16 – Peace, justice and strong institutions
Local Democracy and Resilience in Ukraine: Learning from Communities’ Crisis Response in War
The research report explores the resilience of local self-governments (LSGs) in Ukraine during the Russian invasion, highlighting their crucial role in crisis response despite significant challenges. LSGs have adapted to wartime conditions by relocating operations, managing resource shortages, and engaging with citizens and stakeholders to meet critical needs such as infrastructure repair, IDP support, and…
Umeå and Kherson
Citizen Dialogue for Inclusive Reconstruction The partnership between Umeå and Kherson focuses on advancing democratic processes through inclusive urban planning, with citizen dialogue as a central pillar. A key achievement has been the development of an open-source digital tool that allows citizens to explore city maps and submit feedback directly on planned development initiatives. While…
Ronneby and Ternopil
Sustainable Water Management through Local Expertise and Community Inclusion The partnership between Ronneby and Ternopil focuses on sustainable water management, particularly access to clean water and stormwater handling—critical components of local democratic resilience and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Recognizing the complexity of these issues, both municipalities have involved experts within their local administrations.…
Fostering Women’s representation in Local Democracy – A Qualitative Analysis of the Factors Surrounding Female Political Participation at a Mayor Office Level in Colombia
This study critically examines the gendered experiences of female political candidates running for mayoral offices in Colombia. It addresses the systemic exclusion women face in a patriarchal political system, compounded by economic constraints, political violence, and societal norms. Through seven qualitative interviews, the research identifies the strategies used by women to overcome these barriers. The…
QCSOs, Mobilization and Democratization: A Case Study of the 2023 Post-Election Protests in Guatemala
This research examines the essential role of Quotidian Civil Society Organizations (QCSOs) in Guatemala’s efforts to resist autocratization and promote democratization, particularly in light of the 2023 electoral scandal. It studies the mobilization efforts of indigenous and non-indigenous communities, by exploring how QCSOs tackle cultural, economic, and political challenges to support democratic resilience. Using an…
Drawing rural paths onthe urban margins:An Ethnographic Study of Peacebuilding, Displacementand Place-making in Medellín Largest Informal Settlement
This thesis provides an in-depth ethnographic analysis of La Nueva Jerusalén, Medellín’s largest informal settlement, exploring the complex interplay between displacement, place-making, and a territorial perspective within the urban margins. It examines how displaced populations engage with and transform their newly inhabited urban spaces, forging communities at the intersection of rural and urban dynamics amid…
Decentralisation and civic participation strengthens resilience
Decentralisation and civic participation contributes to resilience in the face of crisis – this is the conclusion from an upcoming study of Ukrainian municipalities. Civil servants and local politicians share insights on challenges and strategies to improve collaborative governance, for the sake of societal resilience. 16 Ukrainian municipalities, including seven from ICLD’s Democratic Resilience Network,…
Åre and Panajachel, Guatemala
Project: Local democracy, gender equality & education – A joint learning project The municipality of Åre in Sweden and the municipality of Panajachel in Guatemala are collaborating to address the issue of gender inequality and the exclusion of minority groups in municipal decision-making processes. This effort aims to strengthen local democracies in both municipalities through…
Västerås – Shatsk
Strengthening Child Rights and Inclusive Communication The partnership between Västerås and Shatsk has deepened through two exchange visits to Västerås, with a strong emphasis on children’s rights—particularly in relation to the right to safety in bomb shelters. The collaboration has contributed to interregional knowledge sharing, capacity building, and civic engagement, especially among youth. A notable…
Region Gotland och Kibaha, Tanzania
The partnership between Region Gotland and Kibaha Town Council in Tanzania have successfully been working on several projects targeting different aspects such as gender equality, Sustainable Development Goals, and Gender based violence. The new Inclusive Youth Participation in Democracy project addresses the problem of low consideration of youth opinions in all development aspects at Kibaha…
