World Bank Trains Palestinian Teams in Digital Project Monitoring

Held from 2–4 February in Ramallah, the training focused on helping Palestinian institutions independently manage digital monitoring systems that track project progress and risks.

Government officials and project implementers from across the Palestinian territories have completed a three-day training programme in Ramallah aimed at strengthening digital monitoring of development projects using innovative technology.

Organized under the World Bank Group’s Geo-Enabling Initiative for Monitoring and Supervision (GEMS), the workshop introduced participants to practical tools for collecting and analyzing real-time field data to improve oversight of projects in fragile and conflict-affected environments.

Digital Tools to Strengthen Project Oversight

Held from 2–4 February in Ramallah, the training focused on helping Palestinian institutions independently manage digital monitoring systems that track project progress and risks.

Participants received hands-on training in KoboToolbox, an open-source data collection platform that allows teams to gather and visualize field information using smartphones and tablets.

Through the system, project staff can:

• Collect real-time field data

• Monitor implementation progress

• Identify challenges and risks early

• Visualize project performance through digital dashboards

The training covered projects across multiple sectors, including water, education, economic development, infrastructure, social protection, and energy.

Building Local Capacity Across Key Institutions

The workshop brought together representatives from a wide range of Palestinian government institutions and development agencies, including:

• Ministry of Finance and Planning

• Palestine Water Authority

• Palestinian Energy Authority

• Ministry of Health

• Ministry of Education

• Ministry of Social Development

• Ministry of Digital Communication

• High Council for Public Procurement Policies

• Palestinian Land Authority

Other participating organizations included the NGO Development Center, Palestinian Heritage Trail, DAI (supporting the Ministry of National Economy), and the Municipal Development and Lending Fund (MDLF).

The training aimed to equip these teams with practical tools to track project implementation, manage risks, and respond quickly to challenges in the field.

Monitoring Projects Even in Difficult Conditions

A key feature of the GEMS system is its ability to function in areas where connectivity or access is limited.

Users can collect data offline in remote locations, which automatically synchronizes with central databases once internet access becomes available.

This capability allows project monitoring to continue even in situations where conflict, insecurity, or logistical challenges restrict direct access to project sites.

Supporting Transparency and Accountability

The digital monitoring approach transforms field data into visual dashboards and reports that help project teams and decision-makers better understand implementation progress.

According to participants, the technology also strengthens accountability and transparency in development programmes.

“KoboToolbox is a valuable tool for enhancing remote monitoring in challenging contexts,” said Lina Lahlabat, speaking on behalf of the Municipal Development and Lending Fund (MDLF).

She noted that the platform’s capabilities in data collection and monitoring allow teams to track implementation on the ground and gather systematic feedback from municipalities, engineers, and consultants.

The MDLF plans to integrate the GEMS system into its existing monitoring tools and pursue further advanced training.

Strengthening Resilience Through Local Leadership

By building digital monitoring capacity within local institutions, the GEMS initiative aims to ensure that development projects continue delivering results despite complex operating environments.

With the new skills gained during the training, Palestinian project teams are now better equipped to oversee development programmes, adapt to emerging challenges, and maintain progress in communities across the Palestinian territories.

Development partners say empowering local teams with digital tools is essential to strengthening resilience, improving project outcomes, and sustaining development efforts in fragile settings.