TAQARIB (LGCS) – ACTIVITY FY 2021 Q3 QUARTERLY REPORT

The program aims to strengthen the foundations of the Libyan state by helping municipalities improve local service delivery with maximum public participation. The program's objectives are threefold: to strengthen the capacity of targeted municipal institutions to deliver services and be more responsive to citizen needs, to build the capacity of citizens, civil society organizations, private sector actors, and other formal and informal stakeholders to advocate and hold municipal and related national-level institutions accountable, and to strengthen national and sub-national decentralization policies, systems, and coordination. To achieve these objectives, Taqarib has been working with 45 municipalities across Libya, providing them with technical assistance, training, and capacity-building support. The program has also been engaging with civil society organizations, private sector actors, and other stakeholders to promote citizen participation and advocacy. One of the key initiatives of the program is the Municipal Performance Index (MPI), which is a tool used to measure the performance of municipalities in delivering services and responding to citizen needs. The MPI has been implemented in 45 municipalities, with a cumulative score of 4.8% above the baseline score. The program has also been supporting the development of Visible Improvement Service Processes (VIS) in partner municipalities, with 14 VIS processes supported in FY21Q3. Additionally, the program has been facilitating peer-to-peer learning exchanges, with 28 individuals participating in FY21Q3. In terms of COVID-19 response, the program has been supporting municipalities in developing preparedness and response plans, with 0 plans supported in FY21Q3. However, the program has been engaging with private sector partners to address the impacts of COVID-19, with 0 partnerships established in FY21Q3. The program has also been working with civil society organizations to promote citizen participation and advocacy. In FY21Q3, 3 CSOs received USG assistance and engaged in advocacy, with 31% of USG-assisted organizations showing improved performance. In terms of decentralization, the program has been supporting the development of national and sub-national decentralization policies, systems, and coordination. In FY21Q3, 4 public policies were introduced, adopted, repealed, changed, or implemented with citizen input, and 0 multi-stakeholder dialogues were held among national actors about the decentralization agenda. Overall, the Taqarib program has been making progress in achieving its objectives, with a focus on strengthening municipal institutions, promoting citizen participation and advocacy, and supporting decentralization efforts.