The first of a series of workshops organized by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe as part of the programme Strengthening local elected representatives’ leadership was conducted on 5-6 February in Yerevan. The workshop was attended by 18 Mayors, women and men, representing eight regions of Armenia, from both urban and rural areas. Through a peer-to-peer approach involving members of the Congress and international experts, Armenian Mayors got familiar with the mission and role of the Congress, they analysed their role and statutory responsibilities and assessed skills and competencies needed to implement their role effectively and efficiently. The informal environment allowed the Mayors not only to know each other better, but also to contribute productively to group-work on field projects. The programme is being implemented by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in the framework of the Council of Europe project Support to consolidating local democracy in Armenia, funded by the Government of Denmark and part in the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia. Apart from Leadership programme, regional thematic seminars and citizen fora will provide a learning platform for local groups, mayors and councilors to enhance the dialogue and nurture constructive discussions.

Council of Europe Office in Armenia