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

The Shiraka Training Programme 2027 offers government professionals from selected Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge and practical skills through specialized training in local governance, public service delivery, and citizen participation. Developed under the Shiraka Programme of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, the initiative supports societal development across the MENA region by promoting effective governance, public participation, and improved government services.

The 2027 Local Governance training course is designed for mid-career public officials who want to deepen their understanding of decentralization, citizen participation, and local development. The programme combines online learning with an in-person training week in The Hague, Netherlands, allowing participants to explore governance concepts and practical approaches before engaging in face-to-face training and learning activities.

Selected participants receive a scholarship covering programme tuition and other eligible costs. For participants from countries included on the OECD Development Assistance Committee (OECD-DAC) list, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs covers international travel, accommodation, visa expenses, insurance, and course tuition fees. Participants from eligible countries that are not on the OECD-DAC list must cover their own international travel, including airfare and visa costs, while accommodation, insurance, and tuition fees are covered by the Dutch government.

The application deadline for the 2027 Local Governance training course is 26 November 2026. Interested government professionals from eligible countries should review the programme requirements and submit their applications before the deadline.

About the Shiraka Training Programme

The Shiraka Training Programme (STP) is part of the broader Shiraka Programme developed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. It supports societal development in the Middle East and North Africa by strengthening public institutions and improving the way governments deliver services to citizens.

The programme emphasizes the importance of involving civilians in public service delivery and encouraging more effective relationships between governments and the communities they serve.

Shiraka training courses address several areas of public policy and governance, including:

• Water management.
• Food safety.
• Public financial management.
• Legislation.
• Local governance.
• Digitalisation of government services.
• Social affairs and employment.
• Entrepreneurship and the business environment.

The courses are designed to help participants develop practical knowledge and skills that can be applied in their professional responsibilities. The Hague Academy for Local Governance develops and leads training programmes in several core areas, combining theoretical learning with practical activities and site visits.

Through these courses, participants can explore approaches to public administration, policy implementation, citizen engagement, and institutional development.

The broader objectives of the Shiraka Programme

The Shiraka Programme aims to support positive change in the MENA region by contributing to three broad objectives:

1. Societies that accept cultural and religious differences. The programme supports an environment in which different cultural and religious communities can coexist and participate in society.
2. States that respect the rule of law and protect individuals, minorities, and human rights. This objective emphasizes the importance of legal protections, accountable institutions, and respect for fundamental rights.
3. An economy that fosters prosperity and employment. The programme seeks to contribute to economic development and opportunities that support employment and prosperity.

The Shiraka Training Programme contributes to these broader aims by developing the knowledge and skills of public officials and other professionals involved in public service delivery and governance.

Shiraka Training Programme 2027: Local Governance Course

The 2027 Local Governance course focuses on decentralization, citizen participation, and local development. It is intended for mid-career public officials who want to strengthen their understanding of local governance and improve their ability to support effective public services.

Local governance concerns how decisions are made and implemented at the local level, how responsibilities are distributed between levels of government, and how residents participate in decisions that affect their communities.

The course provides an opportunity for participants to examine these issues through online training and an in-person learning experience in the Netherlands.

Main areas of focus

Decentralization: Participants explore issues related to the distribution of authority and responsibilities across levels of government. Decentralization can influence how public services are organized, how local priorities are identified, and how decisions respond to community needs.

Citizen participation: The course focuses on the role of citizens in governance and public decision-making. Effective participation can help governments understand community priorities and make public services more responsive to the people who use them.

Local development: Participants examine issues connected with development at the local level, including how public institutions can support community needs and local priorities.

The course is designed to combine theory and practice, giving participants opportunities to connect governance concepts with the realities of public administration.

Shiraka Training Programme 2027: Dates and Training Structure

The Local Governance course consists of online training, an online refresher period, and a week-long in-person training programme in The Hague, Netherlands.

The training is scheduled as follows:

Programme component	Dates	Location
Part 1: Online training	11 January–2 February 2027	Online
Online refresher	22 March–2 April 2027	Online
Part 2: In-person training	19–23 April 2027	The Hague, Netherlands
Application deadline	26 November 2026	Online application

The course structure combines remote learning with face-to-face training. Participants begin with the online component in January and February, return for the online refresher in March and April, and then attend the in-person training in The Hague from 19 to 23 April 2027.

The online components allow participants to engage with the training before the in-person programme. The final week in the Netherlands provides an opportunity for face-to-face learning and practical engagement.

The programme information identifies the course as a combination of theory, practice, and site visits. The detailed schedule of individual sessions and site visits should be checked in the official course brochure.

Where will the training take place?

The first part and the refresher will take place online. The final training component will be held in The Hague, Netherlands, from 19 to 23 April 2027.

Applicants should take note of both the online and in-person dates when considering their availability for the full course.

The programme information does not specify a separate course fee for applicants, but selected participants receive scholarship support. The extent of travel funding depends on whether the participant’s country is included on the OECD-DAC list.

Eligibility Criteria for the Shiraka Training Programme 2027

The Shiraka Training Programme is restricted to government professionals from specified countries. The 2027 Local Governance course is designed for mid-career public officials.

