Adopting a systemic approach and cross-sectoral promotion of value-based economic models is crucial. Experiments in handicrafts and food sectors proved the impact of cultural experience in showcasing the uniqueness of the Palestinian value-based offering across different sectors by weaving a cohesive narrative into the promotion of products or services. This compelling story that goes beyond mere transactions, where the unique narrative adds depth and meaning, resonating with consumers on a personal and emotional level. Moreover, the interconnectedness of these experiences fosters collaboration and innovation, leading to the development of unique and comprehensive offerings that appeal to a broader audience. Across different sectors, there are common systemic failures that hinders the uptake of value-based models. Establishing sustainable market linkages with niche sustainable and ethical markets not only demands a strong and unique value-based proposition—which Palestine possesses and the AccLab has been actively exploring and testing various economic models to valorize—but also requires efficiently managed operations within professional structures. This is crucial to address challenges associated with logistics, shipping, and clearances, which become intricate due to the challenging environment for businesses operating under occupation. For instance, numerous stakeholders in the handicrafts sector, with over two decades of export experience, have yet to optimize their shipping and logistics to reduce costs and timely meet clients' demands, ensuring a positive client experience.  In times of crisis, including the ongoing war on Gaza, the importance of inclusive value-based economic models becomes even more pronounced. These models help in reducing the impact of the crisis on marginalized segments of the economy by creating an interconnected system of shared resources, and a supportive business network. Value-based models also help in creating a larger and stable buyer- base- mainly in the external markets- with a strong purchasing power. During the crisis, such buyer-base can help maintain demand for goods and services, preventing a more severe economic downturn. In addition, ethical buyers can be powerful advocates for the story of Palestinian products by actively promoting and sharing the values, impact, and ethos of ethical products and producers. Scaling up holistic value-based models across different sectors necessitates synergies with similar models in the region. This should leverage shared cultural heritage to craft a distinctive and attractive joint offering that resonates and attract a wide range of audience interested in a regional experience. An intended staff exchange initiative between Palestine and Jordan's AccLab supported by RBAS Staff Exchange Initiative aimed to contribute insights on this aspect and potential joint experiments. Unfortunately, it was paused due to the war on Gaza.

UNDP: Based on the insights and results of an experiment conducted by the AccLab to explore the potential of a value-based model in advancing the handicrafts sector, the CO invested $500,000 of core funding to establish the House of Crafts Service Company. This initiative aims to support existing structures within the sector, including artisans and business aggregators, to better position themselves in ethical and sustainable global markets. The House of Crafts is the first model for UNDP to invest in under the newly developed value-based economy portfolio capitalizing on the AccLab learning and insights. The portfolio has been integrated into the structure of the inclusive economic opportunities programmatic pillar and the Palestinian Programmatic Framework (PPF). The portfolio approach is adopting an agile approach inspired by AccLab methodology to explore, introduce, test and learn more about new mechanisms, schemes and investments needed to support transformational changes at the business, community and national level toward value-based economy in the State of Palestine. Government: The Ramallah Municipality is hosting the showroom for the House of Crafts as part of its tourist information center, serving as the gateway for international buyers and tourists interested in learning more about ethical and sustainable handicrafts from Palestine.  Private Sector: Aggregators and artisans in the handicrafts sector have successfully connected with a new network of ethical buyers in the US, Europe, and Mexico. This collaboration has facilitated the introduction of new value-based products, which have been explored and promoted through the House of Crafts.

Non-traditional market research was conducted utilizing ethical and sustainable sourcing agents to gather business data on the potential of Palestinian handicrafts in niche global markets. The utilization of user journeys, in the form of immersive missions for international buyers and chefs, played a crucial role in capturing valuable insights and ideas aiming to optimize the design thinking process and validate specific abstract concepts.

Leveraging the collective power of local experts and those from the diaspora who are unusual suspects to UNDP is invaluable, especially in dynamic contexts where various socio-economic development initiatives have been attempted. Capitalizing on the lessons learned from both previous experiences within the country and globally is crucial for shaping effective strategies and navigating the complexities and of the current environment and system failures.   To validate the business case on the value of establishing the House of Crafts, proof of concept was needed to test the idea with actual clients including international buyer's interested in sourcing ethical and sustainable products from Palestine.