Capacity Development in Europe & CIS

SOFIA – 29 – 30 September – Members of the newly created capacity development (CD) community of practice (CoP) met for the first time – to share knowledge on the practical adaptation, application and impact of the capacity development approach. As a result of a growing recognition of the need for nationally-led capacity development, there has been increasing demand for support to capacity development in the Europe and CIS region. The creation of the CoP is part of the response.

Together, members mapped the available services, tools and resources related to capacity development and determined the demand for support to UNDP country offices and national partners. They established priorities and further strengthened cross-practice collaboration and the integration of the CD approach into their areas of work. For more information, please see the meeting summary.

The CD community of practice is comprised of experienced national and local government officials, specialist consultants, prominent members of academia, NGOs and think-tanks, UN colleagues, and other development partners. Members can provide practical advice and peer-to-peer solutions on a wide array of subject matter.

Members of the network have experience and knowledge in numerous areas: strengthening capacities of local authorities for absorption of domestic and external investments; quality service delivery; local governance; and capacity development of public oversight mechanisms (such as national human rights institutions and anti-corruption agencies).

CoP members are vital to applying the capacity development approach and adapting it to the country context. Dialogue with the CoP allows the UNDP CD team to respond meaningfully to the needs on the ground, supporting country offices to strengthen national and local government capacities to deliver services to the public, to run institutions effectively, to manage and coordinate development assistance – all with aim of improving the quality of life for those living in our region. The CoP is also a means to share the experiences, knowledge and skills that each member is able to offer for the benefit of others.