OSCE carries out local government training in Zagreb

ZAGREB, 29 November 2002 - Local government training in various aspects of government activities, from European integration to employment, youth and in particular the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), is the theme of an OSCE sponsored seminar which commenced in Zagreb today.

Organized by the Proni Institute for Social Education and financed by the OSCE, the two-day seminar aims to increase transparency and accountability in local governance and to show local government officials the importance of NGO initiatives in order to meet local, national as well as international goals.

"The purpose of the seminar is to establish better communication between local governments and NGOs. Gathered here are key actors who can help create a solid basis for civil society in Croatia and who have demonstrated both the need and value of such a seminar," Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Croatia, Ambassador Robert W. Becker, said.

The seminar, the last in a series of five seminars held throughout Croatia, addresses a wide range of government activities, such as judicial reforms, refugee return, education, local infrastructure projects and housing.

Over 50 representatives including mayors, councilors and other government officials from various areas of Croatia as well as NGOs and youth associations are attending the event. Representatives from the Croatian Ministry of Justice and from the Government's Office for Cooperation with international organizations also participate in the seminar.

An essential part of the OSCE mandate is the promotion of civil society, for which the Mission to Croatia has set aside over 190,000 euros in projects aimed at educating the youth, local governments and promotion of community work. Overall, the OSCE Mission earmarked 450,000 euros in democracy-building projects for 2002. The OSCE considers this to be an essential step in assisting Croatian society in its path towards European Integration.