Localizing MDGs and Strengthening Decentralization Systems
In June 2006, a new project for the localization of MDGs in the two pilot Shabiyaats of Tripoli and Al-Wahat was initiated, having as its main objective the localization of MDGs through the production of a participatory MDG based local development report. In cooperation with UNDP’s Capacity 2015 for Arab States, and following the preparation of MDG based socio economic analysis of the two pilot Shabiyaats, a training workshop was organized for representative of the two Shabiyaats as well as central government. The project contributed to raising awareness of MDGs at local level through triggering a healthy debate between sectoral officials of the two pilot governorates (Tripoli and Al-Wahat) and experts from UNDP’s Capacity 2015 for Arab states. Officials of the two governorates made use of the MDGs as a planning tool and overall development indicators and MDG targets as specific indicators of progress towards achieving the MDGs. The participation of officials from the central government and the two pilot governorates in training workshops for planning and monitoring of MDGs at local level and utilization of regional experiences and expertise in this regard have equipped the participants with the analytical tools and concepts to begin an MDG- based review and analysis of socio-economic data in their respective Shabiyaats.
While this project is in the process of being closed, discussions are underway between UNDP and its relevant counterparts to renew and expand it in the near future.
The Millennium Development Goals Projects
UNDP has completed a project with the General Information Authority (GIA) for the formulation of Libya’s first Millennium Development Goals’ Report (MDGR) as well as a brief on the country’s relevant indicators. The main aim of this project is to provide sufficient and updated data on the level of progress in relation to the eight set development goals drawn up at the UN Millennium Summit’s Declaration.
This project has now been complimented by an additional one that works on the training of local officials in the practical tools and strategies for localising MDGs. This seeks to harmonise development planning between local and national government institutions, in line with Libya’s decentralisation policy. A recent workshop was held representing all of the governorates (Shabiyaat) in Libya, in which 60 participants were trained over two days in identifying national priorities for MDGs, preparing localised MDGRs, and reviewing the National MDGR and its findings. Due to the unrivalled success of this supplementary project in Libya, two representatives from the two pilot Shabiyaats of Tripoli and Wahaat, as well as two central government representatives went to Marrakech for a three-day workshop in which they shall present Libya’s experience in ratifying MDG proposals on national projects.
