The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is pleased to announce that it will assume the Secretariat of the Development Partners Network on Decentralisation and Local Governance (DeLoG) starting from July 1st, 2023. This appointment, anticipated to extend for a minimum of one year, highlights UNCDF's dedication and responsibility as the Subnational Financing hub in emphasizing the importance of local government finance. It also will allow UNCDF to harness the knowledge, partnerships, and collaborative efforts of its members, partners, and working groups.

DeLoG, established in 2006, serves as a network comprising 48 bi- and multilateral development partners and specialized institutions working in the field of Decentralisation and Local Governance (DLG). The network's primary objective is to enhance development effectiveness in DLG by promoting harmonized and aligned interventions.
The DeLoG Secretariat, which serves as the operational hub of the network, plays a vital role in coordinating and supporting activities that foster knowledge exchange, capacity building, and policy exchange among its diverse membership. By facilitating collaboration between local governments, bi- and multilateral organizations, and recently also civil society organisations (CSOs), the Secretariat acts as a catalyst for driving sustainable local governance practices.

Recognizing the vital role of local institutions in sustainable development, DeLoG emphasizes the importance of effective decentralization reforms and local governance. Local governments and institutions, due to their proximity to citizens and communities, possess an inherent understanding of local needs that central administrative systems may lack. Additionally, local governments can adapt national and regional development strategies to local realities, facilitating efficient resource allocation and improved development outcomes.
By acting as a hub for knowledge exchange and a platform for joint learning, DeLoG fosters cooperation and collaboration among diverse organizations to improve policy formulation, dialogue, and capacity building in the field of DLG. Through the organization of joint learning events (face-to-face, e-learning and in-country or regional courses) the Secretariat develops and shares the capacities and knowledge of its member organizations. Moreover, it provides analytical competency for policy formulation and dialogue concerning issues of development.
DeLOG activities focuses on :
• Localising the 2030 Agenda
• Urban and Territorial Governance
• Decentralisation and Local Governance in fragile contexts
• Local Finance and Fiscal Decentralisation
• Gender
• Local Democracy
• Inclusive Local Finance
DeLoG provides:
• In-depth peer-to-peer exchange on policies and practices in the field of Decentralisation and Local Governance
• First-hand information on activities, events and publications in the field of Decentralisation and Local Governance
• Opportunities for partners and staff to participate in face-to-face and online courses
• Worldwide cooperation with numerous development organisations facilitated by the DeLoG Secretariat

With the transition to UNCDF, the DeLoG Network 2.0 benefits from the extensive expertise and global network of the United Nations agency. UNCDF as the UN Subnational Financing Hub has a longstanding commitment to advancing inclusive finance and local development, making it an ideal host for the Secretariat. The move is expected to further strengthen DeLoG's position as a leading platform for promoting good governance at the local level.
This transition also presents an opportunity for deeper engagement with the UN system and its specialized agencies, enabling DeLoG to leverage additional resources and insights in its mission, including and strengthening of the perspectives from the Global South. The involvement of UNCDF, with its focus on local development finance and innovative approaches, will contribute to the long-term transition into a member driven network and the design and implementation of impactful projects that address the specific needs of local communities.
The handover process has been ongoing during the last weeks to ensure a seamless transition and continuity of services. Both GIZ and UNCDF have committed to a collaborative handover period, allowing for the transfer of knowledge, institutional memory, and ongoing processes. This transition period will enable the Secretariat to leverage the strengths and experiences of both organizations, fostering a smooth and effective transfer of responsibilities.
By assuming the Secretariat of DeLoG, UNCDF aims to reinforce the significance of local government finance within the international development agenda and will facilitate in-depth peer-to-peer exchanges on policies and practices related to decentralization and local governance.

To ensure you continue receiving the latest updates and valuable insights, kindly sign up if you wish to receive the forthcoming DeLoG Newsletters published by UNCDF.