Sumario: 24 July 2008, Brussels - A grassroots level development programme, jointly funded by the Government of Rwanda and the European Commission, has been awarded the United Nations Public Service Award 2008. The prize recognises global excellence in public service in countries around the world. The Commission has financed the programme, known as the "Ubudehe" programme, since early 2001. So far a total of € 25 million has been contributed for fighting rural poverty and improving local governance in Rwanda.
The 'Ubudehe' programme empowers citizens at community level in Rwanda to plan and implement poverty reduction projects. The programme was found to have fostered citizens' participation in policymaking while having improved transparency, accountability and responsiveness in the public service.
Commenting on this award, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, said: "This innovative programme empowers people at the grassroots-level to play an active role in tackling poverty head-on. This trophy is a major recognition of the essential role local communities play in development. The EU strongly supports this kind of people-focused approach to create the right conditions for development".
More than 9,000 communities have benefited from the programme so far. This number is due to rise to 15,000 by the end of the year. The programme was first piloted in the Butare province in early 2001. The Commission has financed the programme both in its initial pilot phase and, more recently, in its national roll-out with a total amount of € 25 million.
Background:
The United Nations Public Service Awards Programme is the most prestigious international recognition of excellence in public service. The Awards programme was established in 2003 to promote professionalism in the public sector around the world, recognising that democracy and successful governance are built on a competent civil service. 150 countries participated in the 2008 competition. Rwanda was amongst the 12 countries which have been honoured with an award.
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