Speaking at an event to present the academy, Huber described the initiative as “a milestone in the further development of decentralisation and the improvement of public services for Albanian citizens”.

She said the project builds on Switzerland’s long-standing support for Albania, including the “Strong Municipalities” programme, a major initiative funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, SDC, to support decentralization and improve public services in the country.

“Since the ‘Strong Municipalities’ programme, Switzerland has supported decentralisation reforms and will continue to contribute to strengthening the capacity of local government,” Huber said.

She said the academy was the result of long-standing dialogue and cooperation between central and local authorities, associations, experts and international partners.

Huber said the academy would help ensure that reforms translate into tangible improvements in the quality of services delivered to citizens.

“The academy will ensure these reforms are turned into concrete improvements in people’s lives,” she said.

She added that the role of the academy’s Assembly and Governing Board would be crucial in ensuring commitments are implemented in a professional and effective manner.

Huber said local governments were at the forefront of European Union-related reforms and that strengthening their capacity was an important step in that process.

She also referred to the Knowledge Management Platform, supported by Sweden and Switzerland, which aims to share best practices with the academy to widen the spread of expertise across local administration.

“The academy symbolises a strong partnership and a shared commitment between central and local government, based on professionalism and shared responsibility,” Huber said, adding that Switzerland would continue to provide strong support for decentralisation reforms and the strengthening of local governance in Albania.

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