Better use of technology, energy reduction, and boosting economic growth are the key ways that local government in Europe is transforming local government response to austerity measures as a result of national financial constraints, according to the participants at the recent CLGF European Members meeting in Dublin, Ireland, chaired by Cyprus Board member Mayor Lazoros Savvides. Read More

CLGFs upcoming pilot projects in Southern Africa will focus on the role of extractive industries in helping promote LED. Various capacity assessment projects are underway in Botswana and Swaziland as CLGF prepares for the forthcoming pilot projects in the region. The activities include accessing capacity within the region to help identify regional priorities, establishing baseline information and setting milestones to measure progress. Read More

The Strengthening local governance for national development, Sri Lanka project an initiative of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF), Commonwealth Secretariat, Federation of Sri Lankan Local Government Associations (FSLGA) and the Ministry of Local Government and Provincial Councils - was launched on 25 July to support the implementation of Sri Lankas National Policy on Local Government. Read More

Strong local government is critical for nation building. Resilient and effective governance and development at the local level provides the foundation for a strong nation, according to delegates at the 2013 Commonwealth Local Government Conference. The Kampala declaration on developmental local government is the outcome of the 2013 Commonwealth Local Government Conference held in Kampala, Uganda from 14-17 May. Read More

Decentralisation can strengthen the local government as a way of empowering communities to participate in the development process, said HE President Yoweri Museveni at the opening the 2013 Commonwealth Local Government Conference in Kampala, Uganda on 14 May. President Museveni and Sri Lanka President Rajapaksa, who also spoke at the opening session, launched the trade exhibition CLGCExpo2013. Read More

Local government leaders in southern Africa are asking Southern African Development Community (SADC) ministers of local government to recognise and support local governments key role in development in the region and its relevance to SADCs strategic plan and priorities. They also called for international organisations in the region to facilitate the development of a regional programme to support local government reform and policy development. Read More