Building Expertise and Participation Through Networks

The UNDP programme Supporting the elaboration of an MDG-based national Development Programme 2005-2015 for Macedonia addresses poverty and social exclusion brought about by decentralization and the country’s transition from socialism to a market economy.  The programme establishes a network of groups and institutions that cooperate at the local level to prepare human rights based analysis and planning for MDG localization.  These groups are broadly representative of community stakeholders, including marginalized groups, and also including representatives from business, public and civil society sectors. Together these groups cooperate with international and local consultants to prepare local development strategies.  By instituting cooperation between these different stakeholders, the programme hopes to stimulate a grass roots demand for local participation in development processes. By partnering with both national, and internationally renowned consultants, the project allows local stakeholders and development practitioners to benefit from international expertise without sacrificing control over development processes, or losing a local perspective. This initiative proved very successful and will be replicated in additional municipalities.