On Friday, 4 July 2008, a second Lecture Series on “Concepts of D&D and the Cambodian Context” at World Vision Main Meeting Room 7.30 - 11.15 am with 122 participants from civil society organizations and individuals from Phnom Penh and provinces. It is the Lecture Series organized by Working Group for Partnerships in Decentralization in collaboration with Department of Local Administration under financial and technical support from GTZ/Administration Reforms and Decentralization Project.

Lectures will be held on a monthly basis throughout 2008 and are open to civil society members. The lectures cover basic concepts of D&D as well as state structures, legal framework, practical examples of civil society participation and sector specific issues. Its overall objectives are as follows:

  1. Participants acquire a theoretical and practical understanding on Decentralization and Deconcentration reforms that enables them to understand and contribute meaningfully to the D&D process in Cambodia.
  2. Dialogue among civil society members but also between civil society and government institutions is improved by developing a common understanding and language on D&D issues.

The Lecture Series is designed due to the fact that the current development of decentralization and deconcentration reforms for sub-national governments is going ahead and the next year 2009 there will be another indirect election for Capital Council, Province Council, Town Council, District Council and District Council. In June 2005 the Royal Government of Cambodia formulated a ‘Strategic Framework for Decentralization and Deconcentration Reforms’ which depicts the Government’s vision and objectives for the reform process and major features of the envisaged restructuring of sub-national levels. Details will be defined by Organic Laws which are currently adopted in May 2008.

To response to this development changes and any emerging challenges, the Working Group for Partnership in Decentralization (WGPD) and the Department of Local Administration (DoLA) have engaged in a comprehensive program of lectures on the topic. It seeks to equip participants with a sound theoretical and practical understanding on Decentralization/Deconcentration topics. Thereby the program contributes to effective and efficient decentralization strategies in the longer term, by equipping civil society members with the tools to provide constructive feedback on (proposed) D&D reforms as well as enabling civil society organizations to implement their programs and activities stronger within the existing D&D framework.

Next month will be the third round of this Lecture Series and if you all wish to attend this meeting, please do no hesitate to contact and seek for further information from:

registration@ardp.org.kh Mrs. Lim Sothea (GTZ ARDP) 012 981688