ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network working with more than 2,500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development.

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ICLEI World Secretariat
Kaiser-Friedrich-Str. 7
53113 Bonn
Germany

ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network working with more than 2,500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development.

ICLEI Regional Secretariats and country offices

Our leadership

ICLEI is led by an elected group of local and regional leaders from across our network.

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Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh
Mayor, City of Malmö, Sweden
ICLEI President
Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh
Mayor, City of Malmö, Sweden
ICLEI President

Elected in 2013, Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh serves as the first female Mayor of Malmö. In this capacity, she has been on the board of SKL (Swedish Municipalities and Counties), which gave her invaluable insight into the opportunities and challenges faced by cities around Sweden. In her role as Mayor, Jammeh manages finance, public procurement, business and commerce and steers the city’s corporations and agencies.

Meet Mayor Jammeh.

Minna Arve
Mayor, City of Turku, Finland
ICLEI First Vice President
Minna Arve
Mayor, City of Turku, Finland
ICLEI First Vice President

Minna Arve serves as Mayor of Turku since 2017. Prior to this, she was Managing Director of Turku Chamber of Commerce. As Mayor of Turku, she has highlighted major issues such as sustainable growth, urban inclusion, social inclusion, and new industrial and business policies. She is a member of Finland’s circular economy steering group, and chairs the working group on cities and regions.

Meet Mayor Minna Arve 

Marjorie Kauffmann
State Secretary for Environment and Infrastructure, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
ICLEI Vice President
Marjorie Kauffmann
State Secretary for Environment and Infrastructure, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
ICLEI Vice President

Marjorie Kauffmann is a forestry engineer with degrees from the Federal University of Santa Maria. She worked on infrastructure projects and served as director of the Environmental Secretariat in Lajeado. From 2019 to 2022, she was director-president of Fepam. Since March 2022, she’s the State Secretary of Environment and Infrastructure. Grael represented Rio Grande do Sul at the 2021 and 2022 Climate Conferences. She received honors and awards for her contributions to sustainability at Expointer 2022 and Expodireto 2023.

Mohamed Sefiani
Mayor, Municipality of Chefchaouen, Morocco
ICLEI Vice President
Mohamed Sefiani
Mayor, Municipality of Chefchaouen, Morocco
ICLEI Vice President

Mohamed Sefiani is the Mayor of Chefchaouen since 2009. He holds an engineering degree from the National School of Mines of Rabat in 1990. Mayor Sefiani is President of the Mediterranean Old Cities Network, of the Intermediary Cities Working group in UCLG, and of the African Cities Network for culture and heritage. He is the Secretary General of the Federation of Moroccan and Andalusian Cities and Member of the GCOM Board.
Meet Mayor Mohamed Sefiani

Jeni Arndt
Mayor, City of Fort Collins, CO, USA
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, North America
Jeni Arndt
Mayor, City of Fort Collins, CO, USA
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, North America

Before being elected Mayor of her hometown of Fort Collins in 2021, Jennifer Arndt served four terms as a Colorado State Representative, focusing on climate-related issues such as water and agriculture. Holding a PhD in Literacy & Language, she was a Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco and worked in education in Mozambique. She received recognition from the Climate Reality Project with a leadership award, in addition to presenting in high level national and international forums.

Meet Mayor Jeni Arndt.

Minna Arve
Mayor, City of Turku, Finland
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, Europe
Minna Arve
Mayor, City of Turku, Finland
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, Europe

Minna Arve serves as Mayor of Turku since 2017. Prior to this, she was Managing Director of Turku Chamber of Commerce. As Mayor of Turku, she has highlighted major issues such as sustainable growth, urban inclusion, social inclusion, and new industrial and business policies. She is a member of Finland’s circular economy steering group, and chairs the working group on cities and regions.

Meet Mayor Minna Arve

Jorge Alejandro Aldana Bardales
Mayor, Tegucigalpa, Municipality of the Central District, Honduras
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, Mexico, Central America and Caribbean
Jorge Alejandro Aldana Bardales
Mayor, Tegucigalpa, Municipality of the Central District, Honduras
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, Mexico, Central America and Caribbean

Meet Mayor Jorge Alejandro Aldana Bardales.

Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay
Mayor, City of Makati, Philippines
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, Southeast Asia
Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay
Mayor, City of Makati, Philippines
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, Southeast Asia

Abby Binay was first elected Mayor of Makati City, the financial capital of the Philippines, in 2016, and re-elected in 2019. She has taken steps to make Makati a Smart City that is progressive, inclusive and sustainable. This resulted in Makati being among the finalists of the World Smart Cities Awards in 2019. Mayor Binay holds a Bachelor Degree in Human Ecology, and passed the bar in 2002, following her Juris Doctorate.

Meet Mayor Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay

Hy William Chan
Councillor, City of Sydney, NSW, Australia
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, Oceania
Hy William Chan
Councillor, City of Sydney, NSW, Australia
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, Oceania

Cr. Chan’s professional journey is a testament to his dedication to sustainability, collaborative governance, and impactful municipal. He led the development of the Southern Hemisphere’s inaugural circular building prototype, endorsed for the GBCA’s 10th anniversary, an educational initiative that reached 600,000 people. As a City of Sydney Councillor, he moved Australia’s first planning controls for net-zero operational buildings by 2026, emphasising renewable energy targets and offsite renewables purchase.

