Municipal partnerships are collaborations between municipalities and regions in Sweden and local governments in ICLD’s partner countries. Municipal Partnerships are part of Sweden’s Global Development Policy and support the important role local governments play in international development and in strengthening democracy around the world.
Municipal Partnerships usually last at least three years. On average two international trips are undertaken every year by a project group, made up of civil servants, and a steering group, made up of managers and local political representatives. Over the three years, the partners oversee a common project which has the purpose of strengthening democracy within their organisations and increasing citizens’ influence in local decision-making processes. Support from ICLD is continuous throughout the project’s length and partners report back on a yearly basis.
ICLD funds cost related to travel and Swedish working hours linked to the partnership. Find our more what we cover and do not cover in our Budget Guidelines.
Partnerships for the Goals: Municipal Partnerships enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Sweden and ICLD partner countries, through knowledge exchange and creation, and ambitious projects tied to Agenda 2030.
Cooperation is possible with countries on the OECD:s DAC-list . The following countries are eligible for Municipal Partnerships (divided into 4 clusters;)
Europe – Kosovo, Serbia and Ukraine (*Bosnia and Hercegovina, Georgia, North Makedonia, and Moldavia)
Asia – Indonesia and Vietnam (*China)
Latin America – Colombia, Guatemala
East Africa – Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda
Southern Africa Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe (*Moçambique and Namibia)
(* these countries are only covered for partners who already have an established relationship. New collaborations with organizations in these countries will not be approved).
Interested in joining the programme?
Contact us directly at partnership@icld.se and we can help you find a partner.
Already active in the programme?
ICLD is currently in the process of switching digital application systems. In connection with the digital restructuring, updated forms for applications and reports within the Municipal Partnership Programme will be launched. Read more here
If the partnership you represent intends to submit any form of application in spring 2023 (Project, Steering Group, Inception, Development/Expansion or Dissemination), please contact the MPP team at partnership@icld.se before you start writing a draft and we will help you!
Resources
Handbook (PDF)
Guidelines (PDF)
Budget Guidelines (PDF)