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Description
The project "Local Policies under a Magnifying Glass - Monitoring the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals in Local Communities" addresses the problem of under-developed advocacy capacities and watchdog role of civil society organizations in smaller local communities, with a focus on public policies within Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The SDGs are multilayered, global policies, which need to be implemented at all levels from global to local. The project aims at localizing SDGs through strengthening the capacities of local organizations to monitor the implementation of SDGs and advocate for policies that can improve it. At the same time, local CSOs will learn methods of public communication and community work in order to reach and include as many fellow citizens as possible with their approach.
The project will strengthen democratic initiatives and capacities of local CSOs as the main target group, as well as increase the degree of active civic participation in the policy-making and implementation processes in Vukovar-Srijem and Lika-Senj counties. This is especially pertinent because both counties have below-average development indexes with negative demographic trends and a predominantly older population that is less prone to civic participation. Local partnes are target groups of capacity building activities and contribute with the community outreach while donor country partner bring its expertize in advocacy and (digital) tools for advocacy actions at all leveles (transfer of good practise).
By introducing watchdog and advocacy practices at the local level, CSOs will contribute to increasing the quality of SDG implementation in their communities, as well as the overall well-being and understanding of democratic principles and values by their fellow citizens.