Building Better Futures


VNG International are experts in strengthening democratic local government in developing countries and countries in transition.

VNG International

Local governments are key actors in tackling the global challenges the world is facing. As a layer of government that has a legal mandate to respond to citizens’ needs, they are fundamental actors in ensuring sustainable solutions in urban development, climate adaptation, safety, food security and rule of law. This is why, from our roots in local government in the Netherlands, VNG International invests in supporting democratic local governments worldwide.

We work on practical and innovative solutions to strengthen the functioning of local governments, in areas such as civil registry, land management, water and waste management, urban and local economic development. We implement many of our projects in the complexity of conflict, migration and crisis. In our approach we strive for equal access to services for all, with particular attention for women, young people and vulnerable groups.

We are supporting over

73 Million

People worldwide

55

Projects

30+

Countries

News updates

  • Improving Water Sustainability in Upper Egypt: The ISWS Project

    April 1, 2025
  • Positive evaluation of strategic partnership with ministry

    March 27, 2025
  • Aftermovie VNG International Staff Conference

    February 26, 2025
  • Commemorating Two Years of Recovery: Supporting Resilient Communities in Türkiye

    February 6, 2025
  • VNG International logo

    Syria Roundtable: Strengthening Local Administration for a Sustainable Future

    April 9, 2025

    In response to the rapid changes occurring in Syria, VNG International recently hosted a roundtable discussion on the future of local governance in the country. The event, centered around the principle of “Not about us without us,” brought together a diverse group of Syrian experts to explore the crucial role that local governance plays in Syria’s recovery, stability, and long-term development.

    As Syria continues to experience ongoing political shifts, the conversation aimed to identify the ways in which local administrations can support rebuilding efforts and contribute to sustainable growth. Experts discussed the most pressing challenges facing Syrian communities and how local councils can step in to address these challenges effectively. Among the top priorities for communities, economic recovery was highlighted as a major concern, with job creation and income opportunities seen as essential to rebuilding the livelihoods of citizens.

    Also, safety and security were identified as critical for daily life, with citizens emphasizing the need for stability in order to rebuild their communities. Participants underlined the importance of the impact of economic sanctions, and the need to end them and secure financial support for municipalities to enable them to function effectively. Strengthening local services and ensuring transparency in governance were also seen as vital components for improving the quality of life for Syrians.

    During the roundtable, participants also explored the role that local councils and administrations can play in overcoming these challenges. One key focus was the importance of capacity building, as experts noted the need to bridge gaps caused by years of isolation. To achieve this, investing in training and development for local administrators was seen as an essential step. Furthermore, the importance of tailoring governance to regional differences across Syria was emphasized, with the understanding that local solutions need to be adapted to specific community needs. Some participants pointed out the necessity of fostering greater cooperation between local councils and non-governmental organizations, to improve service delivery and ensure that citizens’ needs are being met. The conversation also touched on the importance of developing leadership programs and citizen engagement initiatives, which would encourage greater participation and transparency in local governance. Also, for modernizing the administration and boosting publiic trust, leveraging digitalization was identified as an important strategy.

    The insights gathered during the roundtable will help inform future strategic approaches and guide funding opportunities for projects that aim to create lasting positive change in Syria’s local governance. VNG International extends its sincere thanks to all participants for their valuable contributions. Their expertise and dedication will play an instrumental role in shaping a future of inclusive and effective governance in Syria, and we look forward to continuing these critical discussions.

Featured projects

  • ADIL – Appui au Développement Intégré Local

    Country: Algeria
    Start August 1, 2024 till July 31, 2027
    General objective (impact): To support Algeria in its approach to reform in terms of integrated and sustainable territorial development, governance and participatory democracy, as part of the decentralization process. Specific objectives (results) : 1. Support the implementation of reforms to promote local governance and integrated, inclusive and sustainable territorial development through […]
  • Institutional capacity building with SASB and the development of tertiary drainage in the city of Beira

    Country: Mozambique
    Start April 1, 2023 till June 30, 2027
    The wider objective of the project is to enhance quality drainage for residents of Beira that protects them from inundation. This is done through institutional capacity development within SASB (Beira Autonomous Sanitation Unit). This institutional assistance will facilitate improved tertiary drainage and urban planning by SASB in the city of Beira in addition to improved […]
  • Ethiopia, Water Pricing for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth

    Country: Ethiopia
    Start September 1, 2018 till August 31, 2026
    The overall goal of the project is a realized transition towards an equitable access to scarce water resources and increased water-use efficiency in the Awash Basin, through improved water resources management and water regulation. The specific objective is to facilitate the introduction of a permit and tariffing system. Support is given on translating water […]
  • St Maarten, Netherlands Antilles, Civil Society Partnership Facility for Resilience (CSPFRP)

    Country: Sint Maarten
    Start July 10, 2020 till March 31, 2025
    The wider objective of the project is to improve the capacity of civil society organizations and support implementation of reconstruction and resilience sub-projects at the community level. The CSPFRP will be implemented through three main complementary components: (a) small grants to civil society organizations for reconstruction and resilience; (b) capacity building and technical assistance for […]