bonjour dans le cadre de l'appel en cours du programme CIP, nous avons reçu une proposition de partenariat pour intégrer un projet de l'union des municipalités chypriotes The Union of Cyprus Municipalities is interested in joining consortia which are under development for proposals submitted under the specific Objective. Who we are The Union of Cyprus Municipalities is the main association of Local Authorities in Cyprus, established in 1981. Even though membership is voluntary, at present all municipalities (39), accounting for 71 per cent of the population of Cyprus, are represented. Its core functions are to contribute to the development of local government autonomy, as well as to act as spokesman of local government interests vis-a-vis the central government and other national institutions. It also takes an active stand in the relations between Cyprus and the European Union. EU Grants and Programmeshave been an important point of interest for the Union of Cyprus Municipalities during the past years. Indicatively, some of the projects we completed are: - Decisive Project Development of Cypriot Twinning Capacities through Active Volunteering - funded by the “Europe for Citizens” programme. - Pro-I3T Project Providing Information Tools on Thematic Twinning - funded by the “Europe for Citizens” programme. - SUSTAIN Project Sustainable Training Activities on Twinnings - funded by the “Europe for Citizens” programme. Main Objective for Participation to CIP ICT PSP Call7: To create the necessary infrastructure for a Centralized Management Information System of Cyprus Municipalities and the provision of E-Government services to all Municipalities in Cyprus. The use of e-government services to Cyprus Municipalities through a Centralized Management Information System creates new data and new opportunities for growth, prosperity and quality of life. Unlike other technological changes, the rapid development and deployment of Information Society affects all economic sectors, organizational and work structures, public services, cultural and social activities at the level of Local Authorities. For citizens and local authorities, Information Society promises to provide better public services; local governments will develop services that focus more on giving people choices and conveniences. Those who live in remote regions and scattered communities will also benefit from access to economic and social opportunities provided by emerging technologies. The Union of Cyprus Municipalities identifies that implementing ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) amongst its members would be very important and useful as it will enable Municipalities to come closer to citizens and private companies and also minimise operating costs through restructuring. As a result, the Union of Cyprus Municipalities after various consultations with its members and relevant Government departments, published a public tender for the provision of consulting services for creating the necessary infrastructure for a Centralized Management Information System of Cyprus Municipalities and the provision of E-Government services to all Municipalities in Cyprus. The services that will be provided by the Centralized Management Information System relate to the access to software applications either directly by Municipalities or residents through the Municipalities. Each municipality will be able to easily choose which applications are needed for administrative support services (e.g. accounting, payroll, waste management, secretarial etc) as well as online services provided to residents (e.g. portal services, telematics, e-learning, etc.), without being dependent on the current technological infrastructure of the Municipality. With the new Centralized System, new services could be adopted quickly and be available to end users with the security and reliability guaranteed by the integrated infrastructure. The immediate benefits of using the Centralized System are related to: • Financial. The optimal use of existing computing resources and adaptability of the system to changing needs of the citizens. • Green Technology. The use of one Centralized System instead of scattered smaller data centres in each Municipality will help to save energy. • Social Benefits. The existence of a Centralized System can contribute to the smooth development of e-services that is reflected in a modern society with lower costs and with a view on protecting the environment. Participation in CIP ICT PSP Call7 The Union is mainly interested for participation in Objective 1.1. Cloud of Public Services. However, the Union is open to any other interesting suggestions for possible participation under the Programme. Partners Sought: Currently looking to join a consortium with experienced, reputable partners, well acclaimed in their respective fields of activity. Contact Person: Mr. Christodoulos Rousia Union of Cyprus Municipalities Tel. +357-22445237 Fax: +357-22677230 E-mail: chrousia@ucm.org.cy ou encore Marcia Trillidou - Varzakakou Scientific Officer National Research Programmes Unit CIP ICT PSP National Contact Point Research Promotion Foundation P.O. Box 23422, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus Tel: +357-22205033, Fax: +357-22205001 Website: www.research.org.cy trillidou@research.org.cy