The Value of a Global Network: 17 Years of Connecting Partners for Decentralization and Local Governance

A new report published by the DeLOG Secretariat (GIZ) reflects on the network's journey over nearly two decades. It highlights DeLoG's role in aligning members around crucial global events like the 2030 Agenda and Habitat III. Through regular meetings and joint initiatives, members have built trust and understanding of each others' priorities. This has enabled shared positions and collective contributions to the international discourse on topics like sustainable development and urbanization.

The Development Partners Network on Decentralisation and Local Governance (DeLoG) recently marked its 17th anniversary. Established in 2006 as a network of bi- and multilateral funding partners working in decentralization and local governance, DeLoG has become a global hub for knowledge exchange, coordination, and capacity building.

A new report  published by the DeLOG Secretariat (GIZ) reflects on the network's journey over nearly two decades. It highlights DeLoG's role in aligning members around crucial global events like the 2030 Agenda and Habitat III. Through regular meetings and joint initiatives, members have built trust and understanding of each others' priorities. This has enabled shared positions and collective contributions to the international discourse on topics like sustainable development and urbanization.

Beyond global policy dialogue, DeLoG has also connected global strategies to local contexts. The network has run regional capacity building workshops and developed an e-learning course that has trained over 280 practitioners. National governments have also welcomed in-country courses as an opportunity to adapt learnings to local governance reforms.

Looking ahead, the report provides recommendations for transitioning DeLoG from a secretariat-driven network to a member-driven one. This includes maintaining spaces for strategic direction-setting while diversifying voices, especially from the Global South. Sustainable funding models are also needed to carry forward DeLoG's role as a unique, informal platform for exchange on decentralization.

After 17 years, the report affirms DeLoG's value in pooling expertise across institutions to steer progress on shared priorities. As the network enters its next chapter, the foundations built over the past two decades will be crucial to continue advancing effective, democratic local governance globally.

 

Please access the report here.