Welcome to the latest edition of the LG alliance newsletter! In this edition you will find out more about upcoming events in the international development field and the new Interaction toolkit now available for councils!

Upcoming events

Tuesday 6 July 2010: International Development networking session at the LGA Conference, 18.30 – 19.30, Bayview Suite

Coming to the LGA Group’s annual conference on 6-8 July at the Bournemouth International Centre? Join us on Tuesday 6th at 18.30 for the launch of our new Interaction toolkit, hear from UK councils on how engaging internationally is helping to hit priorities at home and share experiences with colleagues. more info...

Thursday 15 July 2010: CoP online Q&A on youth

Following the success of Fairtrade Foundation online Q&A, a new Q&A online session will be organised in the "International Development and Local Government" online Community, focusing on how local councils can engage young people in international development issues. more info...

22 September 2010: LG Alliance training event - tell us what you want

Save the date! The LG Alliance will be hosting a 1 day training workshop for councils on getting the most out of international development work. In advance of this event, we want to find out what type of training would be most useful you - tell us here http://surveys.lg-alliance.org/index.php?sid=26861&lang=en. For further information on the event email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

March 2011: Commonwealth Local Government Conference - Energising local economies: Partnerships for prosperous communities

This is a three-day international conference to look at local government’s role in local economic development and successful strategies for driving and delivering prosperous communities. Speakers include HE Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary General, Commonwealth, Rt Hon Carwyn Jones, First Minister for Wales and Dame Margaret Eaton, Chairman, Local Government Association of England and Wales. For more information, please visit www.clgc2011.org

Get involved

Interaction toolkit for International Development

In a recent LG Alliance survey of councils working in international development, you asked us for more training and online resources to support your international development work. In response to this we are launching our new Interaction toolkit – designed specifically for councils on how to get the most out of international development work. To get started visit: toolkit.lg-alliance.org

Latest development news

First talks paving the way of the Millenium review summit

Rosalie Callway, International Policy Officer at Local Government Association, gives us an analysis of the first discussions ahead of the Millennium Development Goals review Summit, 20-22 September. She highlights how few references to the role of local government are being made in the 'Zero' draft document to be negotiated in advance of the summit (read more...) and explains why MDG debate must recognise local context (read more...).

DFID Secretary of State on putting 'power in the hands of local people'

As a result of the general election in May, Andrew Mitchell has been appointed as Secretary of State for International Development (see DFID website for the complete list of new ministers).  At a recent event in London, he presented his vision for British Development Assistance and talked about putting 'power in the hands of local people'. read more...

European Parliament urging for fair trade in public procurement

In its recent resolution on 'New developments in public procurement', the European Parliament is advocating for more support for Fair Trade in Public Procurement. The European Parliament is renewing its call for the European Commission to act on this issue. read more...

At home: news from UK councils

Scotland Malawi Partnership: Engaging Local Authorities in 2010

The Scotland Malawi Partnership (SMP) is a charity and umbrella organisation which exists to inspire the people and organisations of Scotland to be involved with Malawi in an informed, coordinated and effective way, to the benefit of both nations. In 2010 the SMP is aiming to further expand its coverage and impact by engaging with all 32 local authorities in Scotland. read more...

Bristol supporting fair trade

In advance of the Southwest Fairtrade Procurement Conference taking place on 19 October 2010, Christine Storry, Procurement Specialist at Bristol City Council explains why Fairtrade is becoming increasingly prevalent in public sector procurement. read more...

Visit the LG alliance website for more information on what UK local government is doing to fight global poverty and bring benefits to local communities

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