AL-BIREH / PNN/

The Palestinian Environment Quality Authority convened a meeting of the Environmental Sector Working Group on Sunday to review environmental conditions and coordinate priorities among government bodies and international partners.

The meeting, chaired by Environment Quality Authority head Zaghloul Samhan, brought together representatives of the European Union, which serves as deputy chair, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as technical adviser, alongside members from governmental and international institutions.

Samhan stressed the need for integrated approaches to address environmental challenges in Palestine, describing them as cross-cutting issues that require coordinated action across sectors. He said the next phase would focus on strengthening strategic leadership and expanding the roles of group members to support national environmental goals.

He also highlighted the importance of partnerships with international actors, including the EU and UNDP, noting their role in advancing the group’s work and supporting projects at the governmental level. Samhan added that efforts would continue to broaden cooperation with the private sector, civil society and youth, as part of plans to develop a national environmental programme in coordination with the United Nations Environment Programme.

The meeting also addressed digital transformation as a key future priority, with officials pointing to planned cooperation with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) to develop a digital strategy aimed at improving governance and institutional performance in the environmental sector.

Montse Pantaleoni, head of economic development, water and energy at the EU Representative Office in Jerusalem, emphasized the need for stronger coordination and clearer priorities amid ongoing challenges. She called for greater integration between water, energy, food and environmental sectors, as well as sustainable solutions, including renewable energy and support for agricultural value chains.

UNDP’s resident representative, Yako Selier, pointed to progress in environmental reform and legislation, as well as efforts to secure funding from international climate mechanisms, including adaptation and loss and damage funds. He also highlighted the environmental situation in Gaza, describing it as a complex humanitarian and environmental crisis requiring urgent and coordinated action.

During the meeting, the Environment Quality Authority presented an overview of its recent activities, including the development of environmental impact assessment systems, thousands of inspection visits, handling environmental complaints, and preparing national biodiversity reports. It also outlined its priorities for 2026–2027, including climate action initiatives.

Participants concluded by underscoring the importance of continued coordination and joint efforts to strengthen institutional readiness in addressing environmental challenges and advancing sustainable development goals.