UNDP Projects signed to Strengthen Local Democracy and Governance

A US $ 438,000 project was signed today between the United Nations Development Programme and the Ministry of Home Affairs on Strengthening Local Democracy and Governance in the Maldives, supported by UNDP’s Democratic Governance Thematic Trust Fund (DGTTF).
The main objective of the project is to support the Government of the Maldives to implement the programme for decentralised governance.

The project will provide technical and material assistance to the national, atoll and island government, and will ensure that principles of good governance and sound public management are applied. The project will support the emergence of vibrant local governance system that will foster economic and social development.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has been identified as the initial implementing partner for this project, with the intention of handing implementation over to the Local Government Authority when the Authority becomes functional.

The Project will help in setting the frameworks, systems and procedures for the functioning of local governments and monitoring performance. It aims to strengthen leadership and administrative functioning of Local Governments; promote leadership of women and build effective engagement of Councillors and communities in local development.

“This project comes at the right time, as it follows the election of local Councillors. In delivering this project, UNDP will promote accountable, participatory, transparent, and efficient local governments, and support citizens’ participation in decision making,” stated UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Andrew Cox. He emphasized that the Government and UN system have been working together a long time on preparing for the formation of atoll and island councils.

Just this week, UNDP also signed a US $ 492,141 project which will be implemented jointly by the Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Department of Gender and Family Protection Services of the Ministry of Health and Family.

The ‘Employment and Enterprise Development for Women and Youth’ project will be implemented from 2011 to 2013. The project aims to expand policy support to key economic issues including unemployment; and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector development for women and youth. The project will also provide support to enhance the enabling environment for trade, given Maldives’ graduation from LDC status in January 2011.