The CLGF Board has called for new CLGF programmes for 2016 to focus on supporting CLGF members to localise the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and looks to development partners and national governments to establish a new post-2015 global fund to implement the SDGs.

This was one of the key outcomes of discussions at the CLGF Board meeting, hosted by Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs Hon Alhaji Tanimu Turaki in Abuja on 12-13 June.

Board members also highlighted innovative ways of channelling development funds  for infrastructure projects  on communications, waste management, water and sewage, recycling and other basic facilities, directly to local governments such as Green Climate Fund or the Financial Transactions Tax.

The CLGF Board, chaired by Chairperson Lawrence Yule, also pledged their full solidarity with the people and government of Nigeria, including state and local governments, in combatting terrorist and related criminal actions which have resulted in the loss of many innocent lives, and solidarity with other countries also confronting terrorism and insurgency including Kenya and Pakistan. CLGF assured its commitment to working with partners and members in Nigeria and elsewhere to share expertise In responding to emergencies, in conflict resolution and peace-building.

In a statement agreed at the meeting - the Abuja declaration on local democracy and development in the Commonwealth - the Board also approved the recommendations of the CLGF West Africa symposium that had been held earlier in the week to use CLGF structures and regional champions to help implement decentralisation and the Aberdeen principles on good local governance in Nigeria and elsewhere and mobilise support from the Commonwealth for this.

Earlier the Board had been involved in a consultation on localising the SDGs with representatives of UNDP.  Members of the Board also met with Nigerian Vice President Hon Mohamed Namadi Sambo earlier in the week.   

Speaking after the meeting CLGF Chairperson Lawrence Yule noted:

“This has been a very productive meeting in taking forward discussions on localising the SDGs and in CLGF looking to the future for its own programmes and resources.

“We now look to development partners and Commonwealth governments to help us implement this.”

“We are also very grateful to the government of Nigeria for hosting the CLGF Board and the regional and national events that took place beforehand very successfully, and to other partners who supported the events including UNDP and UK DFID.

“At this difficult time we would also like to express our solidarity with the people and government of Nigeria in facing up to and combatting insurgency, and fully support the call to ‘bring back our girls’. CLGF will work with its partners to assist members in Nigeria and elsewhere in dealing with civic and emergency responses, conflict resolution and peace-building efforts.,”