Joint Statement Third International Conference on Local Self-Governance

States participating in the Third International Conference on Local Self-Governance;

Taking into account the conclusions of the preliminary and separated sessions during the conference;

Taking into account the willingness of countries in the region on a multilateral cooperation in the field of local self-government;

Given the current level of local government in general as one of the options for the realization of common goals to improve the quality of life;

Pointing out that the elected local authorities, regional authorities and their administration are one of the key pillars of the democratic system and the right of citizens to participate in public life is one of the fundamental values;

Have agreed as follows:

To work closely in raising awareness and implementing concrete actions to promote regional cooperation of the institutions of local self-government;

To proceed with the organization of the International Conference on Local Government on an annual basis with the participation of countries from the region and beyond;

Participating delegations are committed to contribute each year with the participation of experts in specific areas in order to make the conference as a forum for discussion and analysis of common opportunities for progress and modernization of local government;

Emphasize the importance of organizing the Fair of the Municipalities as an ideal opportunity to communicate with citizens and represent the values and traditions, and to give a regional character to the Fair;

States participating in the conference are committed to  work in accordance with the principles of the European Charter of Local Self-Government;

The participating States are committed  to encourage and strengthen inter-municipal and cross-border cooperation between countries in the region at the highest level;

Thanks to their hitherto contribution, the delegations of participating countries invite the donor community, local representatives and civil society to actively participate and contribute to joint activities at the regional level in order to establish a sustainable system of quality initiatives and regional cooperation;

Being guests in the Republic of Kosovo, the delegations express gratitude to the Ministry of Local Government Administration, the Association of Kosovo Municipalities and twinning project of the European Commission.

15th September 2012 in Prishtina