NAPA AND THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION: IMPORTANT PROJECT MANAGEMENT TRAINING FOR NIŠAVA DISTRICT

Marina Dražić, Director of the National Academy for Public Administration (NAPA), Jelena Žarić Kovačević, Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government, and Dragoslav Pavlović, Mayor of Niš, officially opened a two-day training session titled “Project Cycle Management” today in the Assembly Hall of the City of Niš. The training is attended by civil servants from local self-government units in the Nišava District.

“As the National Academy for Public Administration, we are proud to partner with the Ministry in the professionalization of public administration and the improvement of its work. The aim of this training is not only to provide theoretical knowledge but also to equip local government employees with concrete skills they can apply in daily practice. In the context of local governments, project management involves responsible planning, implementation, and monitoring of projects that directly affect citizens’ quality of life and community development,” said Marina Dražić, noting that more than 50 civil servants are attending the training. She added that NAPA was founded to ensure that local government employees have access to the same training opportunities as state officials.

Minister Žarić Kovačević emphasized the importance of the training for local government staff across the Nišava District, pointing out that its ultimate benefit goes to the citizens. She noted that there are numerous available funding sources through various funds and instruments for project financing, and that it is essential to have skilled personnel capable of working on such important tasks.

“Successfully applying for project funds is one of the most important tools for implementing projects crucial to local communities—whether funded through public budgets or international and bilateral donors and lenders. This is especially important in the context of EU accession, where local governments, as the level of administration closest to citizens, play a key role and are eligible for numerous EU funds and programmes,” Minister Žarić Kovačević stated.

Mayor of Niš, Dragoslav Pavlović, highlighted the city’s need for a modern, educated, and well-trained workforce that can follow and understand current trends in administration.

“The sooner we realize that our future lies in cooperation with major European Union partners, in project drafting, and in implementing signed memorandums, the sooner we’ll be one step ahead. Knowledge and education are the imperatives of the modern age. Only they can make us more successful, competitive, and an attractive space for investment and business. Not even the most advanced technologies or the most perfect electronic systems can replace people. A motivated, committed, and well-trained civil servant is the greatest asset of local government,” said Pavlović.