The “Enhancing Good Governance and Social Inclusion at Local Level in
Serb...
The “Enhancing Good Governance and Social Inclusion at Local Level in
Serbia” Programme (Swiss PRO) will improve local capacities primarily in 99
municipalities in Šumadija and Western Serbia, and South and Eastern Serbia
regions to apply good governance (GG) principles in local policies and
regulations and thus increase social cohesion. The Government of Switzerland
has allocated USD 6.9 million (CHF 6.9 million) for the Programme, with the
United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) responsible for its
implementation, in cooperation with the Standing Conference of Towns and
Municipalities (SCTM).
The Programme has to fulfil two main goals:
- To contribute to the enhancement of organisations and
officials’ knowledge and skills
- To positively change the scope and quality of public
services rendered to citizens, especially to those from excluded groups.
Both goals will lead to improved regulations, institutional, technical
and human capacities for the enhancement of e-services. In addition, capacity
building will be provided to local civil society organisations (CSOs) as well
as institutions dealing with social inclusion and gender equality.
Overall, this will contribute to the improved rule of law at the local
level, increased accountability, transparency and efficiency and effectiveness
of the local governments (LSGs), and ultimately improvement of quality of life
of citizens, especially excluded citizens.
The Programme will coordinate its activities with the key line-national-level
institutions, while observing the national strategies, laws and relevant
development documents, which will contribute to sustainability, ensure national
ownership and develop national capacities. The content and the scope of the
Programme will significantly complement the European Union Support to Municipal
Development – EU PRO Programme.[1]
[1] The Programme will be implemented by UNOPS, with the
EU funding of 25 million Euros, over 36 months and is focused on improving
business environment for small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs,
including building infrastructure to improve local economy, quality of life and
the efficiency of local authorities in property management.