The Working Group tasked to define the systemic solutions in improving planning and development management in Republika Srpska meets for the first time in Banjaluka.

During its session in Banja Luka, the Working Group consisting of representatives of entity ministries and local governments, reviewed the shortcomings of current systemic solutions and found that the future system of planning and development management in Republika Srpska should be based on the following principles:

• Accountability, effectiveness and efficiency of public institutions and the system as a whole;

·  Harmonized approach to strategic planning at both Entity and local level

• Partnership of local and entity stakeholders as well as stakeholders from private and non-governmental sector;

• Clear procedures and transparency of processes and documents;

• Gender equality and social inclusion (equal opportunities for all citizens)

• Sustainable development

These principles ensure that all administrative bodies and local governments in Republika Srpska operate in a synchronised manner when planning and implementing their development priorities and at the same time sharing the unique values.

The principles, therefore, ensure that priorities are chosen based on economically justified cost, creation of positive effects on the growth of gross domestic product, attraction of new investments and revenue generation. They also assume a clear identification of responsible institutions in the process of strategic planning and development management, a transparent consultation process with all stakeholders and target groups, including the business sector and civil society organizations, scientific, research and other organizations, creating preconditions for protecting the public interest.

Therefore, objectives of the new system are considering sustainable development requirements, its effects on society, especially on local communities and its citizens, with special attention to vulnerable categories of population and gender equality.

The strategic planning and development management system in Republika Srpska, which is based on harmonized integrated and sectoral strategies at both, the entity and local level, will contribute to better use of public finances and more effective monitoring and evaluation of the implemented public policies.

The harmonized framework, guided by appropriate institutional structures, will ensure harmonization with sustainable development goals, quality programming of public funds and better access to EU funds, as well as increased capacities of institutions at the entity and local level for integration into the European processes.

Technical support in the introduction of a systemic approach to development planning and management in  Republika Srpska is provided by the Integrated Local Development Project (ILDP), a joint project of the Government of Switzerland and the United Nations Development Program in Bosnia and Herzegovina.