Daniela Gašparíková, UNDP Resident Representative to Montenegro

Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans (ReLOaD): Contracts signing ceremony with NGOs in Tivat

Dear Mr Kusovac,

Dear representatives of the civil society and media,

·        I am glad to be here today in Tivat, as we launch the second round of community projects aimed at improving the quality of life for the local people. This is particularly important for places like Tivat, that have seen a rapid development boom, but not necessarily the one that everyone equally benefited from.

·        You recognised the individual and collective responsibility that all actors in the society have – from local administration, civil society and international community – to ensure achieving better quality of life for all citizens.

·        Our joint Regional programme on local democracy (ReLOaD), funded by the EU and implemented by UNDP – brings all these actors together around the same goal – to increase transparency, efficiency and accountability of the governments at the local level.

·        We do so by implementing a new robust methodology, largely based on EU models and practices. ReLOaD project introduced changes to the existing rules and procedures for funding NGOs. These changesreinforced the core principles of open and accountable administration and brought the administration of the NGO call for proposals in line with the best international standards.

·        You – CSOs in alliance with local administration – are shaping public services so that they meet the needs and interests of the citizens. The projects we sign today respond to the demand and they are at the same time very creative. They range from:

-         Promoting women’s social entrepreneurship in culture – by boosting skills of vulnerable women (retired, single mothers, long-term unemployed, cancer survivors);

-         Reviving rural areas through agriculture and providing employment for the disadvantaged;

-         Breast feeding campaign to raise awareness among future parents; and

-         Youth engagement in cultural activism.

I am impressed to see how your projects are in tune with the and Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals.

·        As the saying goes – success is the sum of small efforts. In that sense, this second round of projects will complement the achievements of the first call in Tivat – when projects focused on children with disabilities, creativity and employment for women.

·        And Tivat is a part of a larger endeavour – now we have 34 projects supported in 5 municipalities, so our efforts  combined to make a difference for communities they support.

·        Congratulations, I wish you all the success - measure it by the number of people you’ll engage in your projects.