Shiraka Training Programme 2027: Fully Funded Local Governance Training in the Netherlands for Government Professionals from 12 MENA Countries

Overview

The Shiraka Training Programme 2027 offers specialized instruction in local governance, public service delivery, and citizen participation. Developed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, the initiative aims to support societal development across the Middle East and North Africa through effective public administration and improved government services. The 2027 Local Governance training course blends online learning with a face-to-face training week in The Hague.

Who can apply

The course is intended for mid-career government professionals and public officials from selected Middle East and North Africa countries who wish to deepen their expertise in decentralization, citizen participation, and local development.

What you get

Selected participants receive a scholarship covering programme tuition and other eligible costs. For attendees from countries featured on the OECD Development Assistance Committee list, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides coverage for international travel, accommodation, visa expenses, insurance, and course tuition fees. Attendees from eligible countries not on that specific list must fund their own international travel and visa expenses, while the Dutch government covers their accommodation, insurance, and tuition fees.

How to apply

Interested government professionals from eligible countries must submit their applications by the specified deadline.

Key dates

The application deadline is 26 November 2026. The training structure begins with an online component in January and February 2027, followed by an online refresher period in March and April 2027, and concludes with an in-person training week held in The Hague from 19 to 23 April 2027.