The Global Network on Local Governance seeks to strengthen local democracy by providing an informal forum for discussion at regional and global levels, politically empowering disadvantaged groups, and promoting accountable, participative, transparent, and efficient local governments. The network includes elected local government representatives, officials, experts, concerned citizens, research institutions and locally-oriented NGOs. Based on discussions held at the World Movement for Democracy's Second Assembly in Sao Paulo, Brazil and the Third Assembly in Durban, South Africa, this network seeks to develop and promote a sound understanding of local democracy at the regional and global levels and to facilitate means of sharing knowledge and experiences. GNLG is intended to provide a meaningful global interface for elected local government institutions.