Metropolis
2025/05/27

 Introduction

Metropolis is a global association representing metropolitan governments and stakeholders, dedicated to elevating the collective voice of large cities on the global stage. The organization fosters international cooperation, strategic dialogue, and the exchange of knowledge and innovative solutions among its members. Recognizing the growing demographic significance of metropolises—where nearly one in three individuals is projected to reside—Metropolis seeks to advance livability, resilience, and inclusive development in urban environments worldwide.

Mission, Vision, and Goals

Mission
Metropolis is committed to improving the quality of life in metropolitan areas by uniting major cities to share practical solutions and collective strategies. Through its efforts, the organization addresses critical urban challenges, including environmental degradation, traffic congestion, social segregation, inadequate housing, and climate risks. The mission reflects a fundamental belief that metropolitan regions must confront their global responsibilities to ensure sustainable and equitable urban futures.

Vision
To foster metropolitan areas that offer a high quality of life to all inhabitants, promoting economic vitality, environmental sustainability, social cohesion, gender equality, and cultural diversity.

Objectives
Metropolis prepares metropolitan areas for future challenges and opportunities by:

  • Facilitating inter-city policy exchange and collaboration;
  • Providing foresight and strategic anticipation regarding global trends and risks;
  • Supporting urban administrations in their efforts to innovate and implement transformative governance practices.

 

Core Values

Metropolis and its members are united by the following principles:

  • Sharing: Recognizing the unique contexts of each metropolis while embracing the value of exchanging solutions that enhance leadership locally and globally.
  • Learning: Serving as a central hub for the generation and dissemination of knowledge, enabling members to adapt to rapid global changes.
  • Caring: Ensuring responsiveness to members’ needs and priorities, with the aim of empowering metropolitan communities.
  • Accountability: Upholding transparent governance through a participatory action plan, regular performance evaluations, and accessible financial reporting, thereby ensuring mutual accountability among members.

Structure

Metropolis operates as an international association governed by a participatory structure that includes member cities, thematic programs, and regional sections. The organization conducts triennial action planning with input from its members and tracks implementation through quarterly assessments and published reports. The decision-making processes emphasize inclusivity, transparency, and strategic alignment with global urban development frameworks.

The association is also active in global advocacy and policymaking arenas, advancing the case for metropolitan governance and strengthening the role of cities in addressing complex urban challenges through an intersectional and integrated perspective.

​The organizational structure of Metropolis, the World Association of the Major Metropolises, is designed to facilitate global collaboration among metropolitan governments.

General Assembly

The General Assembly serves as the supreme decision-making body of Metropolis. It convenes during the World Congress and includes representatives from all member cities. The Assembly is responsible for:​

  • Amending the association's statutes​
  • Electing principal officers​
  • Approving and overseeing the implementation of projects and policies​

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors comprises at least 15 members representing metropolises from different continents. Its responsibilities include:​

  • Overseeing the association's activities​
  • Ensuring the execution of decisions made by the General Assembly
  • Electing members of the Executive Committee from among its members ​

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is formed by:​

  • The President​
  • Co-Presidents​
  • The Treasurer or Deputy Treasurer​
  • The Secretary General​

This committee is responsible for preparing statutory meetings and ensuring the execution of decisions. ​

President

The President of the Board of Directors represents the association in all civil acts and is vested with all necessary powers to this end. In the event of the President's absence or incapacity, one of the Co-Presidents or a Regional Vice President serves as Acting President.

Secretariat

The Secretariat, based in Barcelona, Spain, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Metropolis. It supports the implementation of programs, facilitates communication among member cities, and ensures the smooth execution of the association's strategic initiatives and activities.​This organizational structure enables Metropolis to effectively coordinate among its diverse membership, promoting sustainable urban development and fostering international cooperation among major metropolitan areas.
Metropolis Secretariat General: Avinyó 15, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Tel: +34 93 342 94 60

Email: metropolis@metropolis.org
Website: www.metropolis.org

Metropolis