Ministry of Local Government Administration (MLGA), in cooperation with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Kosovo organized the conference "Strategic Orientations of Local Government 2016-2026", where was discussed on the strategic orientations of Local Government for ten coming years.
11 May 2016, Pristinë
Ministry of Local Government Administration (MLGA), in cooperation with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Kosovo organized the conference "Strategic Orientations of Local Government 2016-2026", where was discussed on the strategic orientations of Local Government for ten coming years.
Present at the conference were: the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Mr. Isa Mustafa, Minister of Local Government Administration, Mr. Ljubomir Maric, members of the Assembly, mayors, representatives of international organizations, civil society and media.
Prime Minister of Kosovo, Mr. Isa Mustafa in his opening speech said that, currently the main objective is that local government should be closer to citizens and should move towards processes of integration in the European agenda and that, the Government of the Republic of Kosovo through the Strategy for Local Self-Government is making efforts for an even more functional and advanced system of local self-government, the results of which are expected in the next decade..
Prime Minister Mustafa said that during the past ten years, Kosovo has had important developments of state-building and democratization. Municipalities have played a key role in all development processes of the country, especially in the European Integration and that the implementation of many policies is done exactly at the local level of government and the Government is committed to encourage municipalities as much as possible, in this process.
“I consider that the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, through the Strategy for Local Self-Government and Ministry of Local Government Administration has made and is making efforts for a system even more functional and advanced of local self-government, whose results are expected in the next decade.” has said Prime Minister Mustafa.
Prime Minister Mustafa emphasized that Kosovo has an advanced Constitution, laws harmonized with the European Union, new institutions, officials trained and prepared and that has created the preconditions for building a modern society, with knowledge, contemporary values and civilized. “It is important that together, to make more easily the approach of citizens in local government services and to improve the physical and environmental infrastructure and to prevent any form of corruption and abuse of official position”, emphasized Prime Minister, Isa Mustafa.
Regarding the Strategy for Local Self-Government, Prime Minister Mustafa said that the strategy is linked with other strategic documents of the Government, such as the National Strategy for Development; the Program on Economic Reform which enables us, to confront with the pressures of competition, especially now even in terms of regional and European aspect after signing the Stabilization and Association Agreement; in this context the Strategy for Local Self-Government is closely related to development strategy and that the implementation of this strategy enables various alternatives for the realization of the interests and needs of citizens.
Minister of Local Government Administration, LjubomirMaric, said improving policies and development of local government has created the preconditions for the development of local democracy, followed by the process of delegation of competencies and local government reforms.
Minister Maric said that despite all the challenges, institutions are committed firmly to the continuing reform of local self-government in Kosovo and that the problems posed in the municipalities over the years require fundamental reforms in the context of the management of public affairs; effective financial management and the ability to receive requests of citizens, to improve the quality of life and an overall social environment. Minister of MLGA, Mr. LjubomirMaric said that the strategy for Local Self-Government has been completed as document after an extensive analysis of consultations, including line ministries, local governments, civil society as well as international partners; so " The Strategy of Local Government 2016-2026 “, has become the main strategic document for local government in Kosovo, which was adopted by the government in December 2015.". “The strategy is clear document and a local landmark, in order to increase the professional capacity and the creation of a local modern government that will affect in reflection of local socio-economic development and increasing the welfare of citizens, through providing of efficient and qualitative services, "said Minister of Local Government Mr. LjubomirMaric.”
Rozafa Ukimeraj, Acting Secretary General of MLGA, during the presentation of the Strategy said that, the Strategy of Local Self-Government has the main objective, to determine the basic direction and orientations for the next ten years in terms of deepening the reform and improvement of local self-government in Kosovo.
Ms. Rozafa Ukimeraj said that one of the priorities of the Strategy is to promote the values of heritage and cultural diversity, environmental and social with the aim of promoting and social, economic and cultural development in municipalities including the strengthening of Partnership between local government, civil society and businesses for the creation of an active and comprehensive citizenship at the local level..
Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Mr. Jean Claude Schlumberger offered full support for the Strategy on Local Self-Government, who in his speech emphasized that the Strategy for Local Self-Government is an important document to promote the local governance and the inclusion.
Strategy for Local Self-Government presented today has received support from deputies of the Assembly of Kosovo of the Parliamentary Group for Public Administration, Local Government and Media, Mr. Zenun Pajaziti and deputy Alma Lama.