Daniela Gašparíková, UNDP Resident Representative to Montenegro

Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans (ReLOaD): Ceremony of signing contracts with NGOs in Niksic

Dear Mr Spitz,

Dear Mr Nikčević,

Dear representatives of the civil society and media,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am pleased to be here today and announce a new round of The Regional programme on local democracy in the Western Balkans here in Nikšić. Popularly referred to as ReLOaD, this programme is financed by the EU and implemented by UNDP in cooperation with municipalities and NGOs.

Dear NGO representatives, proposals you prepared are helping further develop Niksic in a new, sustainable way – carefully listening to the needs of your fellow citizens, while taking care of the environment, cherishing the cultural heritage and increasing employability.

Dear partners from the municipality, you lay the grounds for more responsible and transparent institutions, working in sync with citizens. ReLOaD project introduced changes to the existing rules and procedures for funding NGOs – to reinforce the core principles of open and accountable administration. You were ready to go an extra mile and consistently implement the new appraches, demonstrating readiness to change and safeguard the new standards. This was not an easy task, but I am sure it will pay off in the long run – as it will help you build the trust of the local community.

I believe that you will lead by example and other municipalities across the country will follow in your footsteps.

I believe NGOs will present their projects in detail, but let me briefly mention and congratulate:

-    Association for Assisting Persons with Disabilities that will work on creating equal opportunities for people with disabilities, especially through sport;

- Similarly, the Society of Friends of Njegoš Library will work on social inclusion by helping people with visual impairments gain access to more quality content, but also raising awareness about the importance of availability of adequate formats.

-    Association of Young Ecologists will improve general knowledge about waste management issues by showing examples of good practice;

-    Synthesis will boost cultural offer – tapping into the underutilized potential of this town;      

-    Business Centre will improve the social and economic position of youth by introducing innovative employment models.

Together with our partners from the EU, UNDP will continue supporting local development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and its underlying objective  – to help create better quality of life for all, leaving no one behind.

Thank you.