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Across the globe, local authorities have set up networks of partnerships and links that represent a new integrated form of international cooperation: from formal town twinning via technical and project-based partnerships to mere capacity building - all of these links give us the opportunity to exchange experience and learn from each other, to find effective solutions to serious problems and to strive for peace and stability.

International cooperation benefits everyone. It is by engaging with counterparts from other parts of the world that councils are able to reach innovative ways of dealing with their own problems. It is also important for developing an awareness of one’s own enviroment and heritage, and cultural cooperation can open many previously locked doors.

Globalisation and European integration of course also mean that we live in an increasingly connected and interdependent world in which we both compete and cooperate with each other. In this fast-changing environment, local government has a crucial role to play in actively working with our European and international partners for maximum mutual learning and benefit.

The LGA's new European and International Unit seeks to support and promote all kinds of international cooperation by providing advice on a range of linking issues from establishing a partnership to funding and programmes. It is now responsible for all the work previously carried out by the Local Government International Bureau (LGIB).

The new unit is also directly involved in LGA programmes and initiatives including capacity building in developing countries and the promotion of peace and stability in conflict areas. These include poverty alleviation initiatives in Africa and the promotion of peace and stability in South East Europe.

http://www.lga.gov.uk/international

In addition, the UK Local Government Alliance for International Development brings together the collective capacity of committed key agencies and bodies in the UK to boost local authorities’ involvement in international development.

The core members of the Alliance are:

Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF)
Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA)
Local Government Association European and International Unit (LGA)
National Association of Local Councils (NALC)
Society of local authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers (SOLACE)

The Alliance has signed a Strategic Grant Agreement with the UK Department for International Development (DFID), providing funding for its activities to promote greater local government involvement in international development.