Origins of LDP and its CIFAL Network

The objective of the Local Development Programme (LDP) is to develop the capacity of local actors to implement the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and achieve sustainable development at the local level. The programme responds to emerging needs and challenges facing local actors in the effective implementation of sustainable urban development and provision of basic services for all.  The programme beneficiaries are:

•    Local government officials, such as mayors and technical staff of municipalities
•    Representatives from the public and the private sector
•    Academia, NGOs and local community actors

The programme constitutes an international platform for knowledge exchange, supporting sharing and dissemination of best practice, innovation and lessons learned across cities.  It fosters partnership building among public sector, private sector and civil society at local, national and international levels. With its CityShare methodology, LDP creates networking opportunities leading to city-to-city collaboration to implement North-South and South-South technical cooperation projects. As a result, LDP contributes to strengthening the capacity of beneficiaries to bring greater local participation in the decision-making process.

LDP achieves its objectives by conducting face-to-face training activities, such as skills development seminars, knowledge-sharing workshops and field visits. The training focuses on three main thematic areas: social development, economic development and sustainable cities.  The programme also offers e-learning courses to provide greater access to training opportunities.