Finnish Representation in Palestine and SADA News Center Sign Cooperation Agreement to Implement Peacebuilding Academy Project in Five Governorates in Northern West Bank

Sada News - The Finnish Representation in the State of Palestine and the SADA News Center for Citizen Rights and Community Development signed a cooperation agreement to implement the Peacebuilding Academy project: Empowering Youth & Women Leaders in Peace Youth Labs & Elected Youth Councils – North West Bank, in the presence of Her Excellency the Finnish Ambassador to the State of Palestine, Ambassador Tarja Kangaskorte, and the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of SADA News Center, Mr. Saad Joudeh.

The signing ceremony took place in the city of Nablus in the presence of the Finnish representation team, Finnish Representation Project Manager Lara Ghaoui, and members of the Board of Directors of SADA News Center Yasmin Shamlawi and Ghazi Murtaja, as well as the Director of the Kashif platform Riham Abu Aita and the center’s executive team and volunteers, alongside members of the Youth National Council in Nablus Governorate.

The project aims to enhance the role of youth and women in community participation and civic leadership, building community peace by developing their capabilities and leadership skills, and enhancing their participation in community initiatives and dialogue and cooperation among various components of society.

The project will be implemented in five governorates in northern West Bank including Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Tubas, providing opportunities for young men and women to participate in training programs, community activities, and local initiatives that contribute to strengthening community cohesion and solidifying the values of dialogue and active citizenship.

During the signing ceremony, the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of SADA News Center, Saad Joudeh, affirmed that this agreement represents an important step towards expanding the horizons of international cooperation supporting Palestinian youth and enhancing the opportunities available for them to participate actively in serving their communities and contribute to achieving sustainable development.

For his part, the Executive Director of SADA News Center, Ahmad Jarouchah, stated that the project comes in harmony with the center's vision in empowering youth and women and enhancing their roles as effective partners in community development, noting that this partnership will contribute to building the capacities of a new generation of young leaders capable of creating a positive and sustainable impact in their local communities, and enhancing the culture of participation, dialogue, and joint action.

For her part, Her Excellency the Finnish Ambassador, Ambassador Tarja Kangaskorte, expressed her happiness at the signing of the agreement, reaffirming Finland's commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance the participation of youth and women, enabling them to play a larger role in their communities, and saying: We believe that youth and women have a central role in building strong and sustainable communities. We are pleased to cooperate with SADA News Center to support initiatives that open opportunities for youth to participate, learn, and lead, enhancing the values of dialogue, cooperation, community participation, and peacebuilding.