CITYNET
(The Regional Network of Local Authorities for the Management of Human Settlements)

Secretariat Location: Yokohama, Japan

CITYNET is a Network of cities and their local partners in the Asia Pacific Region. The organisation is unique in its inclusion of a wide range of urban stakeholders, such as local governments, civil society organisations, research institutes, municipal associations and development organisations. Initiated by Asian local governments with support from UN bodies (UNESCAP, UN-HABITAT and UNDP), in 1987, CITYNET’s reach has expanded to 101 members in more than 20 countries, including 62 cities and 39 organisations. Through various delivery mechanisms, the member-driven Network attempts to build the capacity of local governments in the Region to respond to the challenges of rapid urbanisation. Increasingly, it has become the voice of Asia-Pacific cities in international fora. Current focus areas include mainstreaming of the UN’s Millennium Development Goals in Asian cities, promoting Euro-Asian partnerships for urban infrastructure and services, and bringing CITYNET members closer to bi- and multi-lateral public aid. CITYNET’s flagship Technical Cooperation among Cities of Developing Countries (TCDC) Study Visits, and Technical Advisory Services (TAS), provide substantial learning opportunities for members. Recently, the Network has adopted a Cluster approach, where all members are divided into groups with similar development and learning needs. The four clusters formed are ENVIRO, POVERTY, INFRA, and GOVERNANCE Clusters. 

CITYNET is in consultative status with the ECOSOC of the UN, and won UN-HABITAT’s Scroll of Honour in 2002 for its contribution to the improvement of urban settlements.

Cooperation with ENTP:
CITYNET has partnered with ENTP on a proposal for a project entitled, “Eco-Home Project,” under the Asia Urbs Programme of the European Commission. Makati City, Philippines, a CITYNET member, is the lead city for Asia in this proposed project. The project plan focuses on sharing and replication of good practices and technical and managerial knowledge among Asian and European cities in the area of urban housing. The project envisages an enhanced understanding of identified burdens to housing and successful case studies in the partner cities. CITYNET hopes to further strengthen its cooperation with ENTP in the years to come.