Our focus

To strengthen governance at the local level for equitable and sustainable communities

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Local Governance

Local governance refers to the interactions between stakeholders and actors at the subnational level, ranging from local governments to the private sector, civil society, and community-based organisations. It is the set of institutions, systems, and processes that function within the local and regional context, enabling communities to articulate their interests and needs, resolve their differences, and exercise their rights, duties, and obligations. 

Through these processes, local governance empowers local actors to address development challenges effectively, fostering inclusive, participatory decision-making and ensuring that solutions are responsive to local contexts.  

 

Why is local governance important?

Local governance is critical in transforming Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from a global vision into tangible local realities. From youth and gender equality to climate action, quality education and health care, subnational authorities stand at the forefront of localizing the SDGs. 

3 ways local governance drives sustainable development:

1 . Improving Livelihoods

Local Governance plays a vital role in enhancing people’s livelihoods towards a sustainable future. It provides the venue where people access basic services, take part in public consultations, pay taxes, and file complaints. In other words, governance at the local level has a direct and immediate impact on people’s lives, facilitating sustainable development outcomes that reflect local needs.  

2 . Driving Innovation

Local governance fosters the evolution of innovative, adaptive, anticipatory, and agile governance models; essential for addressing complex development challenges and achieving sustainability in the fast-changing world. UNDP’s local-level initiatives have demonstrated the potential to integrate development solutions, facilitate multi-level and cross-sectoral collaborations, and drive systemic change. 

3 . Enabling Local Action

Local governance is a key pillar in advancing UNDP's commitment to Local Action, involving direct interactions, negotiations, and articulations between government, the private sector, and communities. It is essential for accelerating SDG localization by supporting locally led solutions and facilitates addressing the root causes of local development challenges. 

 

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Future-ready Local Governance 

The fast-changing and complex nature of development challenges demands innovation in traditional governance models, to better understand, analyse, and navigate climate challenges. Future-ready local governance, driven by innovation, agility, adaptability, is essential to effectively address the diverse and evolving needs of local communities.  

To meet these needs, local governments must implement forward-thinking strategies, leverage emerging technologies, and remain flexible in their policies and actions. Equally important is the capacity of civil society to develop innovative collaborations and influence the development and implementation of locally led solutions.  

Key characteristics of future-ready local governance include:

  • Community-oriented and issue-based approaches to climate challenges
  • Enhanced inclusion, participation, agility, and adaptability in decision-making
  • Multi-level and cross-sectoral collaboration
  • Portfolio-based implementation
  • Iterative monitoring and evaluation
  • Innovative and sustainable financing