Applicants should carefully consider the programme’s country restrictions and professional focus before starting an application.

1. Eligible countries

The Shiraka Programme is limited to government professionals from the following countries and territories:

• Algeria
• Egypt
• Iraq
• Jordan
• Lebanon
• Libya
• Morocco
• Oman
• Palestinian Territories
• Syria
• Tunisia
• Yemen

Applicants must come from one of these eligible countries or territories and meet the programme’s professional requirements.

The programme information does not identify a separate list of eligible nationalities beyond these country restrictions. Applicants should consult the official application information for any additional conditions that apply to their circumstances.

2. Professional background

The Local Governance training course is designed for mid-career public officials.

Its focus on decentralization, citizen participation, and local development makes it relevant to government professionals whose responsibilities relate to public administration, local governance, community engagement, or public service delivery.

Applicants should ensure that their professional experience and current responsibilities are relevant to the course’s subject matter.

The general Shiraka programme includes training courses for different professional groups and thematic areas. However, the 2027 Local Governance course is specifically described as a programme for mid-career public officials.

3. Government employment

The programme is intended for government professionals rather than applicants from every professional background.

The published programme description does not provide a detailed list of qualifying job titles, departments, or minimum years of professional experience. Applicants should therefore consult the official course brochure and application form to confirm how their current position fits the eligibility requirements.

4. Educational qualifications

The programme information does not specify a minimum academic qualification, such as a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, for the 2027 Local Governance course.

Applicants should not assume that a particular degree is mandatory unless it is stated in the official application requirements. The course’s stated professional focus is on mid-career public officials.

5. Age requirements

The programme description does not specify a minimum or maximum age for applicants.

Prospective applicants should review the official application information for any additional eligibility conditions.

6. Language requirements

The course information identifies English and Arabic versions of the course brochure. However, it does not specify a formal minimum language-test score or an English-language certificate requirement.

Applicants should check the official course brochure and application form for the language expectations that apply to the training.

7. International applicants

The programme is not open to applicants from every country worldwide. Eligibility is restricted to government professionals from the 12 countries and territories listed above.

Applicants from countries outside this list should not assume that they qualify for the 2027 Local Governance course.

Scholarship Benefits and Funding Coverage

Selected participants receive a full scholarship to the Shiraka training programme, with the coverage of international travel expenses depending on whether their country is included on the OECD-DAC list.

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs covers relevant programme costs, but the funding arrangements differ for participants from countries on and off that list.

Benefits for participants from OECD-DAC-listed countries

For participants from eligible countries included on the OECD-DAC list, the Dutch government covers the following costs:

• International travel.
• Accommodation.
• Visa expenses.
• Insurance.
• Course tuition fees.

This support is intended to cover the relevant expenses associated with participating in the training programme.

Benefits for participants from eligible countries not on the OECD-DAC list

Participants from eligible countries that are not on the OECD-DAC list receive coverage for:

• Accommodation.
• Insurance.
• Course tuition fees.

However, they must pay for their own international travel, including plane tickets and visa expenses.

Applicants should confirm their country’s funding category and review the official scholarship conditions before making travel arrangements.

Is the Shiraka Training Programme fully funded?

The programme offers substantial scholarship support, but international travel coverage is not the same for all eligible participants.

For participants from OECD-DAC-listed countries, the stated coverage includes international travel, accommodation, visa expenses, insurance, and tuition fees. For participants from eligible countries outside that list, international travel and visa costs must be paid personally, while accommodation, insurance, and tuition fees are covered.

The programme description does not separately specify funding for personal expenses, meals, or a living allowance. Applicants should consult the official course information for clarification about any additional expenses.

How to Apply for the Shiraka Training Programme 2027

Applicants must create an account before completing the online application. Those who already have an account can proceed directly to the online application form.

The application process involves the following steps.

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility

Check that you are a government professional from one of the eligible countries or territories and that your professional background is relevant to the Local Governance course.

Review the course focus on decentralization, citizen participation, and local development before proceeding.

Step 2: Review the course information

Read the official course brochure to understand the training structure, dates, thematic focus, and any additional application requirements.

The course brochure is available in English and Arabic.

Step 3: Create an account

Applicants who do not already have an account must first create one through the official Shiraka application page.

If you have previously created an account, you can proceed to the online application form.

Step 4: Complete the online application form

Fill in the application form provided on the official programme page. Ensure that the information submitted is accurate and that your professional background is presented clearly in relation to the course.

Follow the instructions on the application page and provide any information or documents requested there.

Step 5: Submit before the deadline

The deadline for the 2027 Local Governance course is 26 November 2026.

Applicants should complete the online application before the deadline and allow enough time to review their information before submitting it.

Step 6: Contact the programme team if necessary

For questions about the 2027 Local Governance training course, applicants can contact The Hague Academy for Local Governance at:

Email: shiraka.lg@thehagueacademy.com

Questions about eligibility, course requirements, or the application process can be directed to the programme contact.

Important Dates for the Shiraka Training Programme 2027

Applicants should keep the following dates in mind when planning their applications and participation.

