Welfare Association Hosts High-level Swedish Delegation in the Old City of Jerusalem

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Welfare Association Hosts High-level Swedish Delegation in the Old City of Jerusalem

Date:
22-11-2007

Welfare Association hosted a 10-member Swedish delegation of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) representatives on November 21, 2007 at the Old City headquarters of its Technical Office for the Old City of Jerusalem Revitalization Program (OCJRP). Presentations were made by Welfare’s Director of Resource Development about WA’s work in Palestine and by the Program Development Manager on social issues facing Jerusalem’s population and WA interventions in the city. A special map-based visual presentation was given by Fuad Hallak of the PLO Negotiating Support Unit regarding the changing borders of the city according to successive negotiations and plans and de facto changes due to Israeli construction of settlements, walls and highways networks.

The Swedish government and development representatives were visiting the area in order to develop their strategy for 2008 and beyond for the West Bank and Gaza. Welfare Association’s OCJRP is currently implementing a grant of $1.25 million from Sida for the rehabilitation of historic buildings that are used by children and youth for educational and social activities. Five elementary and high schools, a health clinic and social center, and a playground have been rehabilitated so far under the program, along with support for a community heritage training and education project.

Delegation members from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were: Ambassador Peter Tejler, Head of the Department for the Middle East and North African Affairs; Mr. Per Örnéus, Head of Section for Humanitarian Affairs; and Ms. Maria Velasco, Desk Officer, Department for the Middle East and North African Affairs. Delegation members from Sida were: Ms. Eva Asplund, Director, Asia Department; Mr. Rolf Gunnar Carlman, Special Advisor; Mr. Magnus Lindell, Director, Department for Cooperation with NGOs, Humanitarian Assistance and Conflict Management; Mr. Anders Molin, Head of Health Division; Mr. Claes Leijon, Advisor, Department for Infrastructure and Economic Development; Ms. Elisabet Hellsten, Strategist for West Bank and Gaza, Asia Department; Mr. Anders Ohrstrom, Consul / Head of Development Cooperation; and Ms. Magdalena Svensson, Consul, Development Cooperation (Infrastructure and Economic Development).

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