IULA-EMME – International Union of Local Authorities, Section for the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East Region was established in Turkey as one of the six regional sections of IULA – International Union of Local Authorities. Since its foundation in 1987, IULA-EMME has been serving cities and local governments in its region in order to contribute to the enhancement of local democracy and the strengthening of local authorities.

Since 2004, in parallel with the restructuring of the world organization, IULA-EMME continues its activities for local governments in the region under the name of UCLG-MEWA – United Cities and Local Governments, Middle East and West Asia from its headquarters in Istanbul, Turkey, serving the main principles of democracy, human rights, international solidarity, local governance and sustainable development.

The geographical region of UCLG-MEWA covers (in alphabetical order) the following countries: Afghanistan, Bahrein, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.