November 2009

Welcome to the second edition of the LG alliance newsletter. This issue includes the latest development news affecting local government, updates from UK councils on how they are promoting development, details of the latest opportunities to get involved, and upcoming events.

If you would like details of your activities or forthcoming events to appear in our next newsletter, please let us know

UK Councils Matter in Development

UK councils have been recognised as important development partners. A cross-party group of MPs - the Select Committee on International Development - has recently released a report, which highlights the vital expertise UK Local Government sector can offer in the fight against urban poverty in developing countries. ...read more

Saving Local Democracy in Pakistan 

As the future of Pakistan's democratically elected local government hangs in the balance, leaders from across civil society, business and politics in Pakistan came together recently in Islamabad to call for its protection. The LGA has joined counterparts in Canada and via the Commonwealth Local Government Forum to lend support in calling for the protection of local democracy. ...read more

EU recognises local role in global Climate Change Challenge

The European Parliament’s Environment Committee recognized the role local and regional government can play in the fight against climate change in October 2009.  The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) welcomes the news as the Copenhagen Conference on climate change approaches in December.  Visit the Council of European Municipalities and Regions website for more information.

Survey Success!

Thanks to everyone who took the time to complete our survey!  We now have a better understanding of what people working for local government think about global poverty issues and what they think councils in the UK could and should be doing. Congratulations to Claire Wilmer from Camden CSF, who is the winner of the Fairtrade chocolate hamper from Divine Chocolate!  To read more about our survey click here.

Localism for Aid Effectiveness

Global local government politicians highlighted the local contribution to the Aid Effectiveness debate, at a meeting of the United Cities and Local Government world organisation in Guangzhou, China, 10-13th Nov. ...read more

Zimbabwe: calling all UK councils

As Zimbabwe faces a crucial period of transition, the need for support from all levels of government overseas is vital.Councils desperately need the skills and technical expertise to tackle serious backlogs and provide important local services and develop local infrastructure. The call from Zimbabwean local government for support from the UK is now an urgent one. ...read more

Innovation through International Learning - new approaches to social housing

As there is an increasing need for councils to tighten their belts, the case for international learning is perhaps stronger than ever. While councils might not be able to afford site visits overseas, the LGA's international learning service offers international insights on strong public service delivery without the additional costs. ...read more

At home: news from UK councils

Sunderland Experts Share Job Knowledge in South Africa

Sunderland's recently formed partnership with the Local Municipality of Mbombela, South Africa is focussing on job creation. ...read more 

Enfield: Global Learning for All

Enfield council has been developing a 'Global learning for all' policy which aims to maximise the impact of international activities and visits through coordinating this work across the borough....read more

Development Minister meets pupils from Walthamstow

International Development Minister Mike Foster met with pupils from Mission Grove Primary School.  The pupils learned how their eco-friendly actions in Walthamstow can have an impact on the rest of the world.  To read the full article click here.

Getting involved

International Development Community of Practice - now online!

The LG alliance has set up an online community of practice for those working in local government to share advice and resources on development work. ...read more 

Have your say in DFID Community Linking Programme

The new DFID Community Linking Programme will be available next year and the structure of the programme is currently being devised. DFID wants to know about what links currently exist in order to inform how they structure the programme. Please encourage your local community groups to respond to this survey.  The survey closes on the 31st of December.  To let them know about your council links visit www.dfid.gov.uk/dclp

Commonwealth Conversation - Local Government Matters

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2009 is fast approaching.  The 21st CHOGM will be held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.  The Commonwealth Conversation is being conducted online to help inform Commonwealth governments about key issues for the Commonwealth prior to the CHOGM. Make sure that local government issues are on the agenda ...read more

Local Innovation goes Global

Funding programmes are increasingly recognising the expertise that lies in UK local government and providing opportunities for sharing this expertise. £3m funding for the new Local Innovation Awards has recently been announced, which will enable winning authorities to share their best ideas. Beacon councils are also being encouraged to share their expertise with developing countries under the Good Practice Scheme...read more

Sign up to Charter for Global Learning

The DEA is currently promoting their new Global Learning Charter and is looking for signatories who want to demonstrate their commitment to educating people about global issues such as poverty or climate change. ...read more

Events

Global slowdown, local solutions: international comparisons - Report launch and debate

Date: Wednesday 9 December 2009 Location: Local Government House , London

This FREE evening event will take place at Local Government House, Smith Square, London, and will run from 6pm - 8pm.

What can we learn from councils across the world about tackling recession and preparing for the upturn?  How have de-centralised and de-regulated models of local government in other countries achieved results?  How can local government here use international links and experiences to get the most from the upturn?  For more information about the event click here.

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