DFID today launched a new paper about urban development : "Cities - the new frontier". In this paper, DFID highlights the important role of local government on the front line of service delivery, and schemes for reducing urban poverty by sharing experience between cities and towns, such as the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF)'s Good Practice Scheme.

The paper outlines two partnerships between UK councils: Lewisham with Ekurhuleni (South Africa) on unemployment and Bristol with Puerto Morazan (Nicaragua) on education, cultural exchange and livelihoods.

It also emphasises the inclusive approach to urban management of the CLGF's Inculsive Cities initiative. The Commonwealth network of inclusive cities is to promote sharing good practice on inclusiveness, social cohesion and the local realisation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The DFID paper sets out the conclusions of a consultation with UK and International experts on urban poverty. It presents DFID's programmes and approaches to these issues, as a result of the International Development Committee's Inquiry into Urbanisation and Poverty.

For further information on DFID's new paper, please visit the DFID website.