Ramallah, 4/7/2021. Bank of Palestine signed a cooperation framework with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to support adolescents and youth in the Gaza Strip in alleviating the psychological impact of the latest aggression and continuous crises on adolescents, youth and women. The Bank and the UNFPA also agreed to look into further ideas and projects that fall within the framework on cooperation.
This cooperation involves the provision of support for summer camps implemented by the UNFPA through the activation of a partnership with the Qattan Foundation through the mobile library project in the Gaza Strip, whereby participants in the summer camp will receive awareness and educational activities that include reading and entertainment, in addition to awareness activities targeting youth on banking rights and electronic payment tools with an aim to empower them for the future.
The cooperation framework was signed between Mr. Luay Shabaneh, the Regional Director for Arab States in the UNFPA, and Mr. Mahmoud Al Shawa, the General Manager of Bank of Palestine, in response to the negative impacts of war on the educational, social and emotional growth and development of adolescents and youth between 13-17 years who suffer from health issues and disabilities, in addition to the tearing apart of families and social networks, the exposure of youth to new risks and the restriction of their access to vital products and services.
Mr. Mahmoud Al Shawa expressed his enthusiasm about the signing of this framework. “We focus our interests and priorities on the Palestinian human being, especially women, adolescents and youth, particularly those living in the most affected areas, such as the Gaza Strip. This is part of our obligation towards our community within the principles of sustainability to which the bank is committed.”
Mr. Luay Shabaneh stressed that “the interest of the UNFPA in the human being is at the forefront of sustainability plans, and we are pleased that Bank of Palestine shares this interest and is preparing to sign a cooperation framework for the next stage in order to continue to provide support to Palestinians.”
The UNFPA program in Palestine aims to improve the health and well-being of women and youth in a complex and multidimensional environment, targeting the most vulnerable and marginalized groups by investing in programs that contribute to reducing vulnerabilities, strengthening societies, and achieving institutional and systemic resilience.
Bank of Palestine contributes to supporting development and community projects, including various marginalized segments, by allocating 5% of its annual profits for the purpose of supporting social responsibility programs.
The United Nations Population Fund
The United Nations Population Fund works in 150 countries, home to more than 80% of the world's population. The Fund develops partnerships that create shared opportunities and leverage the added value of partners to support WHO's mandate to achieve universal access to sexual and
reproductive health rights, reduce maternal mortality and improve the lives of adolescents and youth.
Bank of Palestine
Bank of Palestine, which was established in 1960, is considered one of the largest national banks operating in Palestine, seeking to enhance banking services through the widest network of branches, offices and ATMs located in the Palestinian governorates, in addition to its keenness to keep pace with the latest technological developments in the banking field, and to adopt the best policies and practices and international standards that adhere to the principles of disclosure, good governance, accuracy and transparency. The Bank is committed to financing various projects, and to responding to the financial and banking needs of the various social and economic segments within the Palestinian society.