In challenging times it is even more important to look at how we can work more efficiently and ensure that we maximise the impact of our work to support and strengthen local government across the Commonwealth. CLGF is a member of the 'Development Partners Network on Decentralisation and Local Governance' DeLOG  network bringing together 48 bi- and multilateral development partners and specialised institutions working in the field of Decentralisation and Local Governance (DLG), and aims to improve development effectiveness in the field of decentralisation and local governance.

Network strategy 

The network members met in Barcelona from 28-30 May, hosted by UNCDF, which hosts the secretariat of DeLOG, and the Diputacion of Barcelona. It was a chance to review the strategy for the network over the upcoming year, with a particular focus on addressing key thematic areas, including local democracy, gender, local finance, and resilience, through a series of practical joint working groups.  Additionally, the network plans to bring members together to highlight the importance of and options for better access to local finance for development in the run up to the UN Financing for Development Conference in 2025. 

International local government professionals

Alongside the DeLOG event, the UCLG Capacity and Institution Building (CIB) working group, currently co-chaired by FCM (Canada) and VNGi (Netherlands), was also meeting, bringing together professionals from local government associations from around the world, all active in the field of capacity development,and coming together to exchange on how to better support their members in capacity building.  

Cooperation to address challenges

In the shared concluding session speakers recalled the challenging environment for local government globally, including rising levels of conflict, the impact of more populist politics and lack of trust in politics, recentralisation, the growing impacts of climate change and lack of access to finance for local investment. Against this backdrop it was agreed that it is more important than ever that we continue to cooperate to support and enable local government to deliver, especially to the poor and marginalised in society.