For over 20 years, CITYNET (The Regional Network of Local Authorities for the Management of Human Settlements) has committed itself to helping local governments improve the sustainability of human settlements. Starting with 26 members in 1987, CITYNET has grown to become an international organisation of more than 100 members in 22 countries, most of which are cities and organisations in the Asia-Pacific region.
CITYNET is:
-A vision and belief that People-Friendly Cities are socially just, ecologically sustainable, politically participatory, economically productive, culturally vibrant, and globally connected.
-An institution that aims to help local governments and partners provide better services to citizens with the commitment to capacity building at the local level.
-A unique network working with a wide range of urban stakeholders, including but not limited to local governments, development authorities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), associations of local authorities, research and training institutes and private companies.
-An international organisation working in close partnerships with the United Nations and other bi- and multilateral organizations and agencies. In 1995, CITYNET was granted consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at the United Nations.
-An award winning international organization whose endeavors were recognized by UN-HABITAT with the 2002 Scroll of Honour for "playing a key role in facilitating City to City Cooperation and networking amongst local governments, NGOs and development agencies in Asia".
Flagship Programmes and Activities:
CITYNET's cluster system has been the core of the programme activities over the past eight years. Focusing on four cluster categories (Climate Change, Infrastructure (INFRA), Millenium Development Goals (MDGs), Disaster), each cluster has its own activities, programmes and projects, including Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries, Advisory Services , Seminar Workshops, and Training Courses. More about the Priority Clusters.
Location and National Chapters:
The CITYNET Secretariat, located in Seoul, South is currently undergoing the process of decentralization alongside the current four National Chapters-Bangladesh, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, as a means to keep up with our rapidly growing membership.
