Fighting poverty with democracy
We are convinced that the battle to eliminate poverty worldwide starts here at home – in our village, our town, or our municipality. Which is why, here at ICLD, we work with people who are changing the world by building local democracy.
What we do
Municipal Partnership Programme
ICLD promotes the exchange of knowledge and experiences between local authorities in Sweden and in partner countries.
International Training Programmes
Our international training programmes are aimed at decision-makers (politicians and officials) in our partner countries. Some of the programmes also target the voluntary sector.
Research
ICLD documents, analyses and disseminates knowledge in the fields of local democracy development and decentralisation.
Networks
Our networks are a form of cooperation where selected local governments receive increased support from ICLD to conduct their international projects.
ICLD has strengthened over 1100 women leaders
ICLD has strengthened and trained 1137 female governmental officials and women political leaders 2016-2022 through our training programmes.
Champions of local democracy
Become inspired by these champions.
ICLD education material
Explore ICLD’s learning tools such as videos, cases, toolboxes and handbooks.
The situation in Ukraine
ICLD is deeply concerned about the situation in Ukraine. We have both municipal partnerships and teams in international training programs, ITP, from Ukraine. We follow the development and we have continuous contact with our partners in Ukraine as well as the partner municipalities in Sweden.
Local Democracy Talks
Inspired by the Swedish foreign policy initiative, “Drive for Democracy”, ICLD organises live streamed high-level political panels called “Local Democracy Talks”.
Local Democracy Labs
One question, one hour, one meeting.
ICLD Local Democracy Labs is a space for local government officers and politicians to meet researchers and have a dialogue on global challenges with a local perspective.
ICLD Alumni Talks
The main objective of the ICLD Alumni Talks is to facilitate continuous structured learning, knowledge-sharing and exchange of practical experience among teams and individuals in ICLD’s programmes across the world.