This will be the fifth and final ICLD Local Democracy Academy. On this occasion, we aim to consolidate two decades of scholarship on local democracy by critically reflecting on its development, its legacy, and its future directions.
In a moment marked by the rise of autocracies, democratic backsliding, the erosion of human rights, as well as ongoing wars and genocide, climate crisis, and deepening inequalities, the role of local governments becomes ever more crucial as an entry point for building and renewing democracy from below.
The Local Democracy Academy 2026 is a space for researchers and practitioners to:
- Examine the current state of the art and explore emerging challenges for local democracy research;
- Identify and reflect on effective approaches for linking research and practice in the field over time;
- Articulate and disseminate ICLD’s contributions and legacy.
Local Democracy Academy – Connecting Research and Practice
The ICLD Local Democracy Academy is an intensive academic program that brings together an international group of leading scholars for a week of mutual learning, critical thinking and joint exploration of new ideas to foster a more inclusive local democracy on a global scale. The Academies should result in comparative and innovative research proposals, cutting edge papers, and a dynamic network of scholars interested in the role of cities and local governments in development. Following the conference, ICLD invites the participants of the Academy to submit proposals for funding of research networks. ICLD covers the cost of transportation, accommodation, and meals during the academy for selected laurates.
Organisers
The Local Democracy Academy 2026 is organised by ICLD and Uppsala University
ICLD acknowledges the financial contribution to its research programme made by the government of Sweden through Sida, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.