KLGI organised a conference on achievements, strategic orientations and challenges in balanced regional development

The Kosovo Local Government Institute (KLGI), in support of the Ministry of Regional Development (MRD), organised a conference on the topic “Achievements, strategic orientations and challenges in the field of balanced regional development”.

Participants in the meeting included: the Minister of Regional Development, Fikrim Damka; the Mayor of Prizren, Shaqir Totaj; the Mayor of Peja, Gazmend Muhaxheri; the Mayor of Gjilan, Alban Hyseni; the Deputy Ministers of Regional Development, Agon Dobruna and Almir Veliji; representatives of municipalities from the regions; representatives of the Regional Development Agencies; and donors and other strategic partners.

Opening the workshop, the Minister of Regional Development, Fikrim Damka, presented the achievements in the field of regional development, stressing that this year the ministry has managed to prepare strategic orientations and draft policies with an impact on balanced regional development in Kosovo. The approval of the Regional Development Strategy 2020 – 2030 by the Government of the Republic of Kosovo has provided a very good basis for planning and developing the field of regional development in the coming years.

The Executive Director of the KLGI Institute, Valmir Gashi, stressed that regional development in Kosovo should focus on three main elements: raising the quality of life by encouraging equal development in all development regions; increasing the competitiveness of the regional economy and employment by supporting balanced regional and local development; and increasing the efficiency of strategic planning in support of regional development.

The mayors welcomed the meeting, stressing that they will engage in drafting policies that contribute to the country’s socio-economic development and, at the same time, raise the quality of services for citizens.

To achieve balanced regional development, programmes must be developed and implemented that have a direct impact on regional socio-economic development, supporting municipalities in advancing public infrastructure and stimulating economic development.

The activity was carried out within the framework of the programme ‘Dialogue for European Municipalities’ (DEM), supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Kosovo