Inclusive development principles in the practice of local self-government

From July 10th to 14th 2023, the "Public Service Improvement" project, funded by the Swiss government and implemented jointly by Helvetas and the Development Policy Institute, conducted trainings dedicated to the application of inclusive development principles in the practice of local self-government for the pilot AOs of Aksy, Suzak, Toguz-Torou, Bazar-Korgon, Nooken, Ala-Buka, Toktogul, and Chatkal districts of Jalal-Abad region.

The trainings were attended by heads of AOs, employees of local self-governance bodies involved in the development of Social and Economic Development Program (SEDP), as well as deputies of village councils. During the trainings, participants examined the fundamental principles of sustainable and inclusive development, discussed the interconnections between inclusive growth and overall economic growth, and conducted practical sessions on incorporating inclusive measures into municipal programs for socio-economic development.

The program of this training was structured with a combination of lectures, discussions, and interactive sessions. The thematic scope included the study of global approaches and concepts of social and economic growth, current trends in economics, political measures that contribute to inclusive growth, the importance of a values-based approach to ensuring a decent level and quality of life for all members of local communities, and focusing on the individual as the subject of analysis when preparing strategic planning documents.

Participants noted that the main measures outlined in the concept of inclusive growth are already reflected to some extent in municipal SEDPs. However, this training helped them understand that inclusive growth is not primarily about subsidizing vulnerable population groups but rather about expanding their economic and other opportunities, activating their potential, and enabling as many people as possible to overcome situations of social vulnerability. The importance of involving communities in decision-making processes and determining priority directions for territorial development was also emphasized during the trainings. Increasing the level of civic participation is one of the cornerstones of successful implementation of inclusive development policies.

"A successful community is one in which every person contributes to socio-economic development to the best of their ability while having the opportunity to satisfy both their basic needs, such as food, housing, healthcare, education, security, and energy resources, as well as higher-order needs, such as freedom, self-realization, creativity, quality leisure, and communication," said Altynai Moldoeva, a project specialist on gender and social inclusion and knowledge management.

"In the trainings, we discuss, among other things, the difference between the standard of living and the quality of life. The standard of living primarily concerns economic indicators that can be measured quantitatively. However, the quality of life is a broader concept that encompasses aspects that cannot be captured in any reports. It includes family well-being, human dignity, freedom for creativity and self-expression. International experience shows that it is precisely the indicators of quality of life that impact overall economic growth. After all, it is people who drive the economy through their individual, unique qualities, whether it be talent, skill in something, or business acumen. That's why it is crucial that no one is left behind in local development processes and that everyone's voice is heard."

The project "Public Service Improvement" provides comprehensive support to local self-governance bodies in their efforts towards inclusive and sustainable development. This training was another step towards strengthening the capacity of pilot municipalities in implementing policies and practices that contribute to the formation of fair and prosperous communities.