Cooperatives in Bethlehem drive local livelihoods and decent work despite resource and access challenges

BETHLEHEM (ILO News) - A joint delegation from the International Labour Organization (ILO), led by ILO Representative to Jerusalem Dan Cork, and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), led by Programme Officer for Economic Development Giuseppe Marano, visited the Bethlehem district in the West Bank to reinforce their support for the Palestinian cooperative sector and promote decent work opportunities in the area.

The delegation met with representatives from Palestinian institutions and organizations, including the Cooperative Work Agency (CWA), UCASC, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Land Research Center.

Site visits in the Bethlehem district, including to the Al-Makhrour Cooperative Association, the Battir Cooperative Society and the Bethlehem Savings and Credit Association, highlighted how cooperatives are supporting local livelihoods through food production, ecological agriculture and microfinance.

Discussions highlighted key challenges such as limited resources, market access and land restrictions, while emphasizing the need to expand youth engagement and institutional support.

In a meeting with Bethlehem district Governor Major General Mohammad Taha, discussions focused on aligning international support with local development priorities to enhance economic resilience and job creation, and on the vital role of cooperatives in job creation and sustainable development.

The ILO and AICS praised the dedication of local cooperatives and partners, reaffirming their support for cooperative-driven solutions to unemployment, resilience building and inclusive economic growth across the Occupied Palestinian Territory.