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Schools Network Platform Advances Intersectoral Cooperation and Professional Development Reforms

The workshop “The Schools Network Platform for Intersectoral Cooperation in the Areas of Professional Development in State and Other Bodies” was held on 21–22 May 2026, bringing together representatives of institutions participating in the Schools Network and partners supporting professional development reforms and intersectoral cooperation.

During the two-day event, participants discussed the implementation of the Schools Network Annual Programme, future priorities, and opportunities for strengthening cooperation among institutions responsible for professional training and capacity development in the public sector.

Special attention was dedicated to the development and implementation of the new intersectoral training programme for public attorneys, aimed at strengthening professional capacities of public attorneys at the local level.

The workshop also featured a presentation by consultant of the project who introduced the process and methodology for developing this new intersectoral training programme, emphasizing the importance of needs assessment, institutional coordination, and sustainability of professional development systems.

In addition, participants discussed the visibility and communication of the Schools Network, as well as future steps necessary for improving the overall functioning of the platform and enhancing joint activities among member institutions.

The workshop was supported by the European Union/Council of Europe joint project “Human Resource Management in Local Self-Government – Phase 3,” implemented by the Council of Europe’s Centre of Expertise for Multilevel Governance, in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Government.

Belgrade 21-22 May 2026
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The project “Human Resources Management in Local Self-Government – phase 3” builds on previous efforts to modernise human resource management in Serbian local self-governments. It aims to strengthen the human resources management and professional development at the local level while supporting public administration reforms.

 

What is the goal and objective of the action?

The project seeks to consolidate the results of the first two phases aiming to advance the public administration reform in Serbia, notably through modernising human resource management and professional development of public servants at the local level.

 Funding: The project is co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe

 Duration of the project: 3 February 2025 – 2 November 2027

The Project is implemented by the Centre of Expertise for Multilevel Governance at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.

 

Who benefits from the action?

•             Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Governments

•             Local Self-Governments in Serbia

•             National Academy for Public Administration

•             Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities            

•             Civil society, academic community, media, Serbian citizens

 

How does the action work?

The HRM in LSG III project implementation methodology is based on capacity building actions, technical assistance to the beneficiaries at the national and local level, know-how of the Centre of Expertise for Multilevel Governance of the CoE, use of tools developed under the previous project phases (in close partnership with Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities in Serbia - SCTM) and networking activities with the CoE member States. Special attention will be given to peer learning, exchange of good practice, strengthening of HRM networks, locally and internationally, as well as raising the visibility of key HRM reforms.

 

What do we expect to achieve?

  • MPALSG has an improved framework, and LSGs have increased capacities to deliver effective HRM and professional development functions and planning at local level.

  • MPALSG has strengthened capacities and an improved framework to coordinate effective professional development and lifelong learning of public servants.

  • Improved effectiveness and efficiency in coordination, harmonisation and communication between institutions for HRM and professional development.

 

Reference documents

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