Program highlights were visits to UCAS Technology Incubator and UNRWA Vocational Training Center in Gaza, which included meetings with talented young Gazans who developed innovative business ideas that address community needs and generate income. A smart delivery service supported by digital applications, start-ups in the IT and media sector, a ventilator for people with respiration diseases and a remotely controlled solar panel cleaning machine are some of the many dimensions of innovation supported by SDC. In her speech at the “Digital Palestine” conference on 24^th March 2022 in Ramallah Patricia Danzi underlined that: “Digital Palestine” is not just a concept, it is a reality that engages a growing number of young entrepreneurs, a reality that creates sustainable jobs and provides an income for young men and women”.

Development needs innovation and the strong engagement of the private sector. It also requires strong institutions, binding laws and an independent judiciary system to be sustained in time. Patricia Danzi emphasized this point in her dialog with national and local authorities. The visit program also included meetings with heads of UN agencies, civil society actors, representatives from the private sector and young start-up owners who discussed development challenges and national priorities. Convinced that economic opportunities for young people will contribute to regional stability, Switzerland will continue to support the innovation potential in the oPt and encourages cooperation with the private sector, while ensuring women and youth are empowered.