Strategy for Sweden’s international development cooperation with Palestine 2015 – 2019 Reference No.: UD 15.002

Activities within the framework of this strategy aim to contribute to the achievement of a democratic, independent, contiguous and viable Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security, based on 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the capital of the two states. The strategy also aims to ensure that the rights and needs of Palestinians are met so that they can live in all parts of Palestine regardless of the institutional framework. Activities within the strategy are expected to result in the following:

Strengthened democracy, improved gender equality and greater respect for human rights

• Strengthened, more transparent and democratically governed public Palestinian institutions
• Greater freedom of expression, including free and independent media
• More effective accountability mechanisms, including a more viable and pluralistic civil society
• Increased political influence and greater enjoyment of human rights for women and children
• Improved conditions for the provision of basic health services

Improved environment and greater resilience to environmental change, climate impacts and disasters

• Increased access to clean water and sanitation
• Safer waste management
• Strengthened capacity of local public institutions and civil society actors to prevent and manage disasters, environmental risks and climate change

Strengthened private sector development

• Increased number of small business start-ups
• Increased number of woman running and involved in businesses
• Increased knowledge and better service capacity at trade organisations and financial institutions
• Improved conditions for local economic development