MOUSTADAMA

The MOUSTADAMA Program is a multi-component sustainable energy initiative implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption across industrial, economic, and public-sector across facilities in Palestine.¹ The program focuses on strengthening institutional and operational capacity for energy management while supporting the transition toward lower-carbon energy use and improved energy performance in participating organizations.^{2 3}

The vision of the MOUSTADAMA Programme is to “enable Palestinian institutions and enterprises to adopt efficient, low-carbon energy practices that reduce operating costs, improve competitiveness, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.⁴ Its core aims include building local capacity in energy management, supporting the implementation of Energy Management Systems (EMS) aligned with international standards, and promoting sustainable energy planning to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and enhance national energy resilience.^{5 6}

The program integrates technical assistance, capacity building, and practical implementation support through a structured program approach. Key components include:^{7 8 9}

• Energy Management System (EMS) Training and Deployment: Implementation of EMS frameworks in participating organizations, supported by tailored training, and monitoring tools to improve energy performance.
• On-the-Job Coaching and Mentoring: Workplace-based technical coaching for energy teams to embed energy management practices into daily operations.
• Workshops and Capacity Building Activities: Multi-stakeholder workshops and knowledge-exchange events to strengthen skills in energy planning, monitoring, and optimization.
• Sustainable Energy Planning Support: Technical assistance for energy audits, energy measures, and feasibility assessments for renewable energy projects.
• Demonstration and Pilot Actions: Selected pilot applications for energy efficiency or renewable energy solutions to demonstrate environmental and operational benefits.

The program is led and coordinated by UNIDO, which provides technical assistance, training modules, and program management.^{10 11} Local delivery partners include Gesto Energy Solutions (GES), supporting sustainable energy planning and demonstration activities.¹² Participating stakeholders include public institutions, utilities, to private-sector enterprises, industry associations, and local authorities that commit to adopting energy management systems and sustainable energy practices. Civil society and sector partners also contribute to dissemination and capacity-building activities.^{13 14}

The Moustadama program has progressed through phased implementation. Initial phases focused on program design, tool development, and partner selection, followed by expanded EMS training and on-the-job coaching during 2023. Subsequent phases have emphasized the rollout of sustainable energy plans, pilot actions, and continued capacity building. The program remains ongoing, with activities continuing to embed energy management practices and promote sustainable energy adoption across participating organizations.^{15 16}