The conference was attended by over 150 participants representing over 100 Palestinian and international NGOs. The aim of the organisers was to prepare for the upcoming conference on the Question of Palestine to be held in Vienna, in particular to concentrate on concrete proposals to bring to the conference in order to advance NGOs' purpose of assisting Palestinian development and empowerment, and to reverse the tendency in recent years towards sterile political debate.

Conference chairwoman Maha Nasser opened by defining the purpose of the conference as to enhance coordination between NGOs; set a negotiation agenda for topics not yet being dealt with in the peace process; discuss methods and rules of negotiations; to stress the implementation of UN resolutions; and to restore hope among the people by demonstrating solidarity and action with NGOs

Jonathan Adams, head of the Association of International Development Agencies (AIDA) introduced the organisation as an association of 25 International NGOs working in Palestine. Membership is open to organisations whose headquarters are outside of Palestine but who are also physically present in the OPT. The organisations should be dedicated to development activities and support Palestinian efforts directed at their self-development and empowerment.

In a panel discussion, the relationship between the NGOs' and the PA was discussed. Muhammad Jadallah of the Union of Health Care Committees pointed out that socio-economic development in the OPT had occurred without the PA and Palestinian society has suffered - and still does - from military occupation. He asked whether the PA is able to coexist with society - both individuals and organisations. Neither the people nor the NGOs want interference in their affairs but need organisational stability, transparency and accountability of the PA. The PA and the police/security apparatus have to recognise the existence of different opinions within society. The relationship between the PA and the PNGOs is determined by the fact that the PA considers the NGOs as potential rivals for political hegemony and legitimacy. Jadallah said it has to be questioned whether the PA can deal democratically with the NGOs. If the PA continues to lack this ability, its authority will not be accepted by the people but only by some individuals and organisations.

Izzat Abdul Hadi of the Bisan Research and Development Centre defined the framework for appropriate PA-NGO relations as consisting of:

• A legal aspect to guarantee the independence and liberty of NGOs and of civil society. Therefore, the constitution to be set up must be democratic in nature and must be developed as a new and independent entity.
• Registration must be based on a definite system; the registration process should be postponed until a legal framework is established.
• Professionalism: The PA has issued a law of cooperation concerning the NGOs and has implemented several projects competing or conflicting with NGOs' activities. NGOs agree to cooperation, but only in an equal partnership and interaction.
• Transparency: The NGOs have agreed to report on their activities and to prepare financial reports. NGOs should audit their accounts to establish accountability. This principle should also be extended to the PA.
• Finance: Both NGOs and the PA have financial problems. In this regard, Abdul Hadi suggested a trust fund for NGOs be established in order to maintain the continuity of NGOs and to cover their deficits.

Jonathan Adams mentioned that the development context of the Palestinians is very difficult due to the political situation. In this regard he pointed out the following urgent areas of work:

• Coordination: better mechanisms to avoid duplication and to work efficiently.
• Building partnerships: between/among INGOs and PNGOs; throughout the whole course of a project; i.e. from the project development and design until its implementation.
• Strengthening institutions: improving strategic planning and learning by long experience in order to be able to demonstrate their positive impact.
• Focus: specialisation of NGOs should be a crucial community resource for development alternatives.
• Self-identification: distinguishing between types of NGOs.
• Local roots: commitment to mobilise more local resources in order to achieve long-term sustainability.

Intisar al-Wazir, PA Minister for Social Affairs spoke appreciatively about the NGOs and their provision of services. Regarding the 800 NGOs currently active in Palestine, the PA should decide which PA department is responsible for which NGO and where it should be registered. The following problems concerning NGOs were mentioned:

• Duplication of projects;
• Sector intervention;
• Lack of professional expertise;
• Politicisation

NGOs which focus on urgent development issues such as housing, infrastructure or health should have priority and should be involved in the PA departments. The roles of the PA and the NGOs should be complementary. During the transitional phase, NGOs can continue to provide services using their experience, while the PA departments are still being set up. Other NGOs, however, are not related or linked to the PA, such as human rights or women's organisations. Nevertheless, they should engage in constructive dialogue with the PA. The planned procedures for NGOs are as follows:

• registration; commitment to by-laws, laws etc. and provision of services according to national plans.
• financial support should go on practical and clear policies. The PA should have priority for international funds over NGOs, therefore, the latter should be approved by the PA or - if there is direct contact between a donor and a NGO - it should be reported to the PA.