Jericho - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP/PAPP) and the General Administration of Borders and Crossing signed an agreement to formalize their partnership under the Transparency, Evidence, Effectiveness, Efficiency, and Accountability (TEA3) Programme, made possible with the generous support of the British Consulate General in Jerusalem and the Consulate General of Sweden in Jerusalem. 

The collaboration aims to transform border operations in order to provide individuals and traders with a more efficient and cross-border experience. It is also expected to lay the foundation for a six-year strategic plan of the General Administration for Palestinian Crossings and Borders.   

On his behalf, Governor Nazmi Muhanna, Director General of Crossings and Borders, highlighted the challenges associated with the movement of people and goods, as well as the demographic increase in the number of individuals, which necessitate additional infrastructure and operational cost support to enhance the quality of services. He added, “The role of crossing borders is very important in safeguarding the tax and fee collection system. Equally important is our commitment to engage with Palestinian passengers to identify the challenges they encounter and work towards resolving them." 

The project's multi-faceted approach includes the creation of an interactive website that utilises artificial intelligence to provide user-friendly access to information and services. The real-time dashboard will empower the Directorate to make data-driven decisions, contributing to enhanced operational efficiency. 

Mr. Billy Stewart, the British Consulate General Jerusalem’s Development Director expressed that “The Allenby/King Hussein Bridge crossing is a vital link to the outside world for both Palestinian people and Palestinian trade. This is why the UK is pleased to work in partnership with Sweden, UNDP and the Palestinian General Administration of Borders and Crossing to improve the crossing and reduce waiting times.” 

Mr. Göran Paulsson, Head of Development Cooperation at the Consulate General of Sweden in Jerusalem, said: “Sweden is very pleased to be supporting this important initiative together with UK and UNDP and to take part in the signing ceremony with the Palestinian General Administration of Boarders. This project has the potential to contribute to improving the border crossing experience of millions of people each year” 

Ms. Sarah Poole, UNDP Special Representative of the Administrator emphasised that: “A critical part of UNDP/PAPP’s resilience-building work in the occupied Palestinian territory, is strengthening institutional capacity to provide quality services. Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of public services, and enhancing transparency and accountability of operations will build greater trust of the public in their institutions, including the General Directorate for Palestinian Crossings and Borders”. 

 For further information, please contact:

Musa Khalil, Head of Communication Unit, E-mail: musa.khalil@undp.org. Tel: +972 6268200, Mobile: +972 5748761.  For more information about UNDP/PAPP visit www.ps.undp.org