Handbook on Promoting Local Innovation for Inclusion of People in Vulnerable Situations and Leaving No One Behind

This handbook on “Promoting Local Innovation for Inclusion of People in Vulnerable Situations and Leaving No One Behind” is part of the Handbook Series on “Innovative Local Governance for the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals”, a collaboration between the UN Project Office on Governance (UNPOG), an integral part of the Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG) of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), and the Korea Research Institute for Local Administration (KRILA). 

The handbook was developed with the specific aim of strengthening the capacities and competencies of local government officials and other relevant stakeholders to contribute to the advancement and implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It introduces diverse innovative approaches, strategies, tools, and practices from around the world and includes recommendations for concrete policy actions on key themes and issues related to the local inclusion of populations in vulnerable situations, providing practical guidance for readers’ use. 

Each thematic chapter includes: primary concepts, major challenges, a variety of approaches, strategies, and cases, actions based on eight key building blocks, exercise, and key takeaways. The Annex includes supplementary case studies and exercises. 

The exercises or situational analyses for self-assessment included in each chapter enable readers to reflect upon thought-provoking questions and the framework, tools and strategies included for each of the key themes. Those exercises ideally will guide readers through the actual execution of the steps in local government that contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the achievement of greater social inclusion at local level. 

The cases included in this handbook include the winning initiatives of the United Nations Public Service Awards (UNPSA), one of the most prestigious international recognitions of excellence that rewards the creative achievements and contributions of public service institutions that lead to more effective and responsive public administration. The Awards promote the role, professionalism, and visibility of public service as well as international learning by showcasing innovative practices. Links are included throughout this handbook to help readers further deepen and expand their knowledge. 

The materials in this handbook can be used for capacity development workshops and trainings at schools of public administration or institutes of public management, by local authorities, and for self-learning purposes.