© 2010 Local Government Alliance for International Development
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It also enhances the reputation of the local councils in the UK as a whole by using their experience to help developing countries develop effective and sustainable local services. UK councils have a unique skills-base that can be used to help developing countries move away from aid dependency towards long-term self-sufficiency. |
An outward-looking perspective. A chance to forge international links. An opportunity to let expertise shine and develop. Councils who undertake international development work are widening opportunities for their people, communities, institutions and businesses to develop their profile on a bigger stage.>>Case studies
Gateshead: recognising and building on its international assets
Gateshead positions itself as an international city. The Gateshead Strategic Partnership recognises its renowned cultural and sports facilities (including the Angel of the North, The Sage Gateshead and Gateshead International Stadium), as ‘international assets’. All partners aim to strengthen and build on these for the future benefit of Gateshead. This includes working on increasing cultural opportunities for citizens, broadening horizons through its community cohesion strategy and positioning Gateshead at the forefront of new economic opportunities.
Through raising its global reputation as a centre for art and culture, the GSP sees opportunities for Gateshead to benefit from this international profile – growing business links, attracting talent and giving residents the skills they need to compete in an age of globalisation.
Lancashire’s commitment to action to mitigate climate change is being translated into very practical expression in its international development activity. Connections have existed between Lancashire and projects in Gulu in Uganda for over 15 years, originally steered by a 100+ stakeholder forum of public, private and voluntary organisations and now by two community based charities in the respective countries.
In 2008, this formed the basis for a Climate Compensation Scheme (CCS) setup as a four-way partnership between the two links plus Lancashire County Council and Gulu Municipal Council. While the county council helped get the scheme off the ground, the NGO (Lancashire Gulu Link) is now taking a lead role in driving forward the project.
http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/climatechange http://gulucarbonscheme.blogspot.com/
Sunderland: strengthening internationalism
Sunderland City Council brands its international activities with the slogan - an international city for a better future - as it seeks to strengthen the city's reputation by emphasising the importance of internationalism in supporting the city's economic, educational and cultural development.
>>Self assessment
1What international reputation are you seeking for your locality and to what extent have you considered aligning that to international development work?
2Is your council playing to its strengths in ways that encompass the Millennium Development Goals and the potential for international development activities?
3Are you building a reputation for exchanging and learning from international good practice or are you ploughing a more parochial ‘we’ve always done it that way round here’ furrow?
4Can your council’s expertise and experience contribute positively to the UK’s reputation overseas?