On May 22nd 2017, IDM organized at the EU Info Centre an information session on the sub-grantees projects implementation in framework of the first round of ‘Civil Society Instruments against Corruption- CIVILISC’ project, funded by the European Union. Over 30 participants attended the info session from local CSOs, EU Delegation in Albania, media and other relevant stakeholders. The info session focused on the procedures for the implementation and reporting of the sub-granted projects, providing information regarding financial and technical aspects.
In addition, the meeting served as an opportunity to formally launch the supported initiatives. Nineteen projects in the field of anti-corruption, designed by local civil society organizations in 12 small municipalities of Albania: Devoll, Prrenjas, Cërrik, Belsh, Lushnje, Divjakë, Selenicë, Ura Vajgurore, Libohovë, Tepelenë, Vorë, Shijak were presented at the event. These projects cover a wide range of anti-corruption and community engagement activities, including monitoring, policy/legislative support to LGUs, advocacy, awareness raising, technical assistance and capacity building to LGUs and local CSO and will contribute at increasing the role of local civil society and will lay foundation to a bottom-up approach at improving good-governance.
An opening speech was delivered by Mr. Sotiraq Hroni, General Director of IDM, who highlighted the importance of the CIVILISC project in strengthening the capacities of sub-granting organizations to boost the role of the civil society in accountability and transparency, as well as build a partnership between the institutions and the civil society for a stable and inclusive governance at local level.
Ms. Lieze Vanwymelbeke, Justice and Home Affairs Program Manager in the EU Delegation in Albania in her statement, talked about the key role of civil society and media in preventing and fighting corruption. She stated that: ‘The fight against corruption is of fundamental importance not only for Albania’s European future, but also for the country’s reputation and economic development. The economic cost is huge, but the costs for humans and society is even bigger’. Moreover, Ms. Vanwymelbeke stressed the need for political will and determination from those who are openly exposed as potential victims, from ordinary citizens, to students, entrepreneurs etc.
During the last part of the meeting participants engaged in a fruitful discussion and exchange of experiences regarding the sub-projects implementation and progress.
In the end participants expressed their readiness and commitment to fulfill the requirements of the CIVILISC project and achieve the goals set for the targeted municipalities.
More information regarding the CIVILISC project please visit: http://idmalbania.org/civilisc-civil-society-instruments-against-corruption/
