Fact Sheet: Indicators of Marginalization and Weak Youth Engagement in Local Authorities (Gaza Municipality as a Model)

Despite the growing recognition of youth’s pivotal role in local development and community participation, the experience of Gaza Municipality reveals a notable weakness in effectively engaging them within local structures.

The Youth Council was established as a consultative body in December 2021 under Municipal Decision No. (215/2021) and was practically activated in 2023 through an internal electoral process. However, its work has been suspended since October 2023 without renewal or official announcement, reflecting a gap between declared policies and actual practices in engaging youth in managing their affairs and communities.

This fact sheet presents quantitative and qualitative indicators highlighting marginalization and weak youth participation in local authorities, using Gaza Municipality as a case study.

The paper was prepared within the framework of the “Youth for Integrity” project implemented by the Social Developmental Forum (SDF) in partnership with the Coalition for Accountability and Integrity – AMAN, as part of the Youth Summit 2025 activities.