Strategic Vision
Preliminary Notes
A developing relationship of cooperation and coordination with the PNA

There is no doubt that the nature of the relationship between Palestinian NGOs and the PNA has been characterized with tension at times during the past few years, and cooperation and coordination at other times. This is due to the belief that the NGOs played a central role in development and their provision of services is long over, and that their role has thus changed due to the emergence of the PNA. The latter has become responsible for several major areas such as health, education, agriculture, social welfare, labor, culture and many others, all of these areas were served solely by NGOs for many decades.

Some consider that NGOs and the PNA are competing over the same sources directed from donor agencies to the Palestinian people, and argue about the dispensability of the NGOs’ role within civil society.

The various visions and mutual doubts reigning for a period of time have created periods of tension, at times visible and at times not. Thus, this relationship has been characterized in its early stages with difficulties at some stages and with cooperation and coordination at others. With time, and thanks to dialogue and various discussion forums between both parties, and with changes in the direction and vision of both parties, dominated by joint responsibility and by the importance of developing this relationship on the basis of mutual respect and understanding the historical significance of civil society, both parties were encouraged to cooperate together. The importance of taking advantage of the sector’s experience and understanding is that there is a common interest in completing the stage of national freedom and building a democratic society based on political pluralism, law, and the defense of human rights, these were additional reasons for NGOs to cooperate together. The challenges require standing together and activating the various forms of cooperation and coordination, with the emphasis that the discrepancy of opinions towards various issues is not negative but is a healthy phenomenon that expresses the necessity and importance of a democratic environment. All this has encouraged both parties towards joint cooperation and coordination. This has taken several forms such as:

·         Organizing joint meetings, workshops and conferences.

• Participation of civil society in preparing and developing the various developmental sector plans.
• Joint implementation of various activities and development programs.
• Contribution and participation of civil society in developing and finalizing the strategic plans of various ministries.
• Using NGO’ expertise in the various administrative and technical fields.
• Establishing contractual relationships between some ministries and numerous NGOs.
• The participation of PNA staff in training sessions organized by NGOs in various fields.
• The facilitation and support of ministries to various programs implemented by NGOs.
• Various ministries and PNA institutions have invited NGOs to contribute or participate in planning strategies or discussing development plans.
• The Palestinian television and radio networks have adopted some NGO programs and broadcast their news and activities.
• Some ministries have signed Memoranda of Understanding with NGOs working in the same field.

The forms of cooperation and coordination currently existing between NGOs and the numerous ministries have reached advanced stages. However, there still remains a lot to be done. One should develop the best ways and mechanisms to strengthen common cooperation and coordination. It is necessary to include all levels in this cooperation.