LocationsThe present workshop was aimed to empower local authorities with the skills required to address new challenges
UNDP supports a Capacity Development Programme for Local Authorities
August 9, 2023
The Capacity Development Programme was launched by Dr the Honourable Anwar Husnoo, Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management (centre) in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Shuichiro Kawaguchi, the Ambassador of Japan to Mauritius (to his right), and Ms. Amanda Serumaga, UNDP Resident Representative for Mauritius and Seychelles (to his left).
Photo: UNDP Mauritius / Stéphane Bellerose
A two-day workshop under the Capacity Development Programme for Local Authorities, was held at Côte d’Or on 8-9 August 2023. The event was launched by Dr the Honourable Anwar Husnoo, Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Shuichiro Kawaguchi, the Ambassador of Japan to Mauritius, and Ms. Amanda Serumaga, UNDP Resident Representative for Mauritius and Seychelles. Delegates from various local authorities, including village and municipal councils, also participated in the workshop.
The Capacity Development Programme for Local Authorities is an integral component of the UNDP's COVID-19 Prevention, Response, and Early Recovery (PREP) Programme, supported by the Japanese Supplementary Budgets. Initially designed to support Mauritius’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative extended its mandate towards bolstering the pillars of good governance, transparency, and accountability, and enhancing the efficiency of public services. The present workshop, which covered topics about good governance, planning and development, community leadership and consultation, and community policing and safety, was strategically aimed to empower local authorities with the skills and resilience to address the challenges of a constantly evolving world.
In his launching speech, Dr., the Honourable Anwar Husnoo, Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management acknowledged UNDP’s role in “facilitating the collaboration between Japan and Mauritius to advance development towards inclusivity, resilience and environmental sustainability”. He also expressed his pride in conveying a large number of participants to this first-of-its kind workshop, which adheres to the key agenda of the central government and development partners to enforce capacity-building of local authorities towards enhancing services to the community.
His Excellency Mr. Shuichiro Kawaguchi, the Ambassador of Japan to Mauritius encouraged the participants of the workshop to seize the opportunity to build their capacity and expertise in areas vital to national security and prosperity. He emphasized the strong commitment of the Japanese Government towards the Government and the people of Mauritius by stating that: “Japan will continue to stand by Mauritius to address any kind of challenges.”
Amanda Serumaga, UNDP Resident Representative for Mauritius and Seychelles, acknowledged local authorities for efforts made to adapt to change and keep delivering essential services with flexibility and minimal disruptions despite challenges. Ms. Serumaga highlighted that “UNDP's support to the Government of Mauritius adopts an integrated and inclusive approach, covering environment, renewable energy, health, digitalization of the public sector, support to vulnerable groups, and SMEs”.
The two-day workshop continued with various presentations facilitated by representatives from the Mauritius Police Force, the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre and the Central Electricity Board.