Launch of the World Observatory on Subnational Government Finance and Investment

The World Observatory on Sub National Government Finance and Investment, the first of its kind, is a joint initiative of the OECD and UCLG. It provides systematized information on decentralization processes, territorial reforms, the powers and responsibilities of local authorities, and the nature and weight of their income, expenditure and investment in over 120 countries.

It offers an open-access database from which first-hand information on local government finances can be extracted and compared between countries. The launch conference of the World Observatory on Sub National Finance and Investment, held in Paris on June 17, 2019 brought together more than 150 participants, coming from 35 countries.

In presenting the Observatory's 2019 Report - a compendium of 122 country profiles with an analysis of key findings - Angel Gurria, OECD Secretary-General, stressed that cities and regions are major actors in public action. The World Observatory is the largest international database on the structure and finances of sub-national governments ever produced. Beyond data and knowledge, it also aims to strengthen our collective capacity to act for improved multi-level governance.

Emilia Saiz, Secretary General of UCLG, stressed that the information gathered by the World Observatory is crucial in that it provides a basis for dialogue with all relevant stakeholders. It is a major tool to inform the learning, advocacy and policy work that is at the heart of UCLG's mandate. 

20.06.2019

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