2025 Award "Best Practice in Citizen Participation"

The "ZERO DEBT" event, organized by the Municipality of Lezhë, Albania, was an innovative initiative that aimed to enhance public participation and promote transparency in local governance. The core objective of the event was to present the municipality's financial situation, budget, and future investment priorities to the citizens, enabling them to actively contribute to the decision-making process. The event successfully engaged over 450 participants, including citizens, local and central government representatives, civil society organizations, and media, creating a platform for dialogue and collaboration.

The practice focused on inclusivity, ensuring that all community members, regardless of age, background, or role, were given the opportunity to participate. Special attention was given to marginalized groups, youth, and organizations working with specific communities, with targeted outreach and personalized invitations. A wide range of communication tools were employed, including social media, official invitations, public meetings, and direct contact via platforms like WhatsApp, ensuring the broadest possible participation.

The event's impact was profound. It fostered increased trust and transparency between the Municipality of Lezha and its citizens, with detailed presentations on the municipality's budget and investments reinforcing public confidence. Moreover, it strengthened participatory democracy by allowing citizens to actively propose ideas and suggestions for the future. The event also set a new standard for inclusive and transparent local governance, with the municipality emerging as a model for financial management by achieving a zero-debt balance, the first such instance in Albania.

The results of the event were immediate and significant. Recommendations gathered during the event were incorporated into the municipality's strategic plans and budget for 2025-2026. Furthermore, the event served as a benchmark for other municipalities, demonstrating how a participatory approach can improve local governance and financial stability. The Municipality of Lezha's success in managing its finances without debt became an inspiring example for other local governments aiming for sustainable financial practices.

Ultimately, the "ZERO DEBT" event not only contributed to more transparent and effective governance but also strengthened the sense of community and trust in local institutions, creating a new model for participatory democracy in Albania.

• https://lezha.gov.al/ (External link)