Members of UCLG’s Capacity and Institution Building (CIB) Working Group gathered in eThekwini, South Africa, from 26 to 28 September, to discuss the latest news and developments in the field of international cooperation.
This year’s meeting, the first one held in Africa, was hosted by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and by the Municipal Institute for Learning of eThekwini (MILE). It focused on how to implement the adopted international agendas (Agenda 2030, New Urban Agenda) and how to (re)position the Working Group within the revised UCLG structure, among many other topics.
Adapting to the SDG era
Almost all member organizations are trying to adapt to the SDG era, in which a more universal approach to sustainable development is required. Members discussed how they integrate SDGs in their programming and how to contribute to reporting on the progress made. They agreed on various actions to undertake in the coming year to ensure further involvement of local governments in the implementation and reporting processes.
Monitoring, evaluation and learning
Monitoring, evaluation and learning are at the core of the work in development cooperation. Donors, colleagues and the constituencies demand accountability and continuous learning. A draft report on approaches of CIB members was presented. CIB members shared their challenges and practices.
More global participation
The annual meeting of the Working Group gathered directors and managers of international departments from associations of local governments and cities from all around the world, with increased participation from the Global South, as well as local government training institutes (MILE, ALGA) and the African local female leaders network, REFELA. Participants reiterated again that meeting colleagues who have similar responsibilities within their city or local government association on a yearly basis remains very valuable.
More information
A report on the CIB meeting will be available shortly. For more information, please contact the secretariat at uclg.cib@vng.nl.