NAPA DIRECTOR AND MINISTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT OFFICIALLY OPEN “PROJECT CYCLE MANAGEMENT” TRAINING IN SOKOBANJA

Marina Dražić, Director of the National Academy for Public Administration (NAPA), and Snežana Paunović, Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government, officially opened the two-day training programme “Project Cycle Management” today in Sokobanja. The training is intended for employees of local self-government units.

The programme aims to strengthen participants’ competencies in preparing, managing, and monitoring projects financed through both domestic and international sources.

In her opening remarks, Minister Paunović emphasized that trainings of this kind are a crucial step toward building the capacity of local governments—the level of governance closest to citizens and most directly involved in their everyday lives. “We want to create a professional, skilled, and motivated local administration—one that truly serves citizens and acts as a development partner for local communities,” the Minister stated.

Director Dražić reaffirmed NAPA’s commitment to ensuring equal access to professional development for all public administration employees, regardless of the level of government. “We believe in the power of knowledge and support. This training provides participants with comprehensive guidance in developing concrete project ideas,” she said.

The event’s host, Miodrag Nikolić, Mayor of Sokobanja, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to host the event and thanked the Minister and Director for their trust. He noted that the training was open not only to other local government units but also to representatives of healthcare and education institutions, which sparked considerable interest.

Over the course of the training, participants will engage in interactive sessions designed to equip them with the practical knowledge and skills needed to independently apply for funding and implement projects that address the specific needs of their communities.