Best Practices and Local Leadershp Programme

Partners: The Best Practices and Local Leadership Programme (BLP) was established in 1997 in response to the call of the Habitat Agenda to make use of information and networking in support of its implementation. It is a global network of government agencies, local authorities and their associations, professional and academic institutions and grassroots organisations dedicated to the identification and exchange of successful solutions for sustainable development. BLP partners are specialised in such areas as housing and urban development, urban governance, environmental planning and management, architecture and urban design, economic development, social inclusion, crime prevention, poverty reduction, women, youth, cultural heritage, municipal finance and management, infrastructure and social services.

Flagship Products: Those initiatives meeting the criteria for a Best Practice are included in the Best Practices database. The lessons learned from selected best practices are analysed in case studies and guides and are transferred to other countries, cities or communities through peer-to-peer learning and city-to-city transfers.

The Academy for a Better World was submitted as a Best Practice by the Brahma Kumaris in 1996 for the Habitat II Conference and recived the status of "Good Practice". It is a modern village-style complex built by the Brahma Kumaris in Rajasthan, India on barren-land adjoining an old and remote village. It offers residential self-development courses based on moral and spiritual values and concepts for up to 800 people. The village is now connected by road and reforestation of adjoining land has also been undertaken in partnership with the State Government. Recycled water from the complex is used for irrigation and renewable energy projects started on a partnership basis. 100 long-term jobs have been created and villagers provided with healthcare, banking and telecommunication facilities.