CIFAL
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The CIFAL Network, which is comprised of several associated CIFAL Centres, forms a key part of the work of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)’s Decentralized Cooperation Programme (DCP). This programme provides trainings aimed at implementing international conventions and achieving the UN's Millennium Development Goals.
The acronym CIFAL signifies "International Training Centre for Local Authorities/Actors" (in French: Centre International de Formation des Autorités/Acteurs Locaux). Each CIFAL Centre is a hub for capacity building and knowledge sharing between local and regional authorities, national governments, international organisations, the private sector and civil society. The main objective of these training activities is to enhance local public services and achieve sustainable urbanisation, especially through the activities of local authorities.
The first CIFAL Centre was inaugurated in 2000. Two years later, at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg the DCP launched a new partnership initiative called: ”Reinforcement of Local Capacities and Training for Sustainable Urbanization: a Public-Private Partnership” which set out the framework for future centres. Among the partners that jointly developed and presented this initiative were UN-HABITAT, the World Association of Cities and Local Authorities Coordination, the Global Ecovillage Network, and Veolia Environment.
In 2003 three further CIFAL Centres were launched. There are currently (2006) twelve such centres world-wide in Atlanta (USA), Barcelona & Bilbao (Spain), Curitiba (Brazil), Findhorn (Scotland) Lyon (France), Durban (South Africa), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), Plock (Poland), Shanghai (China) and Tallinn (Estonia).
To complement the training sessions the CIFALWEB, an online tool for knowledge sharing and project follow-up, has been created. This is an electronic platform which aims to support the partners in decision-making and the exchange of best practices.
[edit] References
- GEN-Europe News. (Spring 2006) Ecovillages Build Bridges with Local Authorities. Denmark. Gaia Trust.
- Rollo, S. (23.9.06) Deal Signed to Create UN HUB at Scots ecovillage. Aberdeen. Press & Journal newspaper.
- UN-DCP. (2005) Capacity building for local authorities to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Geneva. UNITAR.
- US Mayor Newspaper, June 27 2005, Offerings of CIFAL Atlanta. Vol 72 Issue 11. Washington
- Official Launch of CIFAL Findhorn
