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Building Better Futures


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

VNG International

Local governments make a real difference in how people live, work and thrive. As the level of government closest to citizens, they translate policies into tangible results and deliver solutions that improve everyday life. That is why VNG International, rooted in the experience of Dutch municipalities, supports democratic local governments around the world.

We work with local governments to develop practical and innovative solutions that strengthen their capacity and performance. Our projects cover areas such as improving waste and water services, climate change adaptation, local tax systems, local economic development, and transparent local governance. We often work in contexts affected by conflict, migration and crisis, enhancing inclusive and reliable public services, with particular attention to women, young people and vulnerable groups.

We are supporting over

73 Million

People worldwide

55

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30+

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News updates

  • Winners UCLG Peace Prize on stage

    Lamu County, Kenya wins peace prize for local governments

    June 26, 2026

    Lamu County, Kenya, has won the UCLG Peace Prize 2026. The international jury awarded the prize for the Lamu Peace Model, which brings together disaster risk management, social cohesion, climate adaptation, the prevention of violent extremism, maritime safety and refugee inclusion.

    The UCLG Peace Prize is an initiative of United Cities and Local Governments, the global network of local and regional governments. The award was presented on 25 June during the UCLG World Congress in Tangier, Morocco.

    Peace starts at a local level

    In coastal communities in Kenya such as Lamu, natural disasters, social vulnerability and conflict often intersect. Disasters can intensify existing tensions, put pressure on social cohesion and keep communities in a continuous cycle of recovery. For a long time, disaster response and peacebuilding were mainly treated as separate challenges. Local knowledge and leadership did not always receive sufficient space in these processes.

    Lamu County has changed this. The international jury awarded the prize for the county’s integrated approach and for the way it embedded this work in policy and legislation in 2021. As a result, peacebuilding, conflict prevention and social cohesion have become a structural part of local government.

    The approach helps communities prepare more effectively for crises. Lamu uses early warning and response systems for climate-related and social risks, dialogue platforms and the active involvement of residents. Young people, women, refugees and marginalised groups play a prominent role. Through this approach, Lamu aims to reduce conflict risks during crises, improve relations between refugees and host communities and strengthen trust in local institutions.

    About the UCLG Peace Prize

    The UCLG Peace Prize is awarded every three years to a local or regional government that contributes to peace, dialogue, conflict prevention or recovery. The winner receives €20,000 to further develop its approach and to share knowledge and experience with other local governments. The secretariat for the prize is hosted by VNG International.

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