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Updates from Carl Wright
Secretary-General, CLGF
CLGF blog
Energising local economies
On 29 June we will be in Cardiff to launch the next Commonwealth Local Government Conference which will take place in Cardiff, UK from 15-18 Mardh 2010.
The theme of this conference – energising local economies - is very timely in the current global financial climate and as more and more local councils across the Commonwealth gain increased responsibility for the economic well-being of their citizens and are looking at ways to improve skills, support business and attract inward investment.
Many local authorities in the Commonwealth can demonstrate how their actions have helped energise their local economies: others are just beginning to focus on this as an important responsibility to foster the prosperity and well-being of their communities.
Of course, central/state government also has a key role in setting the national policy framework and an enabling environment to ensure that local economic development supports national priorities. But this event will help raise the profile of local government’s important role in local economic development, working within the national framework, in partnership with a number of agencies.
The conference will present a number of case studies that look at issues such as long-term visioning and planning, procurement, gender, skills development and the impact of HIV/AIDs, and offer study visits to some exciting and innovative local economic development projects in and around Cardiff. We are also fortunate in that our host city, Cardiff, will be able to provide visits to some exciting and innovative local economic development projects in and around the city.
The discussions and outcomes of the conference will help our member ministries and local governments to strengthen their processes and partnerships and deliver better services, and will be presented to Commonwealth Heads of Government for their backing.
- Do you have a comment on local government’s role in energising local economies, or would you like to tell us about the work you are doing in your council?
