The^2nd Steering Group meeting took place in Balti, between 28 February - 1 March 2006. The participants discussed the progress in the development of National Training Strategy and a Best Practice programmes for local government in Moldova.

The objectives of the meeting were:

National Training Strategy

• To examine and discuss the activity which was implemented so far for the preparation of a Training Needs Assessment
• To analyse the results of the various surveys and the conclusions of the Training Needs Assessment
• To identify the main implications on the legal and institution framework and on the future National Training Strategy of the conclusions of the Training Needs Assessment
• To set the broad goals and the main lines of the future National Training Strategy
• To take any other practical decisions to ensure the preparation of a useful and practical National Training Strategy

Best Practice Programme

• To examine and discuss the long list of applications
• To discuss the National Awards Ceremony: guests, ideas, strategy, draft agenda and practical arrangement
• Taking account of the practices included in the long list, to identify supplementary channels for the dissemination activities
• To consider and discuss the involvement of potential donors in supporting the dissemination activities within Best Practice Programme
• To set the date for the next SG Meeting, when the Selection Pannel should present the local authorities to be awarded with the Best Practice Status

After the meeting, the SG members visited the Mayoralty of Balti.