What we do
VNG International designs and implements projects that strengthen local governments and enhances their resilience.
OUR MISSION is building better futures by strengthening democratic local government worldwide. Our conviction is that democratic local governments are essential for achieving inclusive and sustainable development results.
OUR VISION is to partner with local governments to work hand-in-hand with their citizens, delivering fair and reliable services that improve lives and foster thriving communities. Our aim is to support municipalities and cities working for their citizens and their environment—places where everyone feels heard, supported, and safe, irrespective of gender, age and health. By supporting local governments to shape local economies and promote sustainability, we help build communities where citizens can work towards a brighter future. Our international team of project managers and experts, grounded in the expertise of Dutch municipalities, collaborates with local governments, their inhabitants, the national government and non-governmental partners to identify challenges and find innovative solutions. Together, we are building better futures.
OUR APPROACH is hands-on, practice oriented, empowering people in existing structures instead of stepping in and taking over responsibilities. Our expertise is to build partnerships with local governments and to accompany change processes with them on a broad field of themes within the public domain.
We are rooted in local government
Being part of VNG, the Association of Netherlands Municipalities, one of the oldest and strongest local government associations in the world. Our roots in local government go deep. Dutch local government is a source of inspiration and best practice worldwide. The tradition and culture of decentralisation and local government are longstanding. Dutch local government is close to the citizens and has a history of finding pragmatic and practical solutions for its constituents. It is second nature for us to work at both the technical and political level of local government. Whilst we cherish our roots, we shy away from blueprint solutions. Wherever we work we need to understand the context, to know what works, why it works and for whom. We aspire to be a learning organisation.
We deliver excellent projects
VNG International designs and manages large and complex projects for a variety of donors, such as the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Commission, World Bank, USAID. We only accept an assignment when we are certain we can deliver what has been agreed upon. We are proud of the high client satisfaction ratings, supported by our ISO-9001 certified quality management system. Development partners choose to work with us because we combine practical expertise, knowledge of local governments’ needs, and excellent project implementation skills. We are partners of local governments on the ground, and offer a powerful mix of local and international expertise, with a keen eye for the specific context in which we work.