Introduction

1. A dialogue with local authorities and other partners on the "Strengthening of Local Authorities" was held at the sixth plenary meeting, on 7 May 2002 in the morning. Aside from formal documentation(1) the dialogue was supported by an informal background document jointly prepared by UN-HABITAT and the World Association of Cities and Local Authorities Coordination (WACLAC) entitled "Partnership for Local Capacity Development - building on the experience of city-to-city cooperation".

2. The dialogue was opened by Ambassador Bo Göransson, President of the Governing Council, who delivered introductory remarks and then handed moderation of the meeting to Ms. Mercedes Bresso, President of the World Association of Cities and Local Authorities Coordination (WACLAC). The dialogue was organised in three segments, each addressing the strengthening of local authorities from the distinct perspective of one of three key partner groups whose cooperation is required. The perspective of local authorities was discussed in the first segment with introductions from three mayors and heads of local authorities(2) . The perspective of international support programmes was discussed in the second segment with introductions from two representatives of local authority associations and international support programmes(3) . The perspective of the donor community was discussed in the third segment with introductions from representatives of the French, USA and UK delegations(4) . There was a lively discussion with contributions from the floor(5) . The President of the Governing Council closed the dialogue with concluding remarks.

Discussion

3. In debating the strengthening of local authorities, the participants focused on three broad issues: (i) the reasons and priorities for strengthening local authorities; (ii) the key partners in local capacity development and their roles; and (iii) the need to harmonise the diverse efforts of these key partner groups. Participants also shared practical lessons from concrete operational experience in the strengthening of local authorities.

4. Regarding the first issue, participants noted that the strengthening of local authorities is closely linked to the debates on decentralisation, local democracy, good governance, and the implementation of the principles of subsidiarity as agreed in the Habitat Agenda. Participants also observed that the need for the strengthening of local planning and management capacities has been emphasised in virtually all major global intergovernmental agreements, such as the Habitat Agenda, Agenda 21, the Millennium Development Goals, and the outcome of the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

All these stress local capacity development as a key prerequisite for achieving such fundamental development goals as poverty alleviation, gender equality, as well as socially, economically and environmentally sustainable development. Some participants highlighted in this context the important role of local authorities, for ensuring such vital services as water, sanitation, health, public transport, shelter, energy and security. Others felt that the need to strengthen the role of local authorities already is generally accepted. Participants further underscored local management capacity as a significant factor in attracting private sector investment.

5. Regarding the second issue, participants noted the important role of local authori-ties as the closest partners of national governments in the development of management capacities among all those local actors in the public, private and community sectors whose active participation is required. It was also argued that national Governments have a key role in providing the legal framework for local capacity development and in supporting all forms of capacity building - rather than accepting the lack of local capacities as a reason for opposing decentralisation. This should include such strategic local capacity needs as the ability to effectively link across levels of government, the establishment of national associations of local authorities and the international sharing of know-how and lessons of experience. Participants also commented on the important contributions made to these local efforts by international support programmes which differ in many important ways, reflecting the diversity of interests, resources and institutions from which they originate. In this context repeated mention was made of city-to-city cooperation as a cost effective means for local capacity development. Further, participants recognised the important role of donors in strategically funding capacity development programmes of various types so as to respond to local priorities and promote cohesion and complementarity within the international development community. Participants argued for making existing programmes more effective rather than creating new ones.

6. Regarding the third issue, participants recognised the need for a systematic part-nership among key interest groups in local capacity development, including local authorities and other local actors, national governments, international support programmes, and the donor community. The need for a common framework for city-to-city cooperation was suggested to develop the potential of peer to peer learning by capturing lessons and offering tools without limiting flexibility in the cooperation among cities. To facilitate such cooperation, participants highlighted the need for better information on city needs and available support. The "Partnership for Local Capacity Development", described in the WACLAC/UN-HABITAT background document, was recognised as a significant initiative that will promote the development of local capacities.

1. Resolution 18/10 on the role of local authorities, resolution 18/11 on effective decentralisation and the strengthening of local authorities, and HSP/GC/19/2 Add.2 the report of the Executive Director on the World Summit on Sustainable Development;
2. Ms. Mercedes Bresso, President of the World Association of Cities and Local Authorities Coordination (WACLAC) and of the United Towns Organisation (UTO); Mr. Amos Masondo, Mayor of Johannesburg, South Africa; and Ms. Jane C. Ortega, Mayor of San Fernando, Philippines;
3. Mr. Heinrich Hoffschulte, first vice president of the European Chapter of the International Union of Local Authorities (CEMR), and Mr. Bowing King of International Council on Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI);
4. Mr. Jean-Marie Tetart of the French delegation, Ms. Marcia Urquhart Glenn of the USA delegation and Mr. Patrick Wakely of the UK delegation;
5. including interventions from Bangladesh, Belgium, DR Congo, Egypt, Germany, India, Lesotho, Norway, Russia, Zimbabwe, Commonwealth Local Government Forum, African Union of Local Authorities, and UNITAR.