By Husam Bajis, Palestinian National Interest Committee, January 18 2010
The Palestinian Authority needs to work on bringing together a wide spectrum of Palestinian societies on a unified agenda, in a context characterized by independence and freedom, and internal political divisions. President Mahmoud Abbas must also aim to provide a truly democratic and independent alternative for all Palestinian voters.
The most important work of the Palestinian Authority in 2010 will be accomplished by the support of Palestinian Citizens as a vital part of the national and international plan of action. The Palestinian Authority must be the only place where everyone can take sustainable action and participate in the democratic process. Palestinian Citizens from all spectrums of life have a direct effect on the outcome of an independent State of Palestine and all activities of the Palestinian Authority.
The Palestinian Authority must also work to support the various groups standing in Legislative elections, and to bring sustainable socio-economic, political and humanitarian reforms.
The Palestinian Authority must do more to help humanitarian and socio-political institutions in Palestine and coordinates socio-political activities between business, civil and government societies in order to keeping Palestine safe and expanding opportunity for every Palestinian Citizen regardless of gender, age, or social status.
The Palestinian Authority’s commitment will be reflected in a well designed agenda that emphasizes strong sustainable economic growth, adequate health care, retirement security; whereas the Government is more compassionate and transparent, responsive to the Palestinian people's needs and their expectations through open, honest and accountable Governance, thereby securing national sovereignty while protecting civil rights, human rights and fundamental freedoms; fulfilling Palestine’s international responsibilities throughout the international community’s altogether.
The goals must be ambitious: to improve the quality of life and extend economic benefits and empowerment broadly throughout Palestinian societies, government institutions and business communities. Part of the goals should seek from the Israeli government and wealthier communities across Israel a renewed commitment to collaborate and harmonize the peace efforts under way to protect justice for the Palestinian people.
The different organs, agencies and bodies of the Palestinian Authority should be involved in nearly every aspect of human rights, civil rights and human development, with activities ranging from economic development and advancement, legislative research projects, global partnership and trade, to financial and technical assistance from governments and private enterprises. The Palestinian Authority must play a vital supporting role as developing Palestinian communities and shape, and implement their strategies to stimulate socio-economic growth.
The Palestinian Authority must place a high priority on communicating knowledge about development.
In the year 2010, the Palestinian Authority must strive to enhance the quality of life for all people throughout the nation, through the constructive enforcement of human rights and civil rights. The Palestinian Authority thereafter must endeavor to promote understanding of the human rights systems and mechanisms for prosperity and peace and organize its activities on a local, municipal, regional and territorial basis as defined in its Constitution.
The Palestinian National Interest Committee is a non-profit organization whose principal mission is to work with foreign legislative bodies on legislation that strengthens the relationship with the International Community.
