LALRG Seminar | Cooperation for secure municipalities

On 27 September, the Association of Local Governments of Latvia (LALRG), in partnership with the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and PLATFORMA, organised an international seminar titled « The Sense of Security in Me and Around Me: Cooperation for Secure Municipalities. » This dynamic hybrid event brought together experts and local leaders from Latvia, Belgium, and Ukraine, sparking insightful discussions on building safer communities.

The seminar was held as part of the « Sustainable Municipalities Week 2024, » which focused on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and took place for the first time in various Latvian municipalities from 20 to 29 September. This SDGs week was inspired by the “Sustainable Municipality Week” organised annually by the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities (VVSG).

During the event, experts from Latvia, Belgium, and Ukraine discussed the UN Global Goals and how they are being implemented in municipalities. Representatives from three different regions of Ukraine shared their experiences in enforcing civil protection measures and ensuring the continuity of services provided by municipalities during crisis conditions, focusing on the implementation of SDG 16 « Peace, Justice, Good Governance. »

Additionally, a clinical psychologist delivered a lecture on traumatic experiences in wartime conditions and their impact on professional cooperation to help Latvian and Ukrainian local government representatives better understand each other and enhance their cooperation.