International assistance on promoting performance of local authorities

TIRANA, March 23 – Albania is to hold its local elections on May 8 and the moment has attracted too much attention of the international community on urging Albanians and their institutions to pay more attention on the improved performance of that administration, which is considered as a main key in the country’s progress toward a possible membership in a future at the European Union.
Women participation is another key issue urged from the international institutions.
Many activities are held in the last days organized from the international organizations in the country or separate countries through their embassies.
Last week the Municipality of Fier opened a new public information office, supported by USAID.
Citizens with questions on local taxes, public works, permits and licenses, or social services can now come to the municipalities newly renovated office for quick answers and advice. The municipality re-constructed the office and trained the six-person staff. USAID provided all computer equipment and furniture for the office.
Since 2007, USAID’s Local Governance Program in Albania (LGPA) has worked with ten municipalities to foster local economic growth, improve local governance, and strengthen civic and private sector engagement in local development.
Around hundred representatives of Central and Local Government, international organizations, partners and donors gathered in Tirana to discuss and share best practices on how can local governments effectively address the rights and needs of women, men, girls and boys. The two days conference called “Gender equality and local governance “was organized by the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities in cooperation with UN Women and the Austrian funded “Equity in Governance” programme.
“Gender equality issues are at the core of good governance,” Austrian economist and gender expert Elisabeth Klatzer said. “In order to increase responsiveness to all citizens, we need to engage in gender-sensitive analysis, planning, budgeting, service delivery and monitoring”.
The conference aimed to encourage local and national decision-makers to replicate successful activities and include a gender equality approach in all their programs and public policies.
In another activity Wednesday USAID’s local governance program in Albania held a national conference with representatives from Albanian cities, non-governmental representatives, and private enterprises to present and discuss best practices to support good governance and economic growth for Albanian cities.