The Ramallah Municipality, in a strategic partnership with the Arab Center for the Development of Artificial Intelligence (ACDAI), has initiated plans for the first Palestine AI and Innovation Summit. The inaugural preparatory meeting brought together a diverse group of key stakeholders, including relevant government ministries, representatives from the private and academic sectors, and institutions dedicated to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
A Vision for a Tech-Driven Ramallah
Ahmed Abu Laben, General Manager of the Ramallah Municipality, emphasized the city’s commitment to leveraging innovation and artificial intelligence as catalysts for sustainable urban development, quality job creation, and local economic growth. He noted that the summit’s planning follows a participatory approach to ensure its outcomes align with national development priorities.
“The municipality’s role at the summit focuses on contributing to the formulation of its axes and linking it to the innovation and entrepreneurship system, and converting its recommendations into actionable executive initiatives,” Abu Laben explained. The goal is to strengthen Ramallah’s position as a national hub for innovation and technology while building strategic local and regional partnerships. This initiative is part of a broader municipal effort to accelerate digital transformation and move towards a green, sustainable city model.
Bridging Local Talent with Regional Markets
Muhammad Mosleh, the Palestine Team leader in the MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (REAP) and a founding partner of ACDAI, highlighted the strategic importance of the new center. He described the establishment of ACDAI as a crucial step to connect Palestinian competencies with regional markets and create high-skill employment opportunities, building on a two-year collaboration with the prestigious MIT program.
From AI Consumption to Local Innovation
Providing further context, Dr. Haitham Hejazi delivered a presentation on the current state and applications of artificial intelligence. He stressed the critical need for the ecosystem to transition from being a consumer of AI technologies to becoming a developer of localized solutions that address specific market needs.
Laying the Groundwork for the Summit
The meeting concluded with a consensus among all participants to develop a comprehensive concept paper for the summit. This foundational document will outline the event’s overall framework, key themes, an executive action plan, a proposed budget, and a detailed timeline. The paper will be circulated among all partners to gather feedback and ensure a collaborative and impactful inaugural event.
About Ramallah Municipality
The Ramallah Municipality is the governing body of the city of Ramallah, responsible for overseeing urban development, public services, and local economic growth. Through initiatives like the Makani Innovation Hub, the municipality is actively working to foster a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship, positioning Ramallah as a leading center for technology and sustainable development in Palestine.
Source: Makani Innovation Hub
