Partnership with municipalities

In Kosovo, UNICEF works not only at a central level – ensuring key policies leave no child behind – but also close to communities where the most vulnerable children live. At the local level we work in partnership with municipalities to implement and evaluate promising multi-sectoral interventions to see if they work. That way, programmes that are proven to be effective and scalable can be promoted and expanded Kosovo-wide.

UNICEF focuses in five municipalities, where we aim to demonstrate the impact of integrated, cost-effective, and quality programming for children.

The selected municipalities for 2021-2025 are Gjakova, Gjilan, Lipjan, Dragash and Zubin Potok.

Here, we partner with local government, NGOs, and other local stakeholders to implement a range of programmes that support a child’s whole life cycle from before birth through childhood and adolescence. We are committed to building local capacities to sustain quality programmes, and we facilitate and encourage collaboration between sectors to increase effectiveness.

In 2023, the municipal mechanisms for child rights have been enhanced with establishment of  the Child Rights Teams, chaired by mayors, in thirty-four municipalities. In addition, and seven municipalities have approved Child Rights Team Action Plans. These plans will provide the strategic orientation, interventions, and resources for quality and comprehensive municipal mechanisms and services that enable the protection and development of the child.