Swiss aid to Shkodra decentralization process and local development

SHKODRA, Feb 10 – Albania’s Interior Ministry and Swiss Cooperation in Albania on Tuesday hosted a conference on the Swiss experience in supporting decentralization and local development in the Shkodra region.
Some 100 representatives from local, regional and national authorities, from civil society initiatives and from donors participated at that meeting discussing experiences and good practices made in the Decentralization and Local Development Programme (DLDP) implemented by Intercooperation in eight communes and municipalities.
The Swiss funded programme promotes local development and direct participation of citizens in local government decision-making.
Switzerland contributes about 3 million Euros.
The project is implemented by Intercooperation, a Swiss NGO specialized in the field of decentralization.
Overall, the project aims at strengthening local government units in close cooperation with citizens and civil society organizations, to plan, implement and monitor a comprehensive and balanced process of decentralization and local development.
Swiss Ambassador Yvana Enzler said, “Switzerland is committed to further contribute to the decentralization process with a view of supporting Albania towards a consolidated democracy.”
Experts and representatives from communes, municipalities and qarks shared their experiences in working groups in the afternoon session. The discussions focused on practical experience such as: participatory strategic planning, in fostering citizens’ participation through cooperation with ‘Alba Migrants’ (association of emigrants in Italy) in Daj?r improving public services: the case of proper waste management. Parallel to the sessions a fair of products provided interesting information for participants.