Today, Saturday, the “Local Public Finance” Performance Improvement Forum was launched to qualify specialized trainers, develop participants’ skills, and build their capacities, within the “Rebuild” project, in cooperation with the Center for Municipal Development and Decentralization Support, targeting 20 faculty members in ten partner universities in Libya. The participation of a number of partner municipalities and the national program for activating and developing local revenues.
According to the Ministry of Local Government, “The forum, which continues over 7 days, covers a wide range from local public finance management to the framework of governance, transparency and community participation to ensure citizens’ contribution to decision-making, as well as public procurement and contract management, in terms of organizing the process of public procurement and contracts in achieving management.” Better finances for the municipality, and the role of local revenues in the sustainability of water laboratories, in addition to aspects related to local investment “partnership between the public and private sectors.”
During his speech at the opening of the forum, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Local Administration – Director of the National Program for Activating and Developing Local Revenues, “Abu Bakr Al-Trabelsi,” welcomed the attendees, stressing that “the Ministry of Local Government believes that sustainable development begins with strengthening the role of municipalities and enabling them to exercise their jurisdictions with all efficiency and transparency.” We also believe that achieving these goals requires integration between academic experiences and practical applications.”
Trabelsi added, “The project, with its unique design, is based on combining the efforts of faculty members, who represent the future of training with the academic knowledge they hold, and the municipalities, which constitute the practical field for applying this knowledge,” indicating that this partnership reflects the Ministry’s commitment to developing the local work system. and enhance its capabilities.”
The Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Local Administration extended his “heartfelt thanks to the organizers of this forum, and to the Center for Municipal Development and Decentralization Support for their distinguished efforts, hoping that this forum will be a new nucleus towards achieving sustainable local development goals.”
Last updated: November 9, 2024 – 12:50
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Time.news Editor: Welcome to our interview segment, where we explore the latest developments impacting local governance and public finance. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Layla Mansour, a renowned expert in public finance management and local governance. Dr. Mansour, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Layla Mansour: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such important topics that influence our communities directly.
Time.news Editor: Today marks the launch of the “Local Public Finance” Performance Improvement Forum in Libya. Can you provide us with some insights into what this forum aims to achieve and why it’s essential for local municipalities?
Dr. Layla Mansour: Absolutely! The forum aims to qualify specialized trainers and develop the skills of participants from ten partner universities in Libya. This initiative, part of the “Rebuild” project, is crucial because it seeks to enhance local governance through improved public finance management. By equipping local authorities with the necessary tools and knowledge, we can foster transparency, accountability, and community participation, which are the cornerstones of effective local government.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a comprehensive program. You mentioned key topics that will be covered, such as governance, transparency, and community participation. How do these elements intertwine in the context of local public finance?
Dr. Layla Mansour: These elements are interconnected. Governance sets the framework within which financial activities occur. Transparency is necessary to build trust among citizens, enabling them to participate actively in decision-making. When communities understand how funds are managed and allocated, they become more engaged in local governance. Additionally, effective public procurement and contract management ensures that resources are used efficiently, benefiting community development projects and local investments.
Time.news Editor: The Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Local Administration emphasized the importance of sustainable development through empowered municipalities. In your opinion, what are the immediate steps that municipalities can take to ensure effective implementation of these concepts?
Dr. Layla Mansour: Immediate steps include adopting transparent budgeting processes, conducting regular audits, and encouraging community feedback on budget allocations. Municipalities should also prioritize capacity-building programs to train their staff in financial management and local revenue generation. Furthermore, fostering partnerships with private sectors can lead to innovative solutions for local development challenges.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the role of local revenues in sustainability. In what ways can municipalities enhance their local revenue streams to support services like water management and community projects?
Dr. Layla Mansour: Municipalities can enhance local revenue by exploring various avenues such as improving property tax collection, implementing user fees for specific local services, and developing local business licenses. Moreover, establishing public-private partnerships can bring in additional funding and resources. It’s essential to engage the community in these initiatives to ensure they understand and support the necessity of these revenue-generating measures.
Time.news Editor: It seems that community involvement is key. How can municipalities effectively encourage public participation in their financial decision-making processes?
Dr. Layla Mansour: Municipalities can promote public participation by organizing community forums, workshops, and consultations where citizens can voice their opinions and concerns. Offering platforms for feedback, like online surveys or interactive budgets, can also make the process more accessible. When citizens feel their input is valued and considered, they are more likely to participate actively in governance.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mansour, for sharing your insights on this significant forum and the broader implications of local public finance management. It’s clear that empowering local municipalities is crucial for sustainable development and community well-being.
Dr. Layla Mansour: Thank you for having me! I hope the forum spurs meaningful changes in Libya’s local governance landscape. It’s a critical time for community development, and I’m optimistic about the outcomes of such initiatives.
Time.news Editor: We’ll certainly keep an eye on the progress of the forum and its impact on Libya’s municipalities. Thank you once again for your time.
Dr. Layla Mansour: Thank you! I look forward to sharing more insights in the future.