Strengthening the Role of Local Communities (MZs)
The project Strengthening the Role of Local Communities focuses on empowering Local Communities (Mjesna Zajednica – MZ) to raise citizens’ responsiveness, participation, and social inclusion in local development processes.
Strategic Domain:
Local Governance and Municipal Service
Themes:
Local Governance and Municipal Services
Status:
Ongoing
Strategic partner:
Association of municipalities and towns of FBiH, Association of Municipalities and Cities of RS, Ministry of Administration and Local Self-Governance of RS, Ministry of Justice of FBiH, Swedish Government / Sida, Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of BiH
Implementer:
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Project implemented in:
Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska, Brčko District
Cantons:
Zenica-Doboj Canton, Sarajevo Canton, Central Bosnia Canton, Una-Sana Canton, Bosnia –Podrinje Canton, West Herzegovina Canton, Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, Tuzla Canton
Municipalities (41):
Žepče, Zenica, Zavidovići, Vogošća, Vlasenica, Vitez, Višegrad, Visoko, Trnovo FBiH, Trebinje, Tešanj, Teslić, Sanski Most, Rudo, Rogatica, Petrovo, Pale - Prača, Olovo, Nevesinje, Mrkonjić Grad, Modriča, Maglaj, Ljubuski, Ljubinje, Laktaši, Kotor Varos, Ključ, Jablanica, Ilijaš, Gradiška, Gradačac, Gračanica, Goražde, Doboj, Čitluk, Centar Sarajevo, Breza, Brčko distrikt, Bijeljina, Bihać , Banja Luka
The project focuses on developing and realizing a new vision of MZs in BiH – one that would enable empowerment and inclusion of women, youth and other marginalized groups into the economic, social and political mainstream. The project will also strengthen the capacities of MZs to engage in local decision-making and represent citizens’ needs in the creation of municipal plans and budgets.
Through direct field work and activities, the project includes a total of 200 Local Communities, from 41 local governments.
The long-term impact of the project will be seen in more responsive and engaged citizens, effective and citizen-centred municipal service delivery ,and ultimately increased general trust in public institutions.