The Local Democracy Academy (LDA) 2024 was a week full of intellectual exchange, collaborative research, and deep reflection on the pressing challenges facing democracies around the world. The Academy brought together scholars, policymakers, and local government representatives to explore the role of local governments in addressing global democratic challenges. Here’s a look back at some…
As part of its participation in the ICLD’s Human Rights-Based Approach Programme, Dusheti Municipality in Georgia undertook a change project that empowers women and youth in local governance. Through dynamic capacity-building initiatives and the formation of a proactive Youth Council, the project transforms these groups into powerful catalysts for change. “Empowering women and youth is…
In Kinondoni Municipal Council of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, a dedicated team of government officials is working with a transformative initiative to address gender inequalities and promote inclusivity. Known as Team Kinondoni in ICLD’s programme Gender mainstreaming, this trio of professionals – Mr. Ezra Ngereza, Ms. Tekla Mlyansi, and Mr. John Deogratius – embodies a…
Article by John Gitonga, ICLD Alumni Coordinator, East Africa, June 2024 In this article, we celebrate a remarkable woman whose journey to top leadership is nothing short of extraordinary. Hon. Betty Ethel Naluyima, an alumna of the ICLD programme Women in Political Leadership, currently serves as the Woman Member of Parliament for Wakiso District in…
“With our ‘I’m Happy to Produce’ initiative, we empower young people with autism by providing meaningful work and fostering vibrant community involvement,” says Fatma Tabanlı from NGO OBİDEV, Turkey, and a former participant in one of ICLD’s programmes. Team Balikesir’s “I’m Happy to Produce” initiative shines as a beacon of hope and transformation for young…
Lizbeth Guerrero Cuan from Colombia is a political scientist who currently works as an independent consultant in areas such as local governance, gender equality, citizen participation, and peacebuilding. She is also a mentor in the ICLD Network for Gender Equality. Learn more about Lizbeth through this short interview. I’ve been a mentor since 2023. I…
Keti Luarasi, Deputy Mayor of the City of Tirana, Albania, is also a dedicated participant in the ICLD Women’s Political Leadership programme. Reflecting on her journey within the programme, Keti underscores how it has not only honed her skills but also ignited substantial positive changes within her community and organisation. “One of the most tangible…
In mid-May, Francistown City Council visited Lund Municipality as part of their municipal partnership. The visit’s program centered around the partnership’s key themes – human rights, democracy, and youth issues. The purpose of Francistown’s visit to Lund was to exchange experiences and gain inspiration. Guset writers: Simon Berg and Emma Lewin The partnership between Francistown…
Iryna Kolkovska, a local politician from Lutsk, Ukraine, worked on an ICLD-supported project to increase women’s access to healthcare and vaccinations. Despite the war initially upending her plans, she has kept driving the change process through difficult circumstances and recently reached the end goal of getting a vaccination program approved and financed. “This is a…
Eastern Africa has faced severe floods in the last few months as a consequence of climate change. While local governments cannot stop the rain from falling, transparency, equity, and accountability in local governance can mitigate the negative effects of these floods and protect the most vulnerable from the worst consequences. The ICLD Alumni Talk on…