Event	Date
Application deadline	26 November 2026
Online training, Part 1	11 January–2 February 2027
Online refresher	22 March–2 April 2027
In-person training in The Hague	19–23 April 2027

The dates listed above relate to the 2027 Local Governance training course. Other Shiraka training courses have different schedules and deadlines.

Other Shiraka Training Courses

In addition to Local Governance, the Shiraka Training Programme includes courses in other areas of governance and public service. The programme information also lists training courses scheduled for 2026 and 2025.

The courses below provide context on the broader range of training offered through Shiraka. Their listed application periods are closed, so they should not be confused with the open application period for the 2027 Local Governance course.

Water Management — 2026

Organized together with Wageningen Environmental Research, the Water Management course focuses on modernizing water use and applying modern water governance principles.

The training was scheduled in two parts:

• Part 1: 31 August–4 September 2026 in The Hague, Netherlands.
• Part 2: 29 November–3 December 2026 in Muscat, Oman.

The course brochure is available in English, French, and Arabic. The application period is closed.

For questions about the Water Management course, the programme contact is shiraka.wm@thehagueacademy.com.

Digitalisation of Governments for Maghreb Countries — 2026

This course aims to equip civil servants and employees of semi-public organizations with knowledge and skills to design digital transformation strategies that improve public service delivery.

The programme focuses on supporting the digitalisation of ministries, districts, and municipalities. It is intended for professionals in Tunisia, Morocco, Libya, and Algeria.

The training was scheduled as follows:

• Part 1: 8–12 June 2026 in Hammamet, Tunisia.
• Part 2: 26–30 October 2026 in The Hague, Netherlands.

The course brochure is available in English, French, and Arabic. Applications are closed.

For questions about the Digitalisation of Governments course, contact shiraka.eg@thehagueacademy.com.

Social Affairs and Employment — 2026

The Social Affairs and Employment course focuses on employment opportunities for young people, women, and people with disabilities. It also examines employment in the informal sector and the role of local actors in social affairs and job creation.

The programme was scheduled to include one week of training in Jordan and one week in the Netherlands:

• Part 1: 7–11 June 2026 in Amman, Jordan.
• Part 2: 14–18 September 2026 in The Hague, Netherlands.

The course brochure is available in English, French, and Arabic. Applications are closed.

For questions about this course, contact shiraka.sae@thehagueacademy.com.

Ecosystem for Entrepreneurs — 2025

The Ecosystem for Entrepreneurs course was designed to provide civil servants and entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills needed to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship in their countries.

The 2025 programme was open only to applicants from Egypt and combined online learning, in-country training, a programme in the Netherlands, and a closing event.

Its schedule included:

• Part 1: 3–20 June 2025, online.
• Part 2: 7–11 September 2025, in Egypt.
• Part 3: 27 October–4 November 2025, in the Netherlands.
• Part 4: Closing event in March 2026, in Egypt.

The course brochure was available in English and Arabic. Applications are closed.

These previous and 2026 courses demonstrate the range of policy and governance themes addressed through Shiraka. Applicants interested in the current opportunity should focus on the 2027 Local Governance course and its 26 November 2026 deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Shiraka Training Programme 2027

Is the Shiraka Training Programme 2027 fully funded?

Selected participants receive scholarship support. Participants from eligible countries on the OECD-DAC list receive coverage for international travel, accommodation, visa expenses, insurance, and tuition fees. Participants from eligible countries not on the OECD-DAC list must cover their own international travel and visa costs, while accommodation, insurance, and tuition fees are covered.

Who can apply for the 2027 Local Governance course?

The course is designed for mid-career public officials from the eligible Shiraka countries and territories: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, the Palestinian Territories, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen.

Can applicants from any country apply?

No. The Shiraka Programme is restricted to government professionals from the listed eligible countries and territories.

Is the course online or in person?

The course combines online training and an in-person component. The first part runs from 11 January to 2 February 2027, followed by an online refresher from 22 March to 2 April 2027. The final component takes place in The Hague, Netherlands, from 19 to 23 April 2027.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline for the 2027 Local Governance training course is 26 November 2026.

How do applicants apply?

Applicants must create an account on the official application page if they do not already have one, then complete the online application form.

Where can applicants ask questions?

Questions about the Local Governance training programme can be sent to shiraka.lg@thehagueacademy.com.

The Shiraka Training Programme 2027 offers eligible mid-career government professionals from 12 MENA countries and territories an opportunity to strengthen their skills in local governance, decentralization, citizen participation, and local development. Delivered through online training and an in-person programme in The Hague, the course combines theory, practice, and site visits to support professional learning.

Selected participants receive scholarship support, with international travel coverage determined by whether their country is included on the OECD-DAC list. Applicants should check the eligibility conditions, review the course brochure, and complete the online application process before the deadline.

The application deadline is 26 November 2026. Eligible government professionals interested in improving local governance and public service delivery are encouraged to review the official programme information and apply in time.

Discover more global opportunities at Opportunities for Youth.

Apply for the Shiraka Training Programme