UN development agency starts bid to tackle Palestinian poverty more effectively

As part of its ongoing campaign to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will use nearly $2 million from the United Kingdom on a scheme to streamline anti-poverty planning in the Occupied Territories.

Representatives of UNDP, the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the United Kingdom signed an agreement today in Ramallah approving the grant of 950,000 British pounds (about $1.75 million). This money will fund a joint project of the UNDP and the PA’s Ministry of Planning.

The new project aims to improve planning against poverty in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip by increasing consultations with the poor before decisions are made and by streamlining planning systems so that they are effective at the national and local levels.

Established in 1980, UNDP’s Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People funds and operates development projects for the construction of schools, health centres and roads.