👋 Join UCLG

Why Join?

Our network consists of thousands of cities and regional governments ranging from small towns to mega cities and over 175 local government associations. So why form part of this global network? Because we bring together decision makers who define the societies that we live in around the world, because we share problems and new ideas, because our experiences come firsthand from our communities and should be fundamental in influencing international opinion and the global policy agenda, because we can contribute to changing mentalities and to achieving our common global goals.

By joining UCLG, you will have the opportunity to:

👉 Establish alliances with elected representatives and local and regional leaders from accross the world

👉 Get involved in a Committee or Working Group to share knowledge on a wide range of themes.

Whether you are looking to share experiences, make new alliances with fellow local or regional leaders, access up-to-date information on issues relevant to you, attend one of our networking or political events, or be part of the global municipal movement, the UCLG network has something to offer.

Local and regional leaders call for increased capacity building to help them better serve their communities. Within UCLG we believe that sharing knowledge and expertise is the key to developing local governance.

With geographical sections on all continents and a metropolitan and regional section, the UCLG network gives members an exceptional opportunity to network. Networking is promoted in UCLG through the following activities, among others:

▶️ The UCLG World Congress and World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders (the next Congress will be celebrated in 2026 in Tangier, find out more about our last Congress here)

▶️ Regular networking events at major international meetings (Calendar)

▶️ A responsive World Secretariat at the service of its members

▶️ Projects aimed at specific topics relevant to local and regional authorities

▶️ The UCLG website and social networks (Facebook, Twitter/X, Youtube, Flickr, Telegram, Linkedin) that allow for sharing of information and experiences.

▶️ This UCLGMeets platform, through which members can meet, co-create, take and consult decisions.

UCLG continues to gain the trust of international institutions to bring a local perspective to global discussions. This guarantees that the visions of our members reach the global decision makers to redefine the agenda.

UCLG exists for its members and is shaped by its members. Joining UCLG does not only benefit your organization but you become part of a system that fosters the exchange of intelligence, solidarity and learning.

So, join us and be part of United Cities and Local Governments!

What are the categories of UCLG membership?

Here are the 4 different membership categories, depending on the type of entity represented by the applicant:

• Cities or individual local/regional governments of the UCLG network is open to individual towns, cities, local and regional governments.

• Local or Regional Governments’ Associations: representing local or regional governments in a country or state.

• International Association of Local Governments is open to international local government organizations that represent specific categories of local governments, and/or whose purposes relate to specific sectors or thematic issues.

• Associate membership is open to organizations which, though not themselves local government organizations, are strongly concerned with or involved in local government matters: NGO’s, Researchers, Training Centres, Academic Institutions, Ministries, State Agencies, International Organizations, Foundations and Corporations

How to join?

Before reaching the stage of approval by the Executive Bureau, applications for local government, association, international organisation and associate membership will need to go through the following steps:

1️⃣ Choose the channel through which you desire to apply:

To become a member of the World Organization, you can opt for membership:

• through the CORRESPONDING REGIONAL SECTION (in this case, please contact the Regional Secretariat directly)

• or as DIRECT MEMBER of the World Organization.

2️⃣ Submit the relevant documentation:

In either case, the World Secretariat will need to receive (either from the applicant directly by emailing us the documents at membership@uclg.org, or from the Section, based on the chosen option), the following documents signed by the authority of the institution:

• A membership form indicating all the necessary details of the institution/individual. You can download the appropriate form here depending on membership category:

│ ➜ Form for cities or individual local/regional governments

│ ➜ Form for national association of local governments

│ ➜ Form for international organizations

│ ➜ Form for associate membership

• An interest letter whereby the institution/individual commits to adhere to the mission and values of the World Organization.

3️⃣ Receive approval from the Executive Bureau.

Once the application has been reviewed and validated by the World Secretariat, it will be presented to the Committee on Statutory Affairs (CSA) for consideration and for recommendation of approval to the Executive Bureau, which gathers twice a year (usually in April/June and in October/December). Ultimately the Executive Bureau will decide positively or negatively on the admission.

4️⃣ Proceed with the payment of the membership fees.

The call for payment will be sent to you following the approval by the Executive Bureau. Membership of United Cities and Local Governments becomes effective upon payment of membership fees.

How much does it cost?

As part of a membership-based Organization, all members are required to pay an annual membership fee. Membership fees are based on a calculation that takes into consideration the number of inhabitants represented by the member, and the state of the country´s economic development. Please write to us at membership@uclg.org to request the amount of membership fees corresponding to your entity, indicating the number of inhabitants represented by your community or structure.

For any further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us at membership@uclg.org