Within the framework of the political and economic decisions that were taken in the 6th and 7th Extraordinary Islamic Summit Conferences of the OIC as well as 34th and 35th Ministerial Sessions of the COMCEC, a technical and financial support program, namely COMCEC Al-Quds Program, was initiated in 2020 as a demonstration of solidarity with the people of Palestine, considering the current conditions in Al-Quds Al-Sharif. This Program, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Economy of Palestine, focuses on various themes including vocational and technical education, e-commerce, job creation, women and youth employment, and strengthening SMEs.

For the pilot phase, Al-Quds Tourism and Heritage Council (ATHC) has implemented 2 projects in 2020, focusing on the analyses of tourism infrastructure of Al-Quds and institutional capacity development of ATHC. With the evaluation of the output of the first two projects, the program has been extended to other civil society organizations in abovementioned relevant fields in 2021.

In this context, between 2020 and 2024, twenty projects were implemented, covering activities including exhibitions, art production, training, capacity building, procurement of machinery, equipment, and services, development of online platforms, renovations, research, and the production of audio-visual materials.

8 new projects are expected to be implemented and finalized in 2025.

SUPPORTED PROJECTS

2020

  • Analyzing the Tourism Infrastructure and Developing a Tourism Destination Road Map for Al-Quds
  • Supporting Institutional Capacity of Al-Quds Tourism and Heritage Council

2021

  • The Artists’ Identity Path: Tracing Heritage in Jerusalem
  • Jerusalemites” Because We Are the Place and Time
  • Enjoy the Hidden Jewels of Al Quds Promotion Program
  • Old City Bakeries: Food Tourism and Heritage
  • Al-Quds: Secrets and Narratives to Unfold
  • Promoting Palestinian Heritage

2023

  • Old City Butcheries: Economic and Social Support
  • Supporting Traditional Handicrafts and Industries in Jerusalem
  • Enhancing the E-commerce Capacities of SMEs Located in Al-Quds
  • Empowering the Palestinian Economy in Al Quds by means of Innovation & Entrepreneurship in the Tourism Sector
  • Increasing the Tourism Recovery Opportunities in Al-Quds by Promoting Organized Tours, and Supporting Entrepreneurs in Handicraft Industries

2024

  • Strengthening Al Quds Economy by Increasing the Technical and Vocational Capacity of Youth in Handicrafts Sector
  • Strengthening Small and Medium Enterprises in Al Quds: A Sustainable and Resilient Empowerment Approach Through Youth and Business Development
  • Jerusalemites: Because We Are the Place and Time
  • Empowering Qudsi Youth and Women through Ceramic Arts and Tourism Development
  • Implementing a Tech Career Acceleration Program
  • Economic Empowerment for Palestinian Women in Al Quds Governorate
  • AI: Connecting Al Quds
  • Rehabilitating Palestinian Youth for Electronic Trade