Fields of expertise
Public administration shapes our everyday lives, from clean streets and safe neighborhoods to accessible services and well-maintained infrastructure. When local governments perform well, communities thrive. Effective delivery of services like waste collection, public space maintenance, and infrastructure management directly enhances quality of life.
Good public administration also builds trust. When people feel included in decision-making and believe their voices matter, they’re more likely to engage and contribute to their communities. Conversely, when people have doubts about inclusiveness or integrity, it can lead to frustration and disengagement. Transparency and predictability of local government is also essential for economic vitality. Clear rules, fair procedures and efficient service create the stability that businesses need to invest and grow. This makes local economies more resilient and attractive to investors, fuels innovation and creates jobs. Effective public administration is about equity, clarity and accountability.
At VNG International, we work with local governments around the world to strengthen the systems, partnerships and capabilities that turn these principles into everyday practice, supporting communities and building resilient futures.
What We do
We help improve public administration at a local level, while simultaneously achieving better communication and coordination at all governmental levels (multilevel governance). We use a multi-actor approach that brings together local governments, civil society and the private sector. We also collaborate with national local government associations so that successful local practices can influence broader policy development.
To make sure our work aligns with on-the-ground realities, we apply political economy analyses. This helps us understand not only the formal systems but also the informal dynamics that shape them. Gender analysis is often integrated to ensure that our work benefits all members of society.
In our projects on public administration, we cover a range of significant issues, including:
- Enhancing well-defined intergovernmental relations with clear powers and responsibilities and corresponding financial arrangements.
- Strengthening local public finance management.
- Developing well-functioning civil registries and land and property registrations.
- Modernising local tax systems, from registration to e-billing and enforcement.
- Supporting digitalisation for enable data-driven decision making.
- Training local councilors in their roles and responsibilities.
- Building capacity among local government staff.
Involving Citizens in Decision Making
In many parts of the world, people feel left out of the decisions that shape their daily lives, environment and future. Engaging citizens gives them the opportunity to voice their needs and help shape public services that match their priorities. But many local governments lack the tools, skills or experience to involve citizens effectively, equally or to be held accountable for their deeds and decisions.
What We Do
We bring local governments and community stakeholders together to build mutual understanding, trust and cooperation. We support citizens and their organizations in holding local governments accountable, especially when it comes to how public money is spent and how priorities are set. We encourage local authorities to listen, respond and take responsibility.
We work with local authorities and communities to:
- Build trust by bringing governments and citizens together to understand each other’s roles.
- Set up municipal information and resource centers to keep people informed.
- Use proven social accountability tools to ensure transparency in public spending.
- Support inclusive governance that connects modern public administration with traditional leadership structures.
Developing Sustainable and Resilient Cities and Communities
By 2050, it is expected that 75% of the world’s population will live in cities. Cities are increasingly seen as the backbone of national economies and as centres of innovation. Yet, they face growing challenges linked to urbanisation, such as climate change, urban mobility and the risk of natural disasters.
What We Do
VNG International partners with cities and communities to make them more resilient to these challenges. We emphasize the importance of involving al relevant stakeholders, ensuring that diverse voices are included in the local planning process. We foster economic growth and develop urban planning strategies that address immediate risks and contribute to long-term resilience. We also assist in developing disaster risk management plans tailored to local contexts, helping communities to be better prepared. In addition, we support cities in integrating sustainability and climate adaptation measures into urban projects.
A selection from the issues addressed in our projects in developing sustainable and resilient cities and communities:
- Applying multi-stakeholder approaches to help mitigate the effects of climate change.
- Ensuring safety and security for all residents, including people with specific needs.
- Supporting local governments in preparing for disasters and managing post-crisis recovery.
- Facilitating access to peer knowledge and experience for local leaders and staff.
- Improving infrastructure to be more green and resilient to climate change.
- Supporting sustainable, integrated urban and spatial planning.
- Assisting with access to and management of funding for climate-related projects.
- Promoting local economic development through public-private partnerships, assuring sufficient employment for all.
Improving Access to Basic Services
Local governments are responsible for delivering basic public services, for example in the field of water, waste, housing, health and education, but they can face serious barriers. Their mandates may be unclear, staff may not have the necessary technical or policy-making capacity or budgets are too limited to make services accessible and affordable, especially for vulnerable groups.
What We Do
Our approach is based on the notion that improved access to basic services, means improved quality of life, the prospects for social and economic development, and people’s confidence in local democracy.
We support local governments in making essential services work, practically, sustainably and inclusively. Our projects focus on:
- Developing and implementing effective waste, water and sanitation management.
- Establishing social housing policies.
- Improving local economic development strategies.
- Supporting sustainable urban mobility systems.
- Strengthening the financial foundation for delivering and maintaining basic services.
- Involving citizens in the day-to-day management and operations of basic services.
- Raising awareness about the gender and youth elements in all of the above, and provide tools for incorporating a gender and youth-sensitive approach.
Dealing with Conflict, Fragility and Migration
In fragile and conflict-affected areas, local governments can play a crucial role in promoting dialogue and restoring the social contract between the state and its citizens. In various regions, the rapid arrival of refugees and internally displaced people places intense and immediate pressure on host communities. Essential services, housing, jobs, and infrastructure are pushed to the brink. These challenges can’t be met with short-term fixes alone.
What’s needed is a shift: one that links emergency relief with long-term development and strengthens the role of local institutions. Local governments are positioned to promote understanding and foster dialogue between different communities.
What We Do
Our approach underscores the fundamental principle that security is a basic human need and providing security and protection is a prime responsibility of governments. We empower local governments to fulfil their role.
A selection from the issues addressed in our projects in dealing with conflict, fragility and migration:
- Bringing together public security institutions and civil society to build trust and open dialogue.
- Supporting the process of identifying and implementing concrete measures, such as making public spaces safe, providing safe access for women to fields and markets, etc.
- Restoring municipal services after armed conflict or natural disasters.
- Addressing the challenge for local governments in host communities to foster dialogue and reconcile the presence of large groups of refugees with the short and long term needs of the people who already live there.