Marjorie Kauffmann
State Secretary for Environment and Infrastructure, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, South America
Marjorie Kauffmann
State Secretary for Environment and Infrastructure, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, South America

Marjorie Kauffmann is a forestry engineer with degrees from the Federal University of Santa Maria. She worked on infrastructure projects and served as director of the Environmental Secretariat in Lajeado. From 2019 to 2022, she was director-president of Fepam. Since March 2022, she’s the State Secretary of Environment and Infrastructure. Grael represented Rio Grande do Sul at the 2021 and 2022 Climate Conferences. She received honors and awards for her contributions to sustainability at Expointer 2022 and Expodireto 2023.

Dong Yeon Kim
Governor, Gyeonggi-do Province, Republic of Korea
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, East Asia
Dong Yeon Kim
Governor, Gyeonggi-do Province, Republic of Korea
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, East Asia

Governor Dong Yeon Kim of Gyeonggi Province has a 35-year career, rising from a deputy director in finance to Deputy Prime Minister of Economy. After retiring, he founded “Joyful Rebellion,” engaging in social innovation. Elected as the 8th Governor in July 2022, he prioritizes making Gyeonggi a global leader in regional climate efforts. Dr. Kim holds a Ph.D. in public policy from the University of Michigann.

Smt. Naynaben Pedhadiya
Mayor, Rajkot Municipal Corporation, India
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, South Asia
Smt. Naynaben Pedhadiya
Mayor, Rajkot Municipal Corporation, India
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, South Asia

Smt. Naynaben Pedhadiya was elected as councillor in March 2021 and became member of standing committee of Rajkot Municipal Corporation till September 2023. She is presently serving as the 34th Mayor of Rajkot city. She holds a Master of Arts and B,Ed. She has also served as a president of female wing of political party ‘BJP’ in the Rajkot city, before getting elected as councillor.

Mohamed Sefiani
Mayor, Municipality of Chefchaouen, Morocco
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, Africa
Mohamed Sefiani
Mayor, Municipality of Chefchaouen, Morocco
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, Africa

Mohamed Sefiani is the Mayor of Chefchaouen since 2009. He holds an engineering degree from the National School of Mines of Rabat in 1990. Mayor Sefiani is President of the Mediterranean Old Cities Network, of the Intermediary Cities Working group in UCLG, and of the African Cities Network for culture and heritage. He is the Secretary General of the Federation of Moroccan and Andalusian Cities and Member of the GCOM Board.
Meet Mayor Mohamed Sefiani

Minna Arve
Mayor, City of Turku, Finland
Global Executive Committee
Circular Development Portfolio
Minna Arve
Mayor, City of Turku, Finland
Global Executive Committee
Circular Development Portfolio

Minna Arve serves as Mayor of Turku since 2017. Prior to this, she was Managing Director of Turku Chamber of Commerce. As Mayor of Turku, she has highlighted major issues such as sustainable growth, urban inclusion, social inclusion, and new industrial and business policies. She is a member of Finland’s circular economy steering group, and chairs the working group on cities and regions.

Meet Mayor Minna Arve

Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay
Mayor, City of Makati, Philippines
Global Executive Committee
Innovative Finance Portfolio
Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay
Mayor, City of Makati, Philippines
Global Executive Committee
Innovative Finance Portfolio

Abby Binay was first elected Mayor of Makati City, the financial capital of the Philippines, in 2016, and re-elected in 2019. She has taken steps to make Makati a Smart City that is progressive, inclusive and sustainable. This resulted in Makati being among the finalists of the World Smart Cities Awards in 2019. Mayor Binay holds a Bachelor Degree in Human Ecology, and passed the bar in 2002, following her Juris Doctorate.
Meet Mayor Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay

Alfredo Coro
Mayor, Municipality of Del Carmen, Philippines
Global Executive Committee
Biodiversity Portfolio
Alfredo Coro
Mayor, Municipality of Del Carmen, Philippines
Global Executive Committee
Biodiversity Portfolio

Since 2023, Alfredo Coro is in his fourth term as Mayor of Del Carmen, Philippines. In his years in public service, Del Carmen’s partner-driven approach to development reduced the poverty index by 20%, improved SDG indicators with public service innovations, and public participation on environmental conservation. Del Carmen and Mayor Coro received several acknowledgements for their achievements from various national and international organizations.
Meet Major Alfredo Coro

Alix Desulme
Mayor, City of North Miami, USA
Global Executive Committee
Sustainable Mobility Portfolio
Alix Desulme
Mayor, City of North Miami, USA
Global Executive Committee
Sustainable Mobility Portfolio

Mayor Alix Desulme, a lifelong educator, has been working in local government since 2009, when he made history as North Miami’s first Black City Clerk, also becoming the youngest and first Haitian American in this role in the United States. Elected to the North Miami City Council in 2015, he later served as the youngest Vice- Mayor, winning re-election in 2019, before being elected Mayor in 2022. Mayor Desulme holds a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the University of New England.

Meet Mayor Alix Desulme.

