Subsequent to the United Nations Istanbul Habitat II Summit, IULA has taken steps toward merging with other international associations of local authorities, thereby transforming itself into UCLG –United Cities and Local Governments World Organization, which formally serves as the representative and collective voice of all local authorities vis-à-vis the UN.

Whereas IULA membership was confined to associations of local authorities, membership to UCLG, as the new world organization of local authorities, has been enlarged to include all individual municipalities and other local authority units.

In parallel with the restructuring of the world organization, IULA-EMME has started to continue its functions under the name ‘UCLG-MEWA – United Cities and Local Governments, Middle East and West Asia’ since 2004.

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, maintaining the Vice-Presidency of UCLG World Organization and the Presidency of UCLG-MEWA, is also among the supporting partners of the Turkey Local Agenda 21 Program.