Localizing finance for development Localizing financing is at the heart of UCLG’s strategic priorities since its outset. UCLG has historically been engaged in research and data collection efforts in order to map the situation of local finance internationally and to inform its advocacy work towards development and investments banks, in particular the World Bank, for the creation of adequate financing mechanisms to meet the growing needs of the urban era.
To enhance UCLG’s Strategy on Localizing Financing, UCLG with the support of FMDV commissioned a policy paper from UCLG UBUNTU advisor on local finance, Barbara Samuels. The paper will define actionable recommendations to unlock the required financing for cities and regions to achieve the global agendas. It will be submitted to the Executive Bureau for information and discussion. The International Municipal Investment Fund (IMIF), a joint initiative of UNCDF and UCLG in collaboration with FMDV, was officially launched at the UCLG World Congress in Durban in November 2019. The Fund aims to facilitate access to financial markets for cities (especially intermediary
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