Global Collaboration

ICLEI is the Voice of Local Governments at the Global Level

ICLEI builds a global policy environment that supports local and regional governments in their efforts to scale up sustainable urban development worldwide.

History of Commitment

We got our start more than 30 years ago, when a group of impassioned mayors, councilmembers and county commissioners went to the United Nations to assert that local governments are essential partners in combating environmental pollution. That local leadership drives the work we do today as the largest and longest-running network of 2,250 governments dedicated to sustainability.

As the focal point for the Local Government and Municipal Authorities constituency group at the United Nations, ICLEI serves as the city foice to the three environmental conventions that came out of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit — for climate, biodiversity, and land use. In our role, we build a global policy environment that supports local and regional governments in their efforts to scale up sustainable development worldwide.

Opportunities for Global Collaboration

Represent at the United Nations

Our members are integral to representing local, U.S. interests in key international dialogues every year. ICLEI is active in global talks to advance the Paris Agreement on climate change, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and more. We often have opportunities for elected officials to present their communities’ stories at high-level conferences and events each year.

Elected Officials Join the ICLEI USA Leadership Circle

A committed group of U.S. mayors, city councilmembers, and county commissioners provide thought leadership and strategic direction for how ICLEI can best engage nationally and internationally as part of our Leadership Circle. This group receives regular advocacy briefings, regular calls, and connection to a global community of leading elected leaders.

Implement the Sustainable Development Goals

Your community can contribute to the Decade of Action for Sustainable Development by aligning planning, processes and budgets with the 17 SDGs. ICLEI works with communities to adapt the framework for local use, such as by developing Voluntary Local Reviews of the SDGs and hosting an annual SDG City Challenge training cohort.

Engage with Subject-Matter Working Groups

We leverage the power of our 2,250 members to tackle specific challenges:

100% Renewable Energy Cities & Regions Network convenes the most advanced energy leaders
CitiesWithNature provides the platform for global biodiversity action
CITYFOOD Network advances sustainable food systems
EcoMobility Alliance is transforming the transportation sector
Global Lead Cities Network for Sustainable Public Procurement moves procurement forward
Green Circular Cities Coalition is building local circular economies
Urban Transitions Alliance is helping post-industrial legacy cities realize an equitable green jobs future.

Accelerate Action Through Global Exchange

Through ICLEI’s network of 24 global and regional offices, we connect our members to an international community of cities dedicated to advancing sustainability. One-on-one meetings and annual forums, including Daring Cities and ICLEI World Congress, provide the platform for cross-regional collaboration.