How can cities make their voices heard in global governance and work together to tackle increasingly complex challenges? One answer lies in international city networks, such as the Mayors for Digital Cooperation (MDC), a new global network aimed at strengthening the role of cities in digital governance and supporting the implementation of international digital commitments at the local level.
Launched by UN-Habitat and the United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET), the MDC brings together mayors and senior city leaders as part of a new global network dedicated to advancing the localization of the Global Digital Compact (GDC) in cities.
The first Assembly of the MDC took place during the World Urban Forum (WUF13), attended by the Global Cities Hub (GCH). The inaugural meeting introduced the MDC’s mandate, governance structure, and draft 2026–2029 roadmap, while inviting mayors to contribute to the network’s future priorities. The session combined strategic discussions with practical exchanges on digital inclusion tools, available UN support mechanisms, and examples of innovative initiatives implemented by cities and partner organizations.
The launch of the MDC highlights a broader evolution in multilateral governance: cities are increasingly organizing through international networks to address shared challenges, shape global discussions, and accelerate the implementation of international agendas on the ground.
The MDC joins a growing ecosystem of international city networks that support cooperation among local and regional governments on issues ranging from climate action and urban development to digital transformation and public service delivery. Through these networks, local and regional governments (LRGs) can exchange experiences, develop common positions, and strengthen their contribution to global policy processes.
To help stakeholders navigate this growing ecosystem of city networks, the Global Cities Hub maintains the International City Networks Directory. The Directory provides an overview of organizations representing cities and local and regional governments, including their missions, governance structures, key initiatives, and contact information.
Among the networks featured are:
- Cities Alliance: A global partnership managed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) dedicated to fighting urban poverty and promoting the sustainable development of cities.
- ICLEI Europe: A regional branch of the global network of local and regional governments committed to sustainability.
- The World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO): A membership-based international association of local governments, corporations, and institutions.
- United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG): A global organization representing the voice of democratic local self-government.
Together, these and many other networks demonstrate the growing role of cities as actors in international cooperation and multilateral governance.
Interested in learning more about international city networks? Explore the International City Networks Directory on our website and discover organizations working across areas such as digital governance, climate action, sustainable development, and urban innovation.