CLGC2023 was formally launched last week at a virtual panel discussion and press conference, open to CLGF members and representatives of High Commissions across the Commonwealth.

Building resilience in local government

A key event in the Commonwealth local government calendar is a major networking event, providing the opportunity to explore issues of priority to all 56 countries. The theme for CLGC2023 was building resilience and the topic would be explored from a number of angles: preparing for the impact of climate change, fiscal preparedness and community.

It was also the launch of the official conference website, which is now LIVE! As well as enabling delegates to register for the event, the website holds all the practical information that delegates will need: for example, hotels, at a range of prices, and with a special discounted rate for conference attendees; details of Visa waivers and a discount for anyone travelling with Rwanda Air. More content will be added to the website as the programme is developed.  

Website live and open for registrations

Click here for the Conference website.

Speakers at the virtual event included an eminent group of local government representatives, who reflect the diverse range of delegates who will be making the journey to Kigali, the beautiful capital of Rwanda from 14 to 17 Novem fer 2023.

The panel comprised Permanent Secretary, Samuel Dusengiyumva, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Local Government in Rwanda, (MINALOC), which is hosting the conference; Rev Mpho Moruakgomo, Chairperson, Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF); and Mr Ladislas Ngendahimana, Secretary General of another conference partner organisation, Rwanda Association of Local Government Authorities (RALGA). The briefing was moderated by Ms Lucy Slack, CLGF Secretary-General.

Innovation in Rwanda

The discussion began with how Rwanda was selected through a competitive bidding system to host this key event for and Commonwealth local government, but the pandemic forced the conference to be postponed a couple of times. The Rwanda government looked forward to welcoming international delegates to the impressive Kigali Convention Centre, and a city they are rightly proud of. The event will afford an opportunity to experience, first-hand, innovation and enterprise, as well as the rich culture.

CLGF Chairperson, speaking as CLGF’s political lead, emphasised how the event not only feeds into CLGF’s work programme and priorities, but also into a much higher level of governance, with the conference outcome statement being presented to the CHOGM – the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Having attended many previous conferences, including hosting one in Botswana in 2015, he praised the depth of discussion and rich debate that took place at the conference, stimulated by the experts and high level speakers and range of delegates, emanating from all areas of local government.

Ms Ngendahimana, also a veteran of many Commonwealth Local Government conferences, spoke of his pride in bringing the conference to Rwanda and how he looked forward to shining a light on much of the work that has taken place, including in relation to gender equality and political representation.

Rich discussion

Ms Slack, who has attended every local government conference since its creation, emphasised that this was a broad event, open to everyone involved in local government – local government of all sizes, cities and districts; central government ministries responsible for various areas; the public and private sectors and civil society, as well as academics and research experts. She promised delegates the usual mix of plenary sessions and keynote speakers; smaller, interactive working groups; informal networking and study visit and stressed the importance of a diverse audience to create a rich and varied discussion.

Contact CLGF

The CLGC2023 website is open for enquiries and registrations and we look forward to welcoming you to this prestigious event. If you would like to take part in the event by providing sponsorship, or being represented at the official conference exhibition, please contact us.