Responding to growing territorial inequalities, rapid urbanization, and increasing climate pressures, the publication outlines why UNDP supports local governments through an integrated, systems-based portfolio approach. It provides a practical, systems-oriented framework for strengthening municipalities and cities, and introduces six interconnected building blocks as flexible entry points for transformation: efficient governance, empowered and participatory communities, sustainable finance, accessible and modern public services, dynamic economic development, and socio-ecological resilience.

It brings together UNDP’s systems thinking and mission-oriented innovation with practical, ready-to-deploy workstreams tested across diverse country contexts and highlights tools, real-world examples, donor partnerships, and actionable design choices that Country Offices can directly apply when shaping portfolios, building partnerships or implementing local development initiatives.

Developed through an extensive collaborative process involving UNDP Country Offices, regional teams and experts, this comprehensive  resource is designed to support Country Offices, regional teams, and local and national partners across Europe and Central Asia in building adaptive, inclusive and future-ready local governance systems.