The IX Edition of the Regional Good Practices Award has been announced

Annually, for the past nine years, ORU Fogar and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have unveiled the Regional Good Practices Award. Its initiation dates to 2016. During this inaugural edition, two commendable projects from the Basque Government garnered attention—one centred on citizen participation in political decision-making and another focusing on inclusive practices within Basque schools. These were complemented by two initiatives dedicated to the empowerment of women: one was from Colonia (Uruguay), concentrating on rural women, and another belonged to the State of Jalisco (Mexico), emphasizing well-being. The list of honourees culminated with the State of Rio de Janeiro, recognized for its project combatting extreme poverty.

These five noteworthy projects find their place in the Database of Regional Good Practices in the ORU Fogar web's, alongside 40 others that have triumphed in prior editions. Consequently, a diverse array of themes related to development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been acknowledged. This spectrum encompasses projects fostering social development through sports to those striving to enhance connectivity in rural territories. While technological, healthcare, administrative, agricultural, and environmental initiatives have been spotlighted on occasion, it is particularly noteworthy that projects centred around gender equality, particularly those addressing the formidable challenge of violence against women, have gained prominence in recent times.

European and Latin American regions have actively engaged in every edition, securing a substantial number of prizes. In contrast with thd important rol of the africans in ORU Fogar, African participation in award has been comparatively modest. In response, in recent editions, Rachid El Abdi, President of ORU Fogar, has urged the national networks of African regions to double their efforts in championing the award.

This award is open to all intermediate governments worldwide—whether regions, provinces, prefectures, or federated states—regardless of their affiliation with ORU Fogar. To identify the five projects deserving recognition, a distinguished jury comprising development experts, academia-affiliated individuals, and those with extensive experience in the global agenda is convened.

More info here: IX Award - Oru Fogar (regionsunies-fogar.org)