About UCLG-MEWA

As one of the eight regional sections of UCLG World Organization, United Cities and Local Governments, Middle East and West Asia Section (UCLG-MEWA) continues its activities from its headquarters in Istanbul.

International Union of Local Authorities, Section for the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East Region (IULA-EMME), as the predecessor of UCLG-MEWA, was established in Turkey in 1987 as one of the regional sections of International Union of Local Authorities (IULA). IULA-EMME has been transformed into UCLG-MEWA in 2004, in parallel with the creation and restructuring of the UCLG World Organization.

Since its establishment, UCLG-MEWA continues its activities for cities and local governments in the region, from its headquarters in Istanbul, Turkey, serving the main principles of democracy, human rights, local self-government, international solidarity, accountability and transparency, and sustainable development.

Activities conducted by UCLG-MEWA, particularly in line with Article 4 of its Constitution, encompass the following:

Actively participating in the governing organs and the working groups of the UCLG World Organization.
Participating in and providing support to the global programs and campaigns conducted or supported by the UCLG World Organization (such as GOLD, Alliance of Civilizations, Millennium Development Goals, Climate Change, etc.)
Contributing to and supporting the local government-related components of the global meetings involving the active presence of the UCLG World Organization (such as the World Water Forum, Alliance of Civilizations Forum, etc.)
In the efforts to contribute to the development of effective and democratic local government in the region, continue with its activities to serve its members through a wide range of activities including cooperation and collaboration, exchange of experience and ideas, training and capacity building programs, information and documentation, and project development.
Conducting the projects continuing with the involvement and partnership of its members and in this context, continuing to support the localization process of sustainable development with City Councils after Turkey Local Agenda 21 Program.
Preparing publications and documents concerning local authorities, and supporting the preparation of such publications by its members.