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Home > Topics > Public Sector Govern... > Decentralization & Subnational Regional ...

The aim of the Decentralization and Subnational Thematic Group is to share information and deepen knowledge among a wide range of practitioners -- macro, sectoral, urban, and rural -- to bring about a more informed, consistent and comprehensive approach to decentralization and subnational development in our
country programs. The Thematic Group seeks to share and deepen knowledge on intergovernmental relations, regional development and poverty reduction, and central and local governance to enhance the effectiveness of multi-tiered governments.

Sub-national issues are becoming increasingly important to the World Bank’s policy dialogue and lending operations in our client countries. This interest parallels the increase in fiscal responsibilities of subnational governments and the evolving trend toward decentralization in both federated and unitary countries. Effective national development and poverty alleviation often hinges on improved sub-national growth and service delivery. Achieving these objectives often requires overcoming economic and social disparities across regions, and among urban and rural areas; reforming the fiscal, political, and administrative framework in which subnational governments operate; and enhancing engagement with sub-national governments and stakeholders. Towards this end, the site brings together inter-disciplinary and inter-sectoral knowledge to inform our understanding of decentralization and sub-national development.

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