Local Governance 

Local governance refers to interactions between stakeholders and actors at the subnational level, ranging from local governments to the private sector, civil society, and community-based organizations. It is the set of institutions, systems, and processes at the subnational level, through which local authorities interact and provide services to local citizens, groups, and communities. 

In turn, these actors articulate their interests and needs, resolve their differences, and exercise their rights, duties, and obligations[1]. 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 criticla in turning Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals from a global vision into 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.

Local governance is pivotal in driving sustainable development in at least three aspects. Firstly, it plays a critical role in improving poeple's livelihoods toward 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, it is governance at the local level that has direct and immediate impact on people and communities' livelihoods, facilitating development toward sustainability. 

Secondly, local governance drives the evolution of innovative, adaptive, anticipatory, and agile governance models that are imperative for tackling complex development challenges and achieving sustainability in the fast-changing world. Innovative governance approaches implemented by UNDP at the local level have demonstrated the potential to integrate development solutions, facilitate multi-level and cross-sectoral collaborations, and drive systemic changes in local realities. 

Thirdly, local governance is a key pillar in advancing UNDP's commitment to Local Action as it involves direct interations, negotiations, and articulations between government, the private sector, and communities on policies and actions for the attainment of the SDGs at the local level. Local governance is critical to accelerating SDG localization as it supports locally led solutions and facilitates addressing the root cause of development at the local level. 

Future-ready Local Governance 

The fast-changing and complex nature of development challenges necessitate innovating traditional governance to better understand, analyze, and navigate climate challenges. Future-ready local governance, driven by innovation, agility, adaptability, is needed to effectively address the diverse and evolving challenges faced by local communities. 

To meet the needs of local communities, it is crucial for local governments to implement forward-thinking strategies, leverage new technologies, and remain flexible in their policies and actions. Equally important is the ability 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 understanding of climate challenges, improved inclusion, participation, agility, and adaptability in decision-making, multi-level and cross-sectoral collaboration, portfolio implementation, iterative monitoring and evaluation, and innovative financing.