United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) is a worldwide association, and the only local government organization recognized by the United Nations. It represents and defends the interests of local governments on the world stage, regardless of the size of the communities they serve. Headquartered in Barcelona, the organization’s stated mission is “To be the united voice and world advocate of democratic local self-government, promoting its values, objectives and interests, through cooperation between local governments, and within the wider international community.” The network of members of UCLG represents 5 billion people across the world, 70% of the world’s total population. It extends to every corner of the globe and covers over 240,000 towns, cities, regions and metropolises and over 175 associations of local and regional governments in 140 countries of the 193 United Nations.

The UCLG network is a decentralized structure composed of 7 regional sections and 1 metropolitan section. Taichung City Government is active under both the regional section of Asia-Pacific and the metropolitan section as a member of both the World Council and the Executive Bureau for 2022-2026.

Established: 2004

Members: 1,000+

Member since: 2004

Website: https://uclg.org