16 May 2001

Bonn, Germany: The United Nations Volunteers programme (UNV) today launched a new initiative to open up opportunities for city-to-city cooperation in least developed countries.

Speaking at a meeting of mayors attending the 3rd United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, UNV urban development specialist, Edmundo Werna, said the UNV programme, which has mobilized UN Volunteers in 140 countries around the world, is a practical partner for city-to-city cooperation because of its record in promoting “solidarity among local governments”.

“The importance of UNV’s support to city-to-city cooperation comes from the fact that the missions of the experts from the donor cities often represent an extra burden to their local governments,” he said, adding that this was because they entail many procedures, which are not part of the day-to-day business of local authorities: that is, administrating the trip and taking care of experts overseas.

These procedures, he noted, are part of UNV’s day-to-day business. “UNV’s support in this field increases the efficiency of the programmes of the cities which already send their experts, and provides an opportunity for new cities which do not have the means to do it on their own.”

UNV is currently building its portfolio as a partner in the field of city-to-city cooperation, by, for example, supporting the Bonn, Germany—Ulaanbataar, Mongolia cooperation, and initiating a larger programme with the International Union of Local Authorities (IULA) in Africa and in Latin America.

City-to-city cooperation is important for LDCs because it provides support directly to the local level, said Werna. It builds capacity of local authorities, which are responsible for the provision of vital services. By recognizing this, UNV now launches its programme of support to city-to-city projects in LDCs.

According to Werna, UNV is ready to study ways to support cities in LDCs that have or are planning to have a project in collaboration with other cities.