Katja Dörner
Lord Mayor, Federal City of Bonn, Germany
Global Executive Committee
Climate Action Governance Portfolio
Katja Dörner
Lord Mayor, Federal City of Bonn, Germany
Global Executive Committee
Climate Action Governance Portfolio

Following 11 years as a member of the German parliament, Katja Dörner was elected mayor of Bonn in October 2020. In the framework of her degree in political science, she focused in particular on decentralization. Mayor Dörner is committed to continue and reinforce Bonn’s role in ICLEI, and as a link between the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and other UN institutions based in Bonn.

Meet Lord Mayor Katja Dörner

 

Irene Galindo Román
Deputy Mayor, Municipality of Los Cabos, Mexico
Global Executive Committee
Resilient Development Portfolio
Irene Galindo Román
Deputy Mayor, Municipality of Los Cabos, Mexico
Global Executive Committee
Resilient Development Portfolio

As Deputy Mayor of Los Cabos, Irene Galindo Román chairs three commissions, the Sustainable Development Commission, the Rural and Economic Development Commission and the Special Commission of Estero Josefino. In addition to her political role, she is a teacher in Sustainable Tourism, and is preparing a doctorate in law. She aims to promote projects for the benefit of citizens and is currently working on the creation of an Oncology Center in Los Cabos.

Meet Deputy Mayor Irene Galindo Román.

Datin Sapiah binti Haron
Mayor, Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council, Malaysia
Global Executive Committee
Sustainable Energy Transition portfolio
Datin Sapiah binti Haron
Mayor, Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council, Malaysia
Global Executive Committee
Sustainable Energy Transition portfolio

Datin Sapiah binti Hj. Haron was the city Mayor and President of Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council, Melaka since February 2023. She was former President of Jasin Municipal Council before joining Hang Tuah Jaya City. She starts to involve in urban management and sustainability task through the appointment as Deputy Mayor / President for Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council back to 2012 Melaka and then given a bigger role by state of Melaka to become as President of Jasin Municipal Council since 2018.

Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh
Mayor, City of Malmö, Sweden
Global Executive Committee
Sustainable, Circular and Innovation Procurement Portfolio
Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh
Mayor, City of Malmö, Sweden
Global Executive Committee
Sustainable, Circular and Innovation Procurement Portfolio

Elected in 2013, Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh serves as the first female Mayor of Malmö. In this capacity, she has been on the board of SKL (Swedish Municipalities and Counties), which gave her invaluable insight into the opportunities and challenges faced by cities around Sweden. In her role as Mayor, Jammeh manages finance, public procurement, business and commerce and steers the city’s corporations and agencies.

Meet Mayor Jammeh.

Mohamed Sefiani
Mayor, Municipality of Chefchaouen, Morocco
Global Executive Committee
Innovative Finance Portfolio
Mohamed Sefiani
Mayor, Municipality of Chefchaouen, Morocco
Global Executive Committee
Innovative Finance Portfolio

Mohamed Sefiani is the Mayor of Chefchaouen since 2009. He holds an engineering degree from the National School of Mines of Rabat in 1990. Mayor Sefiani is President of the Mediterranean Old Cities Network, of the Intermediary Cities Working group in UCLG, and of the African Cities Network for culture and heritage. He is the Secretary General of the Federation of Moroccan and Andalusian Cities and Member of the GCOM Board.
Meet Mayor Mohamed Sefiani

Axel Schmidt Grael
Mayor, Municipality of Niterói, Brazil
Global Executive Committee
Climate Action Support Portfolio
Axel Schmidt Grael
Mayor, Municipality of Niterói, Brazil
Global Executive Committee
Climate Action Support Portfolio

Axel Grael is the mayor of Niterói and a forestry engineer. He served as the president of the State Institute of Forests, the State Foundation for Environmental Engineering, and as the deputy secretary of the Environment for the State of Rio de Janeiro. Currently, he is the vice president of the Sustainable Development Goals at the National Mayors’ Front and the president of the Permanent Commission on Cities Affected or Subject to Disasters.

Meet Mayor Axel Grael.

Diana Ürge-Vorsatz
Vice Chair, IPCC - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Hungary
Global Executive Committee
Urban Research and Innovation Portfolio
Diana Ürge-Vorsatz
Vice Chair, IPCC - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Hungary
Global Executive Committee
Urban Research and Innovation Portfolio

Pr. Diana Ürge-Vorsatz has over three decades of experience in academic research and she’s currently a Professor at the Department of Environmental Sciences and Policy at the Central European University (CEU). She has been working with the IPCC for more than eight years, and recently as Vice Chair. She previously served as Vice-Chair of IPCC’s Working Group III. (Mitigation) and was a Coordinating Lead Author in both the Fourth and Fifth Assessment Reports (AR4 and AR5) of the IPCC.

Felix Creutzig
Head of working group Land Use, Infrastructure and Transport, Technical University of Berlin, Germany
Global Executive Committee
Special Advisor to the Digitalization Portfolio
Felix Creutzig
Head of working group Land Use, Infrastructure and Transport, Technical University of Berlin, Germany
Global Executive Committee
Special Advisor to the Digitalization Portfolio

Pr. Dr. Creutzig is a leading researcher on climate protection in cities. In his current position, his research focuses on urban solutions for the Anthropocene, global urbanization dynamics and climate change, digitalization as a leverage point for low and high carbon pathways, urban economics of sustainable cities, and equity in cities. From 2019 to 2021, he was the Coordinating Lead Author in the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report and prior to that the Lead Author of the IPCC AR5.

