UNIDO and AICS Unveil Innovative Sustainable Shoe Village Initiative at COP 28

  • Image
    Sustainable Shoe Village UNIDO Palestine Aics Jerusalem

Dubai, COP 28, State of Palestine Pavilion - In a groundbreaking session at COP 28 held at the State of Palestine Pavilion In collaboration with the Ministry of National Economy, Mr. Ahmed ElFarra, Senior Programme Officer at UNIDO, and Mr. Guglielmo Giordano, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in Jerusalem, unveiled a visionary initiative that marries industry, innovation, and infrastructure in the form of a Sustainable Shoe Village in Hebron.

The presentation, titled "Public Private Partnerships for Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Case of Energy-Sustainable Shoe Village in Hebron," showcased a comprehensive plan aligned with the 2021-2023 National Development Plan of the State of Palestine. The initiative aims to establish interlinked industrial clusters while implementing eco-friendly infrastructures to boost competitiveness, stimulate the business environment, and generate new employment opportunities.

The strategic focus of the project aligns seamlessly with Palestine's broader objectives, emphasizing the reconstruction of productive sectors, the expansion of international trade and exports, and the support for private sector growth through strategic infrastructure investments.

A key component of the initiative is its commitment to addressing energy needs, and in recognition of the explicit priority given to sustainable energy by the State of Palestine, the project focuses on expanding access to reliable and sustainable energy. This commitment was further solidified by the State of Palestine's ratification of the Paris Agreement, underlining its dedication to environmentally conscious and sustainable development.

The Sustainable Shoe Village in Hebron is poised to become a model for responsible and forward-thinking industrial development, showcasing the potential of public-private partnerships to drive positive change. As the State of Palestine takes bold steps toward economic growth, job creation, and sustainable practices, this initiative promises to be a beacon of inspiration for the region and beyond, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards a greener and more prosperous future.