Our work

SKL International is a consultant company, owned by the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions. We focus on the development of local democracy and well-functioning local and regional administrations.

From an international perspective, Swedish local self-government is very extensive. Even from a European point of view, Swedish local authorities have exceptional mandate and responsibilities. SKL – the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions was established to safeguard the interest of Swedish local and regional authorities and has contributed significantly to this state of affairs.

Responding to a high international demand for practical examples of Swedish local self-government, SKL began to "export" these experiences as points of reference for local democratic development in other countries. SKL International (formerly SALA IDA) was therefore established as a subsidiary of SKL in 2000, to create a platform from which to harmonize the shared experiences of SKL and its members, with regard to the development of local self-government and welfare provision in other countries.

SKL International’s approach is based on identifying the parts of the Swedish experience that can be appropriately adapted to local conditions in other countries. Our inputs strive for decentralised, democratic and transparent governance - values that are deeply rooted in the company through our affiliation with the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SKL).

SKL International supports the development of local government systems in new democracies and developing countries. In practical terms, our interventions focus on developing well-functioning local administrations, which are founded on principles of good governance and interact successfully with other levels of government and with citizens.

Our work is demand-driven and result-oriented. Typically, project financing comes from international development donors.