Regina Bakitte Nakazzi
Mayor, Nansana Municipality, Uganda
Global Executive Committee
Special Advisor to the Climate Action Governance Portfolio
Regina Bakitte Nakazzi
Mayor, Nansana Municipality, Uganda
Global Executive Committee
Special Advisor to the Climate Action Governance Portfolio
Maimunah Mohd Sharif
Malaysia's Special Envoy for Sustainable Urbanisation; Former ED of UN-Habitat; Former Mayor of Penang Island, Malaysia; Former ICLEI GexCom member
Global Executive Committee
Advisors to the GexCom
Maimunah Mohd Sharif
Malaysia's Special Envoy for Sustainable Urbanisation; Former ED of UN-Habitat; Former Mayor of Penang Island, Malaysia; Former ICLEI GexCom member
Global Executive Committee
Advisors to the GexCom
Valérie Plante
Mayor of Montréal, Canada; ICLEI’s Global Ambassador for Local Biodiversity
Global Executive Committee
Advisors to the GexCom
Valérie Plante
Mayor of Montréal, Canada; ICLEI’s Global Ambassador for Local Biodiversity
Global Executive Committee
Advisors to the GexCom
Yeom Tae-young
Member of Parliament, Republic of Korea; Former Mayor of Suwon, Republic of Korea; Former ICLEI GexCom member
Global Executive Committee
Advisors to the GexCom
Yeom Tae-young
Member of Parliament, Republic of Korea; Former Mayor of Suwon, Republic of Korea; Former ICLEI GexCom member
Global Executive Committee
Advisors to the GexCom
Oh Se-hoon
Mayor of Seoul Metropolitan City, Republic of Korea; Former ICLEI GexCom member
Global Executive Committee
Advisors to the GexCom
Oh Se-hoon
Mayor of Seoul Metropolitan City, Republic of Korea; Former ICLEI GexCom member
Global Executive Committee
Advisors to the GexCom
Ernest Arthur
Mayor, Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly, Ghana
Regional Executive Committee
Ernest Arthur
Mayor, Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly, Ghana
Regional Executive Committee

Ernest Arthur, Cape Coast’s mayor since May 2017, is in his second term. He facilitated Cape Coast’s membership in ICLEI and forged partnerships with cities like Bonn, Little Rock, New Orleans, and Victoria Falls. He’s engaged globally, attending COP events, notably COP23 and COP28, securing UNEP funding post-COP23. Arthur holds an MA in Governance, Environment, and Sustainable Development from the University of Cape Coast.

Regina Bakitte Nakazzi
Mayor, Nansana Municipality, Uganda
Regional Executive Committee
Regina Bakitte Nakazzi
Mayor, Nansana Municipality, Uganda
Regional Executive Committee

Regina Bakitte Nakazzi’s career in public service started more than 25 years ago, when she became Chairperson of a sub-county in 1998. She then served as Secretary for Finance, LCV Councillor, Chairperson of the Health Committee, before being elected as the first Mayor of Nansana in 2015, and being reelected in 2021. She’s also the Vice President of the Network of Mayors in Greater Kampala and the Chairperson of the Alliance of Mayors (AMICAAL) in Uganda. She also offers professional advice to the National Association of Professional Environmentalists and is extensively involved in city-to-city exchanges.

Chilando Chitangala
Mayor, Lusaka City Council, Zambia
Regional Executive Committee
Chilando Chitangala
Mayor, Lusaka City Council, Zambia
Regional Executive Committee

Passionate about climate action, Chilando Chitangala became the first elected female Mayor of Zambia’s capital in 2021. Since May 2022, she’s also the Vice-Chairperson of the Regional Mayors Forum (RMF) of the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA). A member of the Bloomberg Harvard cohort of 2022 to 2023, the fight against HIV/AIDS, resilience building and equity & inclusivity rank high among her priorities.

Manuel De Araújo
Mayor, Quelimane Municipal Council, Mozambique
Regional Executive Committee
Manuel De Araújo
Mayor, Quelimane Municipal Council, Mozambique
Regional Executive Committee

Holding a PhD in International Development, Manuel de Araújo has been Mayor of Quelimane since 2011. He was previously a Member of Parliament and Deputy Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Portfolio Committee in the Mozambican Parliament. Mayor de Araújo has been part of ICLEI RexCom and GexCom since 2018, with a special focus on resilience. He has also been involved in the CoM SSA Regional Mayors Forum and GCoM’s Expert Working Group on Cities and Local Governments.

Mohamed Sefiani
Mayor, Municipality of Chefchaouen, Morocco
Regional Executive Committee
Mohamed Sefiani
Mayor, Municipality of Chefchaouen, Morocco
Regional Executive Committee

Mohamed Sefiani is the Mayor of Chefchaouen since 2009. He holds an engineering degree from the National School of Mines of Rabat in 1990. Mayor Sefiani is the President of the Federation of Moroccan and Andalusian Cities and a regional ambassador for the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), which underlines his commitment to representing and amplifying urban voices on the world stage. He also currently chairs the UCLG World Forum and is the Vice-Chairman of the Maison Méditerranée du Climat.

Meet Mayor Mohamed Sefiani.

