• Falun and Mogale for Increased Youth Influence

    Falun Municipality, together with Mogale City in South Africa, has been working since 2021 within the framework of a municipal partnership focusing on youth influence. The aim is to develop and enhance young people’s opportunities to participate in and influence what happens in their respective municipalities. – Our goal is to create sustainable structures for…

  • Introducing María José Zapata Campos: Our New Research Director 

    We are thrilled to announce the appointment of María José Zapata Campos as the new Research Director at ICLD. María José brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our organization, with research that is highly relevant and beneficial across ICLD’s diverse areas of operation.  María José shared her excitement about joining ICLD: – “I…

  • Champions of Local Democracy

    Through a series of personal portraits we highlight people who are playing a significant role in the development of local democracy where they live.

  • Así podemos apoyar el progreso democrático en Guatemala 

    En un momento en el que la democracia está amenazada en muchos países, surgen lugares donde las voces locales generan esperanza de progreso y cambio. Guatemala es uno de esos países, donde se libra una lucha por un futuro más democrático contra significativas resistencias políticas de la élite de la sociedad. Reducir la desigualdad y…

  • From kitchen confidence to Local Democracy Champion

    In the heart of Zambia, a passionate advocate for local democracy and gender equality is making waves. Meet Humphrey Pailande, a man whose journey from a small family in Kabwe to becoming a force for positive change in Chilanga District is nothing short of inspirational. In this article, we dive into Humphrey’s background, his current…

  • Empowering Women in Politics: Insights from 9th Cohort

    As the 9th cohort of ICLD’s Women’s Political Leadership Programme concludes, reflections from former participants highlight its profound impact. With a collective voice, participants express gratitude for the invaluable lessons that underscored personal growth as political leaders and decision-makers. Selma Kadhila, Mayor of Tsandi Village Council in Namibia articulates: – A good leader must be…

  • Empowering Change in Kajido, Kenya 

    In a profound testament to the enduring spirit of Team Kajiado, working in the heart of Kajiado County, Kenya, the team continue their transformative journey against gender-based violence (GBV). As we revisit the progress made since our initial report in 2022, the dedicated efforts of public health clinical specialist Caren Kamau and Team Kajiado within…

  • ICLD Survey Amplifies Voices of 2368 Citizens

    In a move towards inclusive local democracy, ICLD has rolled out a participatory survey that helps to empower citizens to shape their local democracy. This initiative, implemented so far in seven local governments across three countries as part of ICLD’s Municipal Partnership programme, has surveyed 2368 individuals, shedding light on critical challenges for democratic development. …

  • ICLD:s Local Democracy Academy Is Back!  

    In an era marked by anti-democratic challenges, hope emerges from the local level where local governments play an important role by sustaining and advancing democratic principles from below. It is against this backdrop that the biennial Local Democracy Academy returns, inviting researchers from all corners of the globe to join in an environment of learning…

  • Pioneering Women’s Leadership in Politics

    Trina Firmalo-Fabic, the Municipal Mayor of Odiongan, Romblon, Philippines, has been a driving force in local governance since her election in 2016, currently in her third term. Beyond her municipal duties, Trina actively participates in the ICLD’s Women Political Leadership programme.  As Mayor, Trina has focused on revitalizing the administration and operations of the local…