CLGF was represented by its Governance Manager Mr. FeueTipu at the PLATFORMA Seminar held in Manilla, Phillipines in late April. CLGF Secretary General, Mr. Carl Wright was also present to facilitate a workshop session on local economic development in the Asia-Pacific region.

It is important that CLGF, in its capacity as Secretariat for the Pacific Islands Local Government Associations Network (PiLGAN), follows global and regional initiatives and trends to strengthen the roles of local government associations (LGAs) in development and local governance. This is particularly with respect to PiLGAN member associations and their potential role in local economic development.

From his experience at the event, Mr. Tipu found the seminar useful in two respects. Firstly, it provided an opportunity for delegates, including representatives of PiLGAN to get a better understanding of the role of local and regional authorities in development and local governance, more so, the role local government associations play in local economic development. In addition, there was also the opportunity to network with stakeholders and sister associations on many issues and areas of interest.

Secondly, the Seminar provided a window for CLGF to explore opportunities for collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Manila. The seminar organized on the precincts of ADB for that purpose was well attended by close to 20 participants from the Bank as well as interested local government stakeholders. The Seminar concluded on a positive note with a clear direction for future advocacy and collaborative efforts.

Read More about PLATFORMA here