Dong Yeon Kim
Governor, Gyeonggi-do Province, Republic of Korea
Regional Executive Committee
Dong Yeon Kim
Governor, Gyeonggi-do Province, Republic of Korea
Regional Executive Committee

Governor Dong Yeon Kim of Gyeonggi Province has a 35-year career, rising from a deputy director in finance to Deputy Prime Minister of Economy. After retiring, he founded “Joyful Rebellion,” engaging in social innovation. Elected as the 8th Governor in July 2022, he prioritizes making Gyeonggi a global leader in regional climate efforts. Dr. Kim holds a Ph.D. in public policy from the University of Michigann.

Kim Sanghan
Vice Mayor I, Administrative Affairs, Seoul Metropolitan City, Republic of Korea
Regional Excecutive Committee
Kim Sanghan
Vice Mayor I, Administrative Affairs, Seoul Metropolitan City, Republic of Korea
Regional Excecutive Committee

Kim Sanghan is the Vice Mayor I for Administrative Affairs at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, a position he has held since December 2023. Born on January 5, 1966, he has an extensive background in public administration and law, with a Bachelor of Law from Korea University and a Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University.

Kim’s career in public service includes key roles such as Deputy Mayor at both the Planning and Administration Office and the Welfare Policy Office of SMG, and President of the Seoul Human Resources Development Center. His expertise in urban governance and development is demonstrated through various leadership positions within the SMG.

Koji Matsui
Mayor, Kyoto City, Japan
Regional Executive Committee
Koji Matsui
Mayor, Kyoto City, Japan
Regional Executive Committee

MATSUI Koji, born on April 24, 1960, in Kyoto City, is the 27th Mayor of Kyoto, taking office in February 2024. He graduated from the University of Tokyo with a degree in Social and International Relations. Matsui began his career in 1983 at the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, now known as the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

He has held various significant positions, including Deputy Counsellor at the Cabinet Secretariat in 1994 and Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary in 2009. Matsui was also a Member of the House of Councilors, first elected in 2001 and re-elected in 2007. Before becoming mayor, he was a Professor at Keio University’s Faculty of Policy Management from 2013.

Liou Her-Ran
Deputy Mayor, New Taipei City Government, Chinese Taipei
Regional Executive Committee
Liou Her-Ran
Deputy Mayor, New Taipei City Government, Chinese Taipei
Regional Executive Committee

Holding a Ph.D. of Management and a Master of Education, Liou Her-Ran had led a career in education before joining local government. He became Deputy Mayor of New Taipei City in 2021. He oversees the affairs of the Secretariat, Department of Civil Affairs, Education Department, Economic Development Department, Agriculture Bureau, Environmental Protection Department, Department of Information, Personnel Department, Research and Development Evaluation Commission, and Youth Department.

Weishu Li
Vice Mayor, Changchun City, China
Regional Executive Committee
Weishu Li
Vice Mayor, Changchun City, China
Regional Executive Committee

Ms. Li, current Vice Mayor of Changchun, began her career in 1990 as Deputy Director of Changchun Automobile Industry Development Zone. She held roles including Chairperson of Changchun Women’s Federation, Deputy Secretary of Kuancheng District Party Committee, and District Mayor. Prior to Changchun, she served as Secretary of the Kuancheng District Committee.

Minna Arve
Mayor, City of Turku, Finland
Regional Executive Committee
Minna Arve
Mayor, City of Turku, Finland
Regional Executive Committee

Minna Arve serves as Mayor of Turku since 2017. Prior to this, she was Managing Director of Turku Chamber of Commerce. As Mayor of Turku, she has highlighted major issues such as sustainable growth, urban inclusion, social inclusion, and new industrial and business policies. She is a member of Finland’s circular economy steering group, and chairs the working group on cities and regions.

Meet Mayor Minna Arve 

Maider Etxebarria Garcia
Mayor, Municipality of Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
Regional Executive Committee
Maider Etxebarria Garcia
Mayor, Municipality of Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
Regional Executive Committee

Maider Etxebarria Garcia, Mayor of Vitoria-Gasteiz since June 2023, holds degrees in Tourism Business, German Philology, and a “Diplôme Supérieur d’Études Françaises Modernes.” She has a background in the private sector and previously served as Director of Tourism for the Basque Government. Her priorities include transitioning the city to a circular production and consumption model, promoting the Agri-Food System, and implementing Nature-Based Solutions.

Martin Horn
Lord Mayor, City of Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Regional Executive Committee
Martin Horn
Lord Mayor, City of Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Regional Executive Committee

Martin Horn holds a Bachelor’s degree in International social work from The Ludwigsburg Protestant University of Applied Science (Evangelischen Hochschule Ludwigsburg) and a Masters’ degree in European and World Politics from the University of Bremen. Before being elected Lord Mayor of Freiburg in 2018, Horn worked as European and Development Coordinator for the City of Sindelfingen, Germany and as a freelance lecturer at the Ludwigsburg Protestant University of Applied Science.

Meet Lord Mayor Martin Horn

Lasse Frimand Jensen
Mayor, Aalborg, Denmark
Regional Executive Committee
Lasse Frimand Jensen
Mayor, Aalborg, Denmark
Regional Executive Committee

Lasse Frimand Jensen, Mayor of Aalborg since 2023, holds a Master’s in Development and International Relations. Before becoming Mayor, he led the International House in Aalborg and chaired various organizations. As Mayor, he chairs the Finance Committee, Aalborg Business Council, and the Regional Council of Municipalities. He also serves on the board of Destination North Denmark. Jensen actively engages citizens in the green transition, notably through the Green Agent’s project, promoting sustainability among residents.

