Belgrade / Novi Sad, February 21: USAID's Preparedness, Planning and Economic Security Program (PPES) has joined an initiative launched by the Regional Government of Vojvodina and the Independent Association of Vojvodina Journalists to award the first Best Vojvodina Mayor of the Year Award. PPES’ Preparedness and Planning team, well known in the region for it leadership in upgrading local emergency management systems, youth firefighting camps and support during natural disasters, has been asked to help draft the selection criteria.
PPES will join representatives of the Permanent Conference of Cities and Municipalities (SKGO), National Institute for Informatics, Serbia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (SIEPA), German Organization for International Cooperation (GTZ) and other representatives from the civil sector to draft the criteria.
The award initiative seeks to highlight best local government practices introduced by the current 47 municipal Mayors in Vojvodina. It also hopes to inspire other leaders across Vojvodina to improve municipal services for citizens. The award ceremony is planned for Fall 2011.