Building Foundations for Inclusive Local Development in Georgia: Closing the Current Chapter of C4D
After two years of engagement, the project Cooperation for Development – Support to Decentralisation and Sustainable Local Development in Georgia (C4D) is concluding in August 2026.
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Implemented by SALAR International with funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the project was established to strengthen local governance, sustainable urban development and decentralisation processes in Georgia through knowledge exchange, institutional cooperation and capacity development.
Closing due to changes in the operating context
During the project period, Georgia underwent significant shifts in its political environment as well as in its international relations. Together with subsequent changes in Sweden's development cooperation policy towards Georgia, this fundamentally altered the conditions for project implementation. As a result, SALAR International, in close dialogue with Sida, paused the project and conducted an extensive strategic review, after which it was decided to bring the project to an early close.
Knowledge, partnerships and practical tools for the future
Although the original implementation pathway could not be pursued, the project generated important foundations that remain valuable for future engagement. During its lifetime, C4D established a dedicated project team, developed strong working relationships with Georgian and international stakeholders, and carried out comprehensive analyses of Georgia's urban development and local governance landscape.
The project produced a series of studies exploring how sustainable urban development could be supported through collaboration with academia, professional networks, community organisations and other non-state actors. The work reaffirmed the importance of locally driven development, citizen engagement, knowledge sharing and professional capacity as essential elements of resilient local governance.
Studies, analytical work and methodologies developed through the project provide knowledge resources that can continue to inform urban development and local governance initiatives in Georgia and beyond. Among C4D's lasting contributions is the development and updating of a portfolio of knowledge products that support sustainable urban development in Georgia and beyond:
Improve Your City and Neighbourhood – A Toolkit for Inclusive Urban Development in Georgia - English version pdf, 77 MB.SymbioCity Approach: A Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Urban Development (Second edition, 2025) - English version pdf, 70 MB.
The Toolkit adapts the internationally recognised SymbioCity methodology, building on Swedish experiences, to the Georgian context, while the second edition of the Symbio City Approach provides the conceptual framework reflecting current knowledge and practice in sustainable urban development.
Together, these resources strengthen the knowledge base for sustainable urban development and form a knowledge base that remains relevant for practitioners, academic institutions and organisations working with local development.
The project also generated valuable institutional learning. It demonstrated the importance of flexibility, evidence-based decision-making, and continuous contextual analysis when working in complex environments.
The future of SALAR International in Georgia
SALAR International extends its sincere appreciation to all partners, experts and institutions who contributed to the project. Their collaboration, knowledge, and commitment have been essential throughout all phases of the project.
Although the project is coming to a close, SALAR International values the relationships established over the past years. The organisation remains engaged, open to future collaboration and will continue to contribute its expertise where conditions allow.
The partnerships built, the knowledge generated, and the experience gained through C4D represent lasting assets for continued dialogue and cooperation on inclusive and sustainable local development in Georgia and beyond.