in future reconstruction and peace efforts.