Strengthening Local Capacities: Training of Trainers Held for Centres of Good Governance

A five-day Training of Trainers was held on Kopaonik for representatives of local self-governments who had previously successfully completed a comprehensive training cycle under the “PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature” programme, implemented with the support of the Government of Switzerland. This final step in the process of building the capacities of Centres of Good Governance was organised in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Government and is fully aligned with Serbia’s public administration reform framework.

The right to attend this training was granted to participants who, between June 2023 and February 2025, took part in five three-day training modules and successfully passed the final exam. The aim of the Training of Trainers was to further strengthen their skills and prepare them to independently design and conduct training sessions for employees in their respective local governments. Upon successful completion, participants become eligible for accreditation with the National Academy for Public Administration.

The training covered a wide range of topics essential for effective and sustainable capacity development at the local level. Over the five days, participants explored principles of adult learning, competence self-assessment, training needs analysis, community mapping, and identification of key actors. The programme also included training structure and planning, application of different methodologies and tools, as well as communication and presentation skills.

A special emphasis was placed on the exchange of practical knowledge and skills—through individual preparations and the delivery of ten training sessions, participants demonstrated their work and received peer and trainer feedback. They also tackled topics such as managing challenging situations and participants, facilitation, moderation, and evaluation. The training concluded with a reflection on goals achieved, final evaluations, and the development of individual plans for future activities in their local contexts.

The Training of Trainers represents a significant contribution to the institutionalisation of knowledge and strengthening of human resources within local administrations, thereby ensuring the long-term sustainability of improved governance and quality of public service delivery. The Programme will continue supporting such efforts, relying on a network of trained local trainers as key actors in further capacity development.

The “PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature” Programme is implemented by UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA, and UNEP in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Serbia, with financial support from the Government of Switzerland in the amount of 9 million euros. The programme covers 110 cities and municipalities across Serbia and contributes to improving good governance, social inclusion, and environmental protection at the local level.