Luísa Salgueiro
Mayor, Municipality of Matosinhos, Portugal
Regional Executive Committee
Luísa Salgueiro
Mayor, Municipality of Matosinhos, Portugal
Regional Executive Committee

Luísa Salgueiro has a Bachelor’s degree in law and a postgraduate degree in environmental law. She has served as Mayor of Matosinhos since 2017. Before being elected Mayor, Salgueiro served as legal advisor to the Porto City Council and Councilor of the Matosinhos City Council. Concurrent to her position as Mayor, she is President of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities. She previously was Member of Parliament in Portugal and Vice President of the Energy and Environmental Safety Commission of NATO.

Ginger M. Moxey
Minister, Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas
Regional Executive Committee
Ginger M. Moxey
Minister, Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas
Regional Executive Committee

Ginger M. Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama, is the first female appointed to this role. In 2021, she launched ‘Collab’, a unit addressing community issues through partnerships with NGOs, businesses, and government agencies. She also previously served as CEO of Immerse Bahamas and VP of Grand Bahama Port Authority. Her diverse roles include President of People to People International, a member of CIOFF, and Bahamas/Caribbean Representative for Sister Cities International, where President Joe Biden serves as Honorary Chair.

Jorge Alejandro Aldana Bardales
Mayor, Tegucigalpa, Municipality of the Central District, Honduras
Regional Executive Committee
Jorge Alejandro Aldana Bardales
Mayor, Tegucigalpa, Municipality of the Central District, Honduras
Regional Executive Committee

Meet Mayor Jorge Alejandro Aldana Bardales.

Ricardo Quiñónez Lemus
Mayor, Municipality of Guatemala City, Guatemala
Regional Executive Committee
Ricardo Quiñónez Lemus
Mayor, Municipality of Guatemala City, Guatemala
Regional Executive Committee
Niki Armacost
Mayor, Village of Hastings-on-Hudson, NY, USA
Regional Executive Committee
Niki Armacost
Mayor, Village of Hastings-on-Hudson, NY, USA
Regional Executive Committee
Jeni Arndt
Mayor, City of Fort Collins, CO, USA
Regional Executive Committee
Jeni Arndt
Mayor, City of Fort Collins, CO, USA
Regional Executive Committee

Before being elected Mayor of her hometown of Fort Collins in 2021, Jennifer Arndt served four terms as a Colorado State Representative, focusing on climate-related issues such as water and agriculture. Holding a PhD in Literacy & Language, she was a Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco and worked in education in Mozambique. She received recognition from the Climate Reality Project with a leadership award, in addition to presenting in high level national and international forums.

Meet Mayor Jeni Arndt.

Barbara Buffaloe
Mayor, City of Columbia, MO, USA
Regional Executive Committee
Barbara Buffaloe
Mayor, City of Columbia, MO, USA
Regional Executive Committee

In addition to being Mayor of Columbia, MO, Barbara Buffaloe also serves as Chair and Board member for various organizations and was part of the delegation representing US Mayors at COP28 in December 2023. Before being elected Mayor of Columbia, she served as Columbia’s first Sustainability Manager. She also co-founded the Heartland Local Government Sustainability Network, a network of City and County sustainability managers and directors from seven Midwestern states whose charge it is to create additional momentum for promoting sustainability throughout the Heartland.

Jillian Hudgins
Board Member, City of Fredericton, NB, Canada
Regional Executive Committee
Jillian Hudgins
Board Member, City of Fredericton, NB, Canada
Regional Executive Committee

Jillian is the Environmental Strategist and Program Manager with the City of Fredericton and oversees the implementation of the City’s climate mitigation and adaptation plans. She has a background in earth science, conservation, and ecosystem restoration. Jillian previously worked with a range of local and international non-governmental and inter-governmental institutions before joining the team at the City of Fredericton in 2021.

Ian McVey
Sustainability Manager, Regional Municipality of Durham, ON, Canada
Regional Executive Committee
Ian McVey
Sustainability Manager, Regional Municipality of Durham, ON, Canada
Regional Executive Committee

Ian McVey works as Manager of Sustainability with Durham Region, where he leads the implementation of climate action plans on both mitigation and adaptation.  He has 10 years of experience working in local government, and an additional 5 years working on sustainability issues in a corporate context, as well as with the provincial government.  He is an experienced partnership broker, and is leading efforts to develop collaborative implementation programs to drive down emissions in Durham Region.

Meet Manager of Sustainability Ian McVey (YouTube Video)

Hy William Chan
Councillor, City of Sydney, NSW, Australia
Regional Executive Committee
Hy William Chan
Councillor, City of Sydney, NSW, Australia
Regional Executive Committee

Cr. Chan’s professional journey is a testament to his dedication to sustainability, collaborative governance, and impactful municipal. He led the development of the Southern Hemisphere’s inaugural circular building prototype, endorsed for the GBCA’s 10th anniversary, an educational initiative that reached 600,000 people. As a City of Sydney Councillor, he moved Australia’s first planning controls for net-zero operational buildings by 2026, emphasising renewable energy targets and offsite renewables purchase.

Francis F. B. Green
Chair, Kiribati Local Government Association (KiLGA), Kiribati
Regional Executive Committee
Francis F. B. Green
Chair, Kiribati Local Government Association (KiLGA), Kiribati
Regional Executive Committee

Francis F. B. Green was appointed as Chairperson of the Kiribati Local Government Association in 2022 and has been Mayor of Eutan Tarawaieta Council since 2020. His focus is to strengthen the voices of Pacific Island nations for environmentally friendly solutions and promote the multilateral efforts through climate mitigation activities or program for all members.

Nuatali Nelmes
Lord Mayor, City of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Regional Executive Committee
Nuatali Nelmes
Lord Mayor, City of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Regional Executive Committee

Mayor of Newcastle since 2014, Nuatali Nelmes holds a Bachelor degree in Business with a double major in industrial relations/human resource management and marketing from the University of Newcastle, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She worked in small business and recruitment before being elected to the City Council of Newcastle in 2008.

Meet Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes (YouTube Video)

Anna Reynolds
Lord Mayor, Hobart City Council, Tasmania, Australia
Regional Executive Committee
Anna Reynolds
Lord Mayor, Hobart City Council, Tasmania, Australia
Regional Executive Committee

Elected Lord Mayor of Hobart in November 2018, Councillor Anna Reynolds began her career by establishing a community legal center in North Queensland, after completing her degree at the Australian National University. She has held various senior roles in advocacy, policy development and management. As Lord Mayor, Anna is focused on a range of issues including affordable housing, climate change, active transport, and protecting Hobart’s heritage.

Amanda Stone
Councillor, City of Yarra, VIC, Australia
Regional Executive Committee
Amanda Stone
Councillor, City of Yarra, VIC, Australia
Regional Executive Committee

Cr Stone has been serving on Yarra’s city council since 2008. An advocate for a green and sustainable Yarra, she believes it is important to continue efforts towards a carbon neutral city and to ensure the most vulnerable are not unfairly impacted by the effects of climate change. She acknowledges the vital role of trees and green spaces in cooling the city and believes a better designed city would also help to meet the challenges of a warmer climate.
Meet Councillor Amanda Stone

German Vladimir Chong Rios
Mayor, Provincial Municipality of Maynas, Peru
Regional Executive Committee
German Vladimir Chong Rios
Mayor, Provincial Municipality of Maynas, Peru
Regional Executive Committee

A doctor in Company Management, German Vladimir Chong Rios is Mayor of the Maynas Province since 2023. In addition to his political office, he seats on the board of various organizations, in particular in the field of education. He also published several academic papers, with a focus on the economy of Peru.

Axel Schmidt Grael
Mayor, Municipality of Niterói, Brazil
Regional Executive Committee
Axel Schmidt Grael
Mayor, Municipality of Niterói, Brazil
Regional Executive Committee

Axel Grael is the mayor of Niterói and a forestry engineer. He served as the president of the State Institute of Forests, the State Foundation for Environmental Engineering, and as the deputy secretary of the Environment for the State of Rio de Janeiro. Currently, he is the vice president of the Sustainable Development Goals at the National Mayors’ Front and the president of the Permanent Commission on Cities Affected or Subject to Disasters.

Meet Mayor Axel Grael.

Pablo Javkin
Mayor, Municipality of Rosario, Argentina
Regional Executive Committee
Pablo Javkin
Mayor, Municipality of Rosario, Argentina
Regional Executive Committee

Pablo Javkin is a lawyer and university professor of Public International Law. He attended Harvard and Stanford. With a rich political history, he presided over the Argentine University Federation and the Youth of the Radical Party. Among other positions, he was City Councilor in Rosario and provincial Deputy in Santa Fe, National Deputy, City Councilor, and General Secretary of Rosario Municipality (2015-2017). He has been Mayor since 2019.

Marjorie Kauffmann
State Secretary for Environment and Infrastructure, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Regional Executive Committee
Marjorie Kauffmann
State Secretary for Environment and Infrastructure, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Regional Executive Committee

Marjorie Kauffmann is a forestry engineer with degrees from the Federal University of Santa Maria. She worked on infrastructure projects and served as director of the Environmental Secretariat in Lajeado. From 2019 to 2022, she was director-president of Fepam. Since March 2022, she’s the State Secretary of Environment and Infrastructure. Grael represented Rio Grande do Sul at the 2021 and 2022 Climate Conferences. She received honors and awards for her contributions to sustainability at Expointer 2022 and Expodireto 2023.

Cristian Eduardo Zamora Matute
Mayor, Autonomous and Decentralized Municipal Government of the Cuenca Canton, Ecuador
Regional Executive Committee
Cristian Eduardo Zamora Matute
Mayor, Autonomous and Decentralized Municipal Government of the Cuenca Canton, Ecuador
Regional Executive Committee

Cristian Zamora, an Industrial Engineer from the University of Cuenca, holds a Master’s in Sciences and Productivity from TEC de Monterrey and a Ph.D. in Administrative Sciences from EGADE Mexico and EPFL Switzerland. After serving as a Councillor for nine years, he was elected Mayor for the 2023-2027 term in Cuenca. Apart from his leadership role, Zamora is an entrepreneur. He balances his civic duties with teaching at the University of Cuenca and guest lecturing internationally.

M. Anilkumar
Mayor, Kochi Municipal Corporation, India
Regional Executive Committee
M. Anilkumar
Mayor, Kochi Municipal Corporation, India
Regional Executive Committee

Adv. M Anilkumar is the present Mayor of Kochi Municipal Corporation He leads a very active political life and has also been elected previously as a councilor. He is an advocate. Working for the cause of the city and the citizens has been his motto in life. He takes keen interest in activities related to biodiversity conservation, addressing climate change and upliftment of the livelihood conditions of the urban poor.

Ugyen Dorji
Mayor, City of Thimphu, Bhutan
Regional Executive Committee
Ugyen Dorji
Mayor, City of Thimphu, Bhutan
Regional Executive Committee

Prior to being elected Mayor of Thimphu in 2021, Ugyen Dorji worked for the City for 11 years, most recently as deputy chief urban planner. He has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Australia and a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the College of Science and Technology in Phuentsholing. Mayor Dorji is committed to improving municipal services, in particular drinking water, waste management, sanitation, pollution and road conditions.

Smt. Naynaben Pedhadiya
Mayor, Rajkot Municipal Corporation, India
Regional Executive Committee
Smt. Naynaben Pedhadiya
Mayor, Rajkot Municipal Corporation, India
Regional Executive Committee

Smt. Naynaben Pedhadiya was elected as councillor in March 2021 and became member of standing committee of Rajkot Municipal Corporation till September 2023. She is presently serving as the 34th Mayor of Rajkot city. She holds a Master of Arts and B,Ed. She has also served as a president of female wing of political party ‘BJP’ in the Rajkot city, before getting elected as councillor.

Bhim Prasad Dhungana
President, Municipal Association of Nepal (MuAN), Nepal
Regional Executive Committee
Bhim Prasad Dhungana
President, Municipal Association of Nepal (MuAN), Nepal
Regional Executive Committee
Datin Sapiah binti Haron
Mayor, Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council, Malaysia
Regional Executive Committee
Datin Sapiah binti Haron
Mayor, Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council, Malaysia
Regional Executive Committee

Datin Sapiah binti Hj. Haron was the city Mayor and President of Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council, Melaka since February 2023. She was former President of Jasin Municipal Council before joining Hang Tuah Jaya City. She starts to involve in urban management and sustainability task through the appointment as Deputy Mayor / President for Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council back to 2012 Melaka and then given a bigger role by state of Melaka to become as President of Jasin Municipal Council since 2018.

Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay
Mayor, City of Makati, Philippines
Regional Executive Committee
Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay
Mayor, City of Makati, Philippines
Regional Executive Committee

Abby Binay was first elected Mayor of Makati City, the financial capital of the Philippines, in 2016, and re-elected in 2019. She has taken steps to make Makati a Smart City that is progressive, inclusive and sustainable. This resulted in Makati being among the finalists of the World Smart Cities Awards in 2019. Mayor Binay holds a Bachelor Degree in Human Ecology, and passed the bar in 2002, following her Juris Doctorate.

Meet Mayor Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay

Alfredo Coro
Mayor, Municipality of Del Carmen, Philippines
Regional Executive Committee
Alfredo Coro
Mayor, Municipality of Del Carmen, Philippines
Regional Executive Committee

Since 2023, Alfredo Coro is in his fourth term as Mayor of Del Carmen, Philippines. In his years in public service, Del Carmen’s partner-driven approach to development reduced the poverty index by 20%, improved SDG indicators with public service innovations, and public participation on environmental conservation. Del Carmen and Mayor Coro received several acknowledgements for their achievements from various national and international organizations.
Meet Major Alfredo Coro

Our Leadership

Our leadership comprises three main governance bodies elected every three years: The Global Executive Committee (GexCom), the Regional Executive Committees (RexComs) and the ICLEI Council.

The GexCom represents ICLEI towards international institutions and has the authority make strategic decisions concerning the organization. Each of the nine ICLEI regions also has its own RexCom, which approves new initiatives and programs in that region.

All RexComs come together to form the ICLEI Council, the overarching decision making and guiding body. The Council shapes and approves the ICLEI strategy, has the sole power to amend our statues and elects the GexCoM portfolio seats.

Election process

All eligible ICLEI Members can vote and stand for election to RexCom positions. The elected RexComs subsequently elect the GexCom, which includes one person from each RexCom and thematic portfolio representatives. These portfolio representatives are each responsible for a specific working area. The regional and portfolio representatives work together as the full GexCom.

The ICLEI President, First Vice President and two Vice Presidents are elected by the GexCom. They are the executive officers that represent the global organization and lead the global governing bodies of the Council and GexCom.

Since our founding, ICLEI Presidents and Vice Presidents have steered the network and guided its strategic vision.

Former leadership
ICLEI World Secretariat
Europe
European Secretariat
Leopoldring 3
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iclei-europe.org
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Belgium
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Germany
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Physical address:
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Central America & the Caribbean
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South Asia
South Asia Secretariat
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Southern Center
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Andhra Pradesh
East Asia
East Asia Secretariat
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eastasia.iclei.org
Japan Office
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Minato-ku
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icleikcc.org
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China
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia Secretariat
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icleiseas.org
ICLEI Indonesia Project Office
Jl. Karbela Sel. No.46, RT.2/RW.4, Kuningan, Karet, South Jakarta City, Jakarta 12940, Indonesia
Oceania
Oceania Secretariat
l8/225 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
www.icleioceania.org