Speeches Shim
A technical glitch in Kosovo’s new e-procurement system could be costly to municipal budgets. USAID recently introduced a simple fix to the municipal-level public procurement system that could save local governments thousands of dollars. Democracy Plus, a civil society organization that is monitoring procurement activities in five municipalities in Kosovo, uncovered a potentially expensive technical glitch in the procurement system. Tender documents issued on Excel budget templates included Excel formulas in certain cells that were unlocked and could be easily modified or deleted.
With the launch of the Open Procurement Transparency Portal in 2018, Kosovo became a regional leader in providing access to information on government expenditures. On July 10, USAID and civil society partner Levizja Fol celebrated the one-year anniversary of this landmark achievement to raise awareness around the need for continued transparency and accountability.
Law students from the University of Mitrovica scored a win at this year’s Mock Trial Competition, which took place in Pristina end of May 2019. USAID’s Justice Matters activity, the Kosovo Bar Association, Pristina Basic Court, and five public universities sponsored the contest, which drew participation from more than 120 students.
Income-generating opportunities are limited for women and members of marginalized groups who live in rural areas of Kosovo. To boost job creation and overall economic growth, USAID is providing grants to small- and medium-sized businesses to help them expand operations and improve production.
As part of his recent visit to Gjilan, U.S. Ambassador Philip S. Kosnett inaugurated a new makerspace, which provides skills-building opportunities to local youth. USAID, through its After School Support for Teens activity, is partnering with secondary schools and municipalities throughout Kosovo to establish career and enterprise hubs, encourage the use of modern technology, and train and mentor teachers in partner schools.
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