In this interview, Djamel Sandid, Expert in Local Governance and Decentralized Cooperation at UNDP, shares his insights on why decentralized cooperation is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

What is the role of decentralized cooperation in today’s development landscape? 

Cooperation with local administration is a real asset for development. Today, local and regional governments are not only implementers of public policy—they are sources of inspiration for one another.  

Local authorities are focusing on policies that match the needs of people's daily lives. They engage directly with citizens, manage public services, and are often the first responders to challenges such as climate change, migration, or economic exclusion. When local administrations are empowered and supported, they are better positioned to drive meaningful, inclusive development. Supporting local authorities means investing in the very frontline of development. 

But they are also active players on global agendas, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals. It’s often said that 69% of the SDG targets cannot be achieved without action at the local level. National policies can set direction, but implementation happens in cities, towns, and regions. Fostering local-to-local exchanges, experience sharing, and mutual learning is essential to move the needle towards the completion of the 2030 agenda. 

What makes decentralized cooperation across borders effective? 

These partnerships are built on trust and shared challenges. They allow local actors to develop practical solutions together, drawing from real experiences. It’s not just about funding—it’s about collaboration, shared values, and co-creation. This is where local to local cooperation is so powerful: it brings relevance, ownership, and sustainability to development efforts. 

Decentralized cooperation brings global ambitions down to earth. It’s about people, places, and practical solutions. When territories work together, they accelerate progress on shared goals. Supporting this model—through partners like France and platforms like UNDP—is essential if we want to deliver on the SDGs in a way that’s grounded, inclusive, and lasting. 

Can you give a concrete example of how decentralized cooperation works? 

As highlighted in a recent article on UNDP’s ongoing support for decentralized cooperation between France and Moldova, this cooperation enables local authorities to address common challenges through mutual learning and joint problem-solving. 

A concrete example is the collaboration on water management and waste services, where Le Havre Seine Métropole brought its expertise to Moldovan partners. Through this cooperation with France, local actors in Moldova benefited from training, project development support, and direct exchanges between French and Moldovan public officials. These exchanges helped improve public service delivery and allowed Moldovan municipalities to draw inspiration from the practical experiences of their French counterparts. 

UNDP played a central coordinating and implementation role, supporting Moldovan local authorities in navigating decentralization reforms and advancing their European integration. The aim is to help local governments better understand and manage institutional change, while aligning with European standards in public service provision. 

Beyond governance reform, UNDP’s support also extends to broader development objectives, including the promotion of micro-enterprises, sustainable tourism, and climate change adaptation. These efforts ensure that local to local cooperation not only addresses immediate institutional needs but also contributes meaningfully to Moldova’s long-term sustainable development. 

What are the lessons learned of the France- UNDP partnership? 

France has a long history of supporting decentralized cooperation and is championing knowledge exchange among local governments, building international partnerships that reinforce solidarity and local governance. Through collaboration with organizations like UNDP, these efforts support capacity-building, policy alignment with the SDGs, and exchange of expertise among local actors. This cooperation benefits all parties involved. 

Read more on cooperation between UNDP and France, through the Delegation for Local Authorities (DCT-CIV): 

https://www.undp.org/geneva/press-releases/le-pnud-et-la-france-signent-un-nouvel-accord-pour-renforcer-lappui-aux-gouvernements-locaux-travers-lexpertise-territoriale