ILO and Al-Quds University pledge to empower Palestinian youth through innovative cooperative models

Ramallah, the Occupied Palestinian Territory (ILO News) – Under the patronage of Her Excellency Dr Enas Attari, Palestinian Minister of Labour, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Al-Quds University have signed a strategic agreement to advance cooperative entrepreneurship among Palestinian youth. This initiative, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), in the context of the Programme “Be the Impact”, is a key component of the Cooperative Support Programme for Palestine (CSP-OPT) that aims to promote innovation, foster employment and strengthen socio-economic resilience in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).

This agreement reflects a shared commitment to equipping young Palestinians with the skills, knowledge and resources they need to establish and sustain cooperative enterprises that respond to local challenges. These cooperatives will help generate sustainable decent work opportunities in particularly in high-potential growth sectors such as healthcare, technology and renewable energy, among others.

© ILO

The agreement’s signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Labour, brought together the initiative’s key partners, including H.E. Dr Enas Attari, Minister of Labour of the Occupied Palestinian Territory; Mr Mirko Tricoli, Head of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation in Jerusalem; Ms Rasha El-Shurafa, Officer-in-Charge of the ILO Representative Office in Jerusalem; and Dr Imad Abu Kishek, President of Al-Quds University.

In her opening remarks, the Minister of Labour emphasized the role that cooperatives play in reducing youth unemployment and advancing economic stability in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. “Cooperatives are an essential driver of inclusive growth,” said H.E. Dr Enas Attari. “By investing in youth-led innovation, we are paving the way for sustainable employment opportunities and stronger communities.”

Mr. Mirko Tricoli, Head of AICS Jerusalem, affirmed the critical importance of initiatives that drive economic development in the Palestinian Territories. He emphasized that cultivating robust partnerships among diverse stakeholders is not only essential but also a central priority of Italian External Action, reflecting Italy's commitment to fostering sustainable progress in the region. “Through this partnership, we aim to empower young entrepreneurs with the resources, skills, and mentorship needed to build successful and impactful businesses.”

Dr Imad Abu Kishek, President of Al-Quds University, highlighted the importance of this partnership for fostering sustainable change. “This initiative aligns with our commitment to equip students with the practical skills and opportunities to lead change,” he noted. “Together with the ILO and AICS, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient and dynamic cooperative sector in Palestine."

Ms Rasha El-Shurafa, ILO Officer-in-Charge in Jerusalem, highlighted the ILO’s commitment to promoting cooperative development as a means of empowering young entrepreneurs and creating lasting opportunities for youth. “Cooperatives have the potential to create sustainable jobs and strengthen communities. Through this agreement, we aim to equip Palestinian youth with the knowledge and tools needed to drive economic progress,” she said. “More than just a signature, this partnership is an investment in the future – empowering young entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge and resources to build sustainable ventures and drive economic resilience."

Through this strategic partnership agreement, the ILO and Al-Quds University will implement targeted training programmes that integrate ILO tools – Think.COOP, an orientation on the cooperative business model, and Start.COOP, a step-by-step tool to start up a cooperative – into Al-Quds University's incubation programmes, reinforcing its mission to cultivate a culture of social entrepreneurship. Using these tools, entrepreneurs will enter a cooperative business plan competition. This will support them to establish innovative cooperative models, which will receive financial support, paired with the support they need to formally register as cooperatives in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.