The Municipal Spatial Planning Support Programme in Kosovo (MuSPP), implemented by UN-Habitat and funded by the Swedish Development Cooperation, organized a workshop in Ohrid, FYROM, on 19 and 20 March 'Making better cities together': Where are we? Where do we want to go, and how?. The workshop aimed at introducing the Programme to newly elected Mayors from MuSPP partner municipalities, its respective support and related achievements, as well as discussing the new municipal planning management requirements set by the Government of Kosovo, challenges and recommendations for yearly programming and further cooperation.

The workshop was initiated by the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning (MESP) and facilitated and supported by the MuSPP. The event was attended by high-level representatives of the central level institutions, respectively: the Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning (MESP), Mr. Dardan Gashi, the Deputy Minister of Local Government Administration (MLGA), Mr. Basri Musmurati, respective permanent secretaries as well as political advisors of the Ministry of Public Administration (MPA); and of MuSPP partner municipalities - Mayors, deputy Mayors and Heads of the assembly.

The workshop was also extended to the four municipalities from Northern Kosovo - Mitrovica North, Zvecan, Leposavic and Zubin Potok, as a first momentous step for further familiarization with municipal requirements within MuSPP relevant fields and for an initial networking and exchange of experiences with other municipalities. 

The workshop began with an opening address from Ms. Gwendoline Mennetrier. She emphasized that the workshop was an important milestone in the life-cycle of the third phase of MuSPP to ensure its completion would be carried out satisfactorily and in line with municipal priorities. She also noted that the participation of the ministries was a demonstration of strong commitment of the central government to listen to local concerns, challenges and progresses vis-a-vis planning, programming and service delivery; and in return would help the central institutions to tailor its support to municipalities accordingly. "The workshop should also serve as an opportunity and as a platform for the exchange of ideas between central and local level institutions, and amongst local level institutions (...), MuSPP is pleased to play its role of convener and dialogue supporter", she said. In her conclusion, she added that: "it is time to collectively think on what we have achieved by now and what remains to be achieved; it is also time for us to further shape the support that matches the needs of your evolving cities and villages for the benefit of local communities, through integrated spatial planning systems which guide investments, ensure sustainable development and at the same time enhance local democracy and improve the living conditions. Also according to her "all municipalities need to invest in strategic planning processes in order to be more competitive".

The Minister of the MESP, Mr. Dardan Gashi highlighted the importance of devising spatial plans, as a basis for development for each municipality. He emphasized the efforts deployed by MESP to develop a new legal framework aligned with modern requirements in relation to construction, spatial planning and treatment of buildings without permit; and which also defines more clearly the duties and responsibilities of central and local level in that respect.

The Deputy Minister of the MLGA, Mr. Basri Musmurati, thanked the MuSPP for the support provided to the partner municipalities. He also thanked the past mayors for their contribution and offered the support and collaboration of his ministry, to the new mayors, by encouraging them to further implement current Kosovo legal framework and to take advantage of the MuSPP in Kosovo to do so.

The agenda of workshop continued  with presentations on the MuSPP objectives, achievements and remaining challenges, by UN-Habitat/ MuSPP representatives; on the legal reform on spatial planning, waste management and construction - related local mandates, central level support and inspection mechanisms, by MESP officials; on the corporate planning - methods of operation, municipal responsibilities and central level support and monitoring, by MLGA officials. A session was also dedicated to discuss the MuSPP positive and less positive aspects, suggestions for improvement, recommendations, required needs and means to sustain the municipal 'in-house' capacities beyond the Programme.

All participants agreed on the need for systemic and systematic support mechanisms in favour of municipalities, also allowing for continued dialogue both vertically and horizontally.

The MESP and MLGA representatives thanked MuSPP for the support on spatial planning issues, Mayors for their dedication, and also greeted the presence of the representatives of the four Northern Kosovo municipalities in the workshop.

Partner municipalities acknowledged MuSPP's support and reiterated the role it can play in back boning the local administrations in the process of implementing the new spatial planning requirements and related instruments, and in facilitating coordination and dialogue mechanisms with the central institutions. 

For detailed information on the workshop please see the workshop report.