The presentation of the activity report for the inception phase of the Joint Integrated Local Development Programme (JILDP), the adjustments to the programme document, the findings of the study on implications of decentralization policies on vulnerable groups, as well as the presentation of selection criteria and of the Programme target communities list were among the topics discussed during the Steering Committee meeting.

"The goal of the meeting is to give an appreciation to the Programme as result of the first implementation phase, to commonly agree on the vision for improving the activities based on lessons learned during 2010 and approve the course for more efficient management of the decentralization process and ensuring the local self-government with the support provided by the development partners", the Deputy Secretary General of the Government, Roman Cazan said.

"In accordance with the main commitments assumed for the inception phase, assistance was provided to the Parity Commission on Decentralization and to 5 thematic working groups for developing the draft National Decentralization Strategy, the national debates on this draft document were facilitated, the required analysis (general and sectoral) was ensured to support the Strategy, the methodology to integrate the human rights based approach and gender equality at all levels of the decentralization reform was developed and the necessary assistance to train, under this aspect, the national and local decision-makers, as well as the civil society representatives, was provided", the JILDP coordinator, Mihai Roscovan mentioned.

Victoria Cujba, Deputy Head of the Division for decentralization policies of the State Chancellery, mentioned that among the key results achieved during the inception phase of the Programme, since the beginning of 2010 hitherto, the establishment of an extended cooperation platform between the Government, local public administration, civil society and development partners on ensuring local self-government and decentralization can be highlighted, that is an essential factor for the successful implementation of the decentralization reform.

The JILDP Steering Committee includes representatives of the Government, Parliament, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour, Social Protection and Family, Ministry of Regional Development and Constructions, NGO sector, local government, academia and international organizations.

We reiterate that in the process of decentralization and strengthening of local autonomy, the Government is supported by the development partners, including the Joint Integrated Local Development Programme implemented with the UNDP and UN Women assistance and with the financial support of the Swedish Government