Since its creation in May 2004, UCLG has worked tirelessly towards a formal advisory role for local government within the United Nations. Why? Because the United Nations can only develop truly effective global policies by consulting those people who have the experience and know-how to implement the policies on the ground: mayors and local governments. UCLG's efforts have been rewarded with some real milestones.
UCLG represents over half the world's total population and this, combined with its democratic structure, gives it a legitimate place within the system of global governance. With this in mind, the second objective adopted at UCLG's Founding Congress is as follows: Renewing and deepening our partnership with United Nations and the global community, and building an effective and formal role for local government as a pillar of the international system.