The Ministry of Public Administration (MPA), by helping local governments successfully monitor dynamic changes in the field of digital governance, is laying a good foundation for achieving the ultimate goal - strengthening local governments in accordance with the most modern standards, said the relevant Minister Maraš Dukaj.
The MPA said that the study "Assessment of the Development of Electronic Governance in Local Self-Government Units in Montenegro" was presented today, which was conducted with the support of the European Union and in cooperation with the United Nations Office for Projects and Services (UNOPS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Dukaj emphasized that the vision of digitalized public administration is not just a strategic goal, but one of the key foundations of public administration reform in Montenegro.
"By helping local governments successfully follow dynamic changes in the field of digital governance, we are laying a good foundation for achieving our ultimate goal - strengthening local governments in accordance with the most modern standards," said Dukaj.
He thanked international partners for their understanding and support, and emphasized that mutual cooperation is of key importance for jointly addressing all challenges on the path of reform, not only at the local, but also at the central level.
The statement states that the study analyzes in detail the situation in the field of eGovernment and eServices, from hardware, software and network infrastructure, to service availability, cybersecurity, data interoperability, human resource training and budget allocations.
It is added that an integral part of the report are guidelines for the Government of Montenegro and municipal leaderships for further development plans in this area.
UNOPS Representative for Montenegro, Mikela Telatin Telatin, said that the study lays the foundation for concrete activities, from tailored capacity-building programs and targeted investments in digital infrastructure, to the development of practical digital solutions focused on the needs of citizens.
"Our goal is to provide as much support as possible for all municipalities in Montenegro," added Telatin.
It is stated that support will be provided in the form of improving the knowledge and skills of officials for the introduction and management of digital services, technical assistance for improving procedures, developing cybersecurity policies, creating local action plans for digital transformation and improving digital infrastructure.
UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro, Ekaterina Paniklova, said that they are aware of the challenges that municipalities often face in the process of improving digital governance, especially when it comes to limited human and financial capacities.
"UNDP remains committed to the role of a reliable and strategically oriented partner to local governments on their journey of digital transformation. Our goal is clear: fast, accessible and simple digital services should become the standard for all citizens - regardless of where they live," said Paniklova.
The event concluded that everyone is ready to make their knowledge and experience available to municipalities that want to build a modern, efficient and fair local government system.
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