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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Frank Cownie
Mayor, City of Des Moines, US
President
Global Executive Committee
Frank Cownie
Mayor, City of Des Moines, US
President
Global Executive Committee
Named one of the U.S’s “cool mayors” by the Mayors for Climate Protection, Mayor Cownie believes in looking to the future and has a long history of civic leadership and community involvement. In his second term as Mayor, he continued to promote the Des Moines’ sustainability goals. Some of his recent achievements include establishing the Des Moines Energy and Environmental Task Force, and securing a grant for purchasing a fleet of resource-efficient hybrid automobiles. Meet Mayor Cownie
Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh
Mayor, City of Malmö, Sweden
First Vice President
Global Executive Committee
Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh
Mayor, City of Malmö, Sweden
First Vice President
Global Executive Committee
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.
Atishi Marlena
Minister of Education, National Capital Territory of Delhi, India
Vice President
Global Executive Committee
Atishi Marlena
Minister of Education, National Capital Territory of Delhi, India
Vice President
Global Executive Committee

Prior to joining public life, Atishi Marlena was a teacher and a grassroot environmental activist. Before becoming a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of Delhi in February 2020, she served as Special Advisor to the Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi. In addition to her role as representative of Kalkaji Constituency, Atishi Marlena chairs the Assembly’s Ethics committee, Standing committee on education, and Committee on environment. As part of her role, she’s committed to fighting air pollution and smog in Delhi.

Meet MLA Atishi Marlena

Minna Arve
Mayor, Turku, Finland
Vice President
Global Executive Committee
Minna Arve
Mayor, Turku, Finland
Vice President
Global 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
Mohamed Sefiani
Mayor, Chefchaouen Municipality, Morocco
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, Africa
Mohamed Sefiani
Mayor, Chefchaouen Municipality, 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, Turku, Finland
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, Europe
Minna Arve
Mayor, 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
Kim Dong-yeon
Governor, Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, East Asia
Kim Dong-yeon
Governor, Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, East Asia

Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim built his public career over a span of 35 years, starting as a young deputy director in the Ministry of Finance and rising through the ranks to become Deputy Prime Minister of Economy in 2017. After retiring from the civil service, he founded the “Joyful Rebellion” NGO and organized various social innovation projects before turning to politics. Since taking office as the 8th elected Governor of Gyeonggi Province in July 2022, Governor Kim has been committed to making the province a global leader of regional-level climate efforts. He holds a Ph.D. in public policy from the University of Michigan.

Mauricio Vila Dosal
Governor, Yucatan, Mexico
Global Executive Committee
Regional seat, Mexico, Central America and Caribbean
Mauricio Vila Dosal
Governor, Yucatan, Mexico
Global Executive Committee
Regional seat, Mexico, Central America and Caribbean
Mauricio Vila holds a Bachelor in Law as well as M.A. in Political Management and Governance and a MBA. He became a local Member of Parliament for the fourth district of Yucatan in 2012 and remained in office until 2015. He then served as Mayor of Mérida from 2015 to 2018, a time during which the city received recognition for its management, quality of life and transparency.
Frank Cownie
Mayor, City of Des Moines, US
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, North America
Frank Cownie
Mayor, City of Des Moines, US
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, North America
Named one of the U.S’s “cool mayors” by the Mayors for Climate Protection, Mayor Cownie believes in looking to the future and has a long history of civic leadership and community involvement. In his second term as Mayor, he continued to promote the Des Moines’ sustainability goals. Some of his recent achievements include establishing the Des Moines Energy and Environmental Task Force, and securing a grant for purchasing a fleet of resource-efficient hybrid automobiles. Meet Mayor Cownie (YouTube Video)
Amanda Stone
Councillor, Yarra, Australia
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, Oceania
Amanda Stone
Councillor, Yarra, Australia
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, Oceania
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
Geraldo Julio De Mello Filho
Secretary of State of Economic Development, Pernambuco, Brazil
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, South America
Geraldo Julio De Mello Filho
Secretary of State of Economic Development, Pernambuco, Brazil
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, South America
After several administrative positions in city, state and federal levels, Mr. De Mello Filho was chosen Secretary of State of Economic Development in Pernambuco in 2020. He stabilized the city's finances, took actions for participatory democracy, and launched a public safety program. He also launched a large scale urban planning project and a free transportation system for school students. Meet Secretary of State Geraldo Julio  
Ugyen Dorji
Mayor, Thimphu, Bhutan
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, South Asia
Ugyen Dorji
Mayor, Thimphu, Bhutan
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, South Asia
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.
Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay
Mayor, Makati, Philippines
Global Executive Committee
Regional Seat, Southeast Asia
Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay
Mayor, 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

Katja Dörner
Lord Mayor, Bonn, Germany
Global Executive Committee
Climate Action and Low Emission Development Portfolio
Katja Dörner
Lord Mayor, Bonn, Germany
Global Executive Committee
Climate Action and Low Emission Development 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  
Mustafa Tunc Soyer
Mayor, Izmir, Turkey
Global Executive Committee
Climate Action and Low Emission Development Portfolio
Mustafa Tunc Soyer
Mayor, Izmir, Turkey
Global Executive Committee
Climate Action and Low Emission Development Portfolio
Mayor Soyer entered politics in 2009, when he was elected Mayor of Seferehisar. He remained in office for 10 years, until he was elected Mayor of Izmir, his current position. Holding a Master Degree in International Relations, Mayor Soyer is the Vice President of the Cittaslow Global Network, and he is very involved in various international networks. Meet Mayor Mustafa Tunc Soyer 
Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay
Mayor, Makati, Philippines
Global Executive Committee
Innovative Financing Portfolio
Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay
Mayor, Makati, Philippines
Global Executive Committee
Innovative Financing 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

Oh Se-hoon
Mayor, Seoul Metropolitan Government, Republic of Korea
Global Executive Committee
Global Multilateral Representation Portfolio
Oh Se-hoon
Mayor, Seoul Metropolitan Government, Republic of Korea
Global Executive Committee
Global Multilateral Representation Portfolio
Mayor Oh Se-hoon worked as a lawyer before being elected as a member of the Korean National Assembly and making his political debut in 2000. In 2006, at the age of 45, he was elected as the youngest mayor of Seoul in constitutional history. He was re-elected as the mayor in 2010. Elected for a third term in April 2021, he still believes that a city cannot develop without addressing climate change problems and he is continuing his efforts to make Seoul a global green city.
Minna Arve
Mayor, Turku, Finland
Global Executive Committee
Circular Development Portfolio
Minna Arve
Mayor, 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
Manuel De Araújo
Mayor, Quelimane, Mozambique
Global Executive Committee
Resilient Development and Risk Management Portfolio
Manuel De Araújo
Mayor, Quelimane, Mozambique
Global Executive Committee
Resilient Development and Risk Management Portfolio
Currently the Mayor of Quelimane, Mozambique, Manuel de Araújo was first elected in 2011. He previously worked at Amnesty International. He was also a member, board member and Vice-President of several global organizations, such as Parliamentarians for Global Action and Parliamentarians for Small Arms. He holds a PhD in International Development, an MSc in Development Studies, a MPS in Policy Studies and a BA Hons in International Relations.
Atishi Marlena
Minister of Education, National Capital Territory of Delhi, India
Global Executive Committee
Resilient Development and Risk Management Portfolio
Atishi Marlena
Minister of Education, National Capital Territory of Delhi, India
Global Executive Committee
Resilient Development and Risk Management Portfolio

Prior to joining public life, Atishi Marlena was a teacher and a grassroot environmental activist. Before becoming a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of Delhi in February 2020, she served as Special Advisor to the Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi. In addition to her role as representative of Kalkaji Constituency, Atishi Marlena chairs the Assembly’s Ethics committee, Standing committee on education, and Committee on environment. As part of her role, she’s committed to fighting air pollution and smog in Delhi.

Meet MLA Atishi Marlena

Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh
Mayor, City of Malmö, Sweden
Global Executive Committee
Sustainable Local Economy and Procurement Portfolio
Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh
Mayor, City of Malmö, Sweden
Global Executive Committee
Sustainable Local Economy and 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.
Zhang Alex
Executive Director, Eco-Forum