The United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) organization can be defined as the most active global network for local and regional governments. The International Union of Local Authorities (IULA) and the World Federation of United Cities (FMCU-UTO), following a long process that began at the Habitat II Conference held in Istanbul in 1996, joined forces under the name United Cities and Local Governments World Organization, incorporating METROPOLIS (World Association of the Major Metropolises) as well.
UCLG is the most comprehensive network of local and regional governments, representing 240,000 cities from different regions of the world. Considering the populations of member cities, it can be said that UCLG represents 5 billion urban dwellers. Additionally, UCLG has active members in 140 of the 192 United Nations member countries.
The organization places the views and demands of urban residents at the center of its activities, aiming to voice these perspectives on global platforms. It embraces the principle that citizens should express their opinions in international policies through the local leaders they elect. In this regard, UCLG brings together cities, regional governments, national local government associations, and continental organizations to amplify shared views.
Since 2004, UCLG has carried out joint projects with many different organizations and has taken on the role of global advocate for democratic local governance. For this purpose, it dedicated its first six years to proving its legitimacy.
Headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, the United Cities and Local Governments World Organization has been operational since January 2004. Its main goal is “to be the united voice and global advocate of democratic local governance, and to protect the values, goals, and interests of local governments in cooperation with the international community.” Often referred to simply as “United Cities and Local Governments,” UCLG ensures effective representation of local governments before the international community, promotes international cooperation among local governments and their associations, and serves as a global knowledge hub on local governance.
The foundation of UCLG rests on three principles:
- Democracy
- Local autonomy
- Localization of services
With members from over 100 countries, UCLG has become the most extensive organization in the field of cities and local governments. Regardless of their size or whether they are urban or rural, it provides local governments worldwide with a common platform to be represented and to advocate for their interests.
United Cities and Local Governments serves as the official spokesperson for local governments before the United Nations on matters related to local governance.
Click here to access the official UCLG website.