URL: https://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4741

Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: 10.1 The Executive Director City Futures submitted a report providing a summary of activities and events, linked to the Friendship with Nablus that have taken place over the last 12 months, and provides recommendations related to the continuation of this relationship.   On 29 October 2024, Sheffield City Council entered into a Friendship Agreement Nablus Municipality, a city situated on the West Bank in Palestine. The terms of the Friendship Agreement were such that the relationship would be reviewed at the 12-month anniversary of the signing, in order to determine appropriate next steps and the basis for future engagement between the two cities.     10.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-       (a) acknowledges the 12-month anniversary of the Friendship Agreement with Nablus, and the relationship that has been established with contacts from Nablus Municipality;   (b) agrees that given the assessment criteria and principles contained within Sheffield City Council’s Partner City Policy agreed in November 2023, that a Friendship Agreement continues to be the most appropriate form of partnership arrangement between Sheffield and Nablus;   (c) agrees to renew the existing Friendship Agreement for a further 2-year period to October 2027, given the challenges faced within the West Bank have likely impacted on the ability for the two cities to collaborate; and   (d) acknowledges the strength of solidarity towards Palestine expressed in some parts of the Sheffield community and consequently the links that have been established with Nablus through community organisations including the Sheffield Nablus Twinning Association and Palfest Sheffield.     10.3 Reasons for Decision     10.3.1 Continuing to maintain a Friendship Agreement with Nablus feels an appropriate course of action to take.     10.3.2 The cities have been linked for an initial 12-month period, and there has been some Council to Council dialogue in that time.  Neither party has stated that they feel there is no merit in continuing the relationship.     10.3.3 Sheffield City Council is supportive of the community links that have been established between groups in Sheffield and Nablus.  Agreeing to maintain a Friendship Agreement between the two cities, presents the opportunity to raise awareness of these activities within the public domain.     10.3.4 Continuing to befriend the city of Nablus is seen as a positive, meaningful thing to do in respect of Palestine, whilst acknowledging the criteria for city-to-city relationships as outlined in the Partner City Policy.     10.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     10.4.1 Alternative Option 1: Do not renew the Friendship Agreement with Nablus.   The alternative option would be not to renew the Friendship Agreement with Nablus, upon the 12-month anniversary.   Given the existing links with Nablus established through Sheffield community groups and the frequent public representations to the Council in respect of ensuring the situation in Gaza and the West Bank remains prominent in people’s minds, it is felt that this would not be desirable.   It is therefore recommended that the Friendship Agreement is renewed.     10.4.2 Alternative Option 2: Consider an alternative partnership arrangement between Sheffield and Nablus, and expanding the relationship by entering into an agreement at a higher level as set out in the hierarchy of relationships in the Partner City Policy.  In applying the criteria in the Partner City Policy (as required under the Policy for a review), for the reasons set out in paragraphs 2.17 to 2.22, it would not be appropriate to consider anything other than a continuation of a Friendship Agreement at the present time.  

Date of Decision: November 12, 2025