Each associated CIFAL Centre (CIFAL: Centre International de Formation des Autorités Locales – International Training Centre for Local Authorities) is a hub for capacity building and knowledge sharing between local authorities, national governments, international organizations, the private sector and the academics.

The main objective of the training activities conducted in the CIFAL Centers is to achieve sustainable local development increasing responsibilities of local authorities. One of the priorities is to encourage South-South cooperation between local authorities in order to improve access to basic services.

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) was established in 1965 as an autonomous body within the United Nations with the purpose of enhancing the effectiveness of the Organization through appropriate training and research. UNITAR is governed by a Board of Trustees and is headed by an Executive Director. The Institute is supported by voluntary contributions from governments, intergovernmental organizations, foundations, and other non-governmental sources.

The DCP aims to train local authorities and other local actors in order to promote access to basic services (such as water, sanitation, waste management, transport, energy, education, information technology and health care). The activities fall into three thematic clusters:
1. Sustainable urbanization and environment,
2. Information Society and
3. Humanitarian affairs.