Inclusive leadership and governance
Deciding Together: Citizen Satisfaction and Institutional Design of Participatory Governance in Kenya
This policy brief provides practical insights for local governments on leveraging participatory budgeting (PB) to enhance citizen satisfaction and ownership of development projects. Based on a study in rural Kenya, three PB approaches—consultation, voting, and deliberation—were evaluated. All methods increased satisfaction and willingness to invest in projects, demonstrating their value in strengthening community engagement. Deliberation,…
Växjö – Kalush, Ukraine
This project focuses on increasing youth participation in local governance by addressing a significant gap in democratic awareness among young people. The main ambition is to empower youth aged 17-25 to actively engage in decision-making processes within the Kalush community. This goal aligns with a broader vision of strengthening democratic governance and enhancing critical thinking…
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…
ICLD launches empowering new cohort for Women’s Political Leadership
ICLD is thrilled to announce the acceptance of a fresh cohort of participants for the Women’s Political Leadership (WPL) programme. Comprising 23 dynamic women leaders—including mayors, deputy mayors, and governors from across the OECD-DAC region—this programme marks the eleventh round of a transformative initiative aimed at empowering women in local politics. This year’s group includes…
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…
Locally-led Adaptation as a Silver Bullet? Complexities, Needs, and Responses in Climate Adaptation at the Volta Coastline, Ghana
Sea-level rise increases the exposure of low-lying communities to climate risks along the eastern coast of Ghana, while adaptation responses are reactive and insufficient to secure fishing livelihoods in highly vulnerable areas. To better address needs, Locally-led Adaptation (LLA) promotes just climate governance by shifting power to local actors to enable context-specific and place-based responses.…
Drawing rural paths on the urban margins: An Ethnographic Study of Peacebuilding, Displacement and 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…
Understanding the Complexities of Urban Flood Governance: A Case Study of Ruiru, Kenya
Urban flooding presents a significant challenge in developing cities, where rapid urbanisation, population growth, and infrastructure development intersect with natural processes and climate change. This study examines how governance structures influence urban flood management in Ruiru, Kenya. Through thematic analysis, this study explores local experiences with flooding, evaluates existing governance structures, and examines their effectiveness.…
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…
