Below is the mission of United Cities and Local Governments as set out in its Constitution adopted at the 2004 Founding Congress.
Mission
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.
Objectives
Promote strong and effective democratic local self-government throughout the world.
Promote unity and cooperation amongst members.
Ensure the effective political representation of local government to the international community, in particular the United Nations and its agencies.
Be the worldwide source of key information regarding local government.
Be the worldwide source of learning, exchange and capacity-building.
Support the establishment and strengthening of free and autonomous local governments and their national associations.
Promote economic, social, cultural, vocational and environmental development and public service based on the principles of good governance, sustainability and social inclusion.
Promote race and gender equality and combat all forms of discrimination.
Be a strong democratic organisation reflecting the diversity of the local spheres of governance.
Promote decentralised cooperation, international cooperation, twinning and partnerships between local governments and their associations.
Develop programmes and initiatives.
Tasks
Engage in lobbying and advocacy to promote the role and status of local government in the international arena and to influence international policy making.
Develop and promote policies and positions on key local government and international issues.
Collaborate with the United Nations and its agencies, and other relevant international organisations.
Develop initiatives and action programmes through decentralised cooperation/development projects between local governments and associations of local governments.
Build an international platform of exchanges and partnerships, in order to strengthen the capacities of local governments and their associations.
Support a strong network of local government members and develop services and global products to meet their needs and demands.
Become a major world source of information on local self-government, local authorities, international solidarity and the exchange of experience.
Disseminate information through publications, seminars and new information technologies on the situation and the evolution of local government all over the world and organise congresses and other events.
