Collection and dissemination of best practices International conference „Municipal Best Practices Programme” Budapest - 20th November 2014 Association of Towns and Communities of Slovakia

associating 95 per cent of Slovak local governments (ca members) one of key goals is capacity building of Slovak local government educated a open local government facilitates communication and sharing of information – each example or experience (good or bad) becomes part of common know-how initiation, creation and sharing of good practice examples presents a new concept of education and capacity building of local governments

Capacity building defining factor for local government capacity building is the preparation and high quality of “working and administration teams” in relation to competences, which were transferred to local governments during the decentralisation process systematic transformation of local government to educated self- government structured dialogue of member local governments and wider socio-politic dialogue with relevant stakeholders

Open concept of education and capacity building process without traditional hierarchic structure participation of a large group of experts from various relevant institutions, not only one expert, who provides proper solutions and answers during workshops local governments are not just recipients of this assistance, but also active creators of know-how promoting approach, that local governments are learning from sharing of experience, information a practice examples. From both good and bad ones.

Why is sharing of practical examples a cornerstone of capacity building? creates pillars of local governments’ learning creates cooperative environment, in which local governments are not afraid to: hold public discussions highlight shortcomings present own solutions create policies meaningfully comment and regulate legislation

What does the sharing of examples provide us with? brings new solutions and answers relevant to day-to-day citizens-oriented services provides basis for open dialogues, which can search for new solutions fosters thinking stimulation, critical thinking and abandonment of thinking schemes promotes collection and evaluation of data collected from “below” brings new forms of communication, which generate proposals/counterproposals to improve quality and efficiency of processes and provided services enables team learning while stressing interest of individuals, who work in the local government environment and create, transform and improve it at the same time

How do we do it? initiation, creation and sharing of good practice examples is implemented on three levels: national – national projects regional – projects focused on intermunicipal cooperation – cooperation with regional associations of local governments and microregions local – pilot project in cooperation with selected cities and municipalities

Thank you for your attention! Barbara Gindlová Director of the International Relations Department