ARMENIA
Labor Market Report Stresses Need for Job Growth
Senior Labor Economist Arvo Kuddo presented the report Armenia: Labor Market Dynamics on May 17 to an audience of more than 30 experts from key ministries, the National Employment Service, Central Bank, State Social Insurance Fund, and other agencies, as well as donors and NGOs. The comprehensive analysis of labor market outcomes, perspectives for the future, and labor statistics initiated a lively discussion. The study will also help the Government prepare its Employment Strategy. Arvo was interviewed by a select group of journalists.
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA
Bosnia Country Office and Partners Award Small Grants
Eighteen NGOs were named winners in the 2007 Small Grants Program on May 17. This year’s program was supported by the BH Foundation Mozaik, Open Society Foundation Bosnia and Herzegovina (US$20,000), and the World Bank (US$35,000). The program aims to assist the most vulnerable groups in strengthening their position in Bosnian society. This was the eighth consecutive year in which the World Bank has awarded small grants to civil society in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Click here for the press release. Fiduciary Update Gives Advice on Needed Reforms
The Bosnia Country Office presented its Fiduciary Update to government officials and key partner organizations on May 8. This report maps various developments in 2006 and provides suggestions on how to implement remaining reforms. The report is intended to support the dialogue with the government and donors on strengthening public financial management in BH and help design programs to build financial management and procurement capacity. The Fiduciary Update may also help authorities assess existing and future challenges and identify actions required to deal with them in a cost-effective manner. Click here for the press release.
KYRGYZ REPUBLIC
Small Grants Winners Announced
The Kyrgyz Republic Country Office and the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia announced the winners of the 2007 Small Grants Program on May 30. The program supports initiatives to broaden the dialogue on socioeconomic issues, develop civic partnerships, empower citizens, and engage marginalized and vulnerable groups in civic activities. This year, applicants from all regions of the country submitted a total of 219 proposals. In total, 21 projects were funded for US$61,700. EFCA joined the World Bank in 2006 as a partner donor, and has awarded grants comprising more than $35,000. Click here for the press release. New Grant to Help Kyrgyz Republic Achieve Education Goals
The Kyrgyz Republic and the World Bank signed a grant agreement of US$9 million on May 22 to help the country achieve its development goals in the education sector. The grant is provided by the Education-For-All (EFA) and Fast Track Initiative (FTI) Catalytic Fund, administered by the World Bank. The grant covers 2007-2008 and aims at bringing the country closer to fulfilling its EFA targets. Set within the framework of the country’s Education Development Strategy, the grant will finance initiatives to increase pupil attendance and education quality by improving learning and teaching environment in pre-schools and primary schools; support school-based nutrition programs; raise awareness in communities and amongst parents of the importance of early childhood development; and improve pre- and primary school teachers’ qualifications. Click here for the press release.
ROMANIA
Avian Influenza Project Officially Launched
The Government of Romania, through the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority, the Ministry of Public Health, and the Romania Country Office organized on May 22 a workshop to launch the implementation of the Avian Influenza Control and Human Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project. The project, in the amount of 37.5 million euros, was prepared within the framework of the Global Program for Avian Influenza Control and Human Pandemic Preparedness and Response, and approved by the Board of Directors on September 8, 2006. The project aims to reduce the threat posed to humans and the poultry sector in Romania by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and to support the preparation for, control of, and response to influenza pandemics and other infectious disease emergencies in humans. Click here for the press release. |
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