On 17 and 18 January 2023, in Skopje, NALAS hosted the regional conference “Models for inclusion of minorities and vulnerable groups in the Western Balkans – Sharing of expertise and recommendations for improved policy-making”. More than 50 participants exchanged about the importance of inclusion for social cohesion and the protection of human rights at local level.

“Local governments are such an incredibly important part of how we bring our democracy together, how we ensure that we are representing both women and men, meeting their needs and empowering them to seize their potentials and grow into leaders. But we must admit that we are not there yet”, said NALAS President, Mayor Goran Cvetanovic.

The online event brought together over 60 local government representatives, experts and practitioners, who explored the benefits that inclusion of vulnerable groups and diversity as a management tool and concept bring to the community.

NALAS and its members, Marmara Municipalities Union, Union of Cities of Croatia and Union of Municipalities of Slovenia hosted a delegation of high-level representatives from Darkhan Uul Province, Mongolia, as part of the FRIENDSHIP Project for innovation, prosperity and greening.

NALAS participated in the panel "Cities and municipalities in Serbia in focus: Public administration reform at the local government level", presenting the regional view through the findings of NALAS Regional Decentralisation Observatory.

This booklet presents 12 good practices on provision of social services to the left behind communities piloted by local governments throughout the region.

On 10th of October 2022, the NALAS Digitalization Working Group was established and held its constituent first meeting. NALAS in cooperation with KDZ is going to boost and support the Digitalization of Cities in the next years and will bring together those responsible for digitalization in the local government associations and cities.

NALAS hosted the Smart Cities and Digital Transformation of the Local Governments during the 5th Western Balkan Digital Summit took place in Prishtina on 21-22 September 2022.

We are delighted to invite you to the 5th Western Balkans Digital Summit which will be held in Prishtina on 21st and 22nd of September 2022.

As knowledge is the only thing that multiplies by sharing, we encourage you to take the advantage of anything that you learn from the Network and unselfishly share your knowledge for the next issue.