Supporting Economic Development Through Local Governments

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) supports local development and government reform through finance and governance programs, and assists in the decentralization of developing countries. UNCDF offers “last mile” finance models that unlock public and private resources, particularly at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development. A Capstone team reviewed and evaluated materials on how local governments can be a means of implementation for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The team looked at global recommendations and best practices for successful SDG localization, and conducted field work in Uganda to develop a case study on local government capabilities and efforts to implement the SDGs. UNCDF will use this work to strengthen its support for local development in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially in Uganda. The team delivered a report detailing its findings and recommendations to UNCDF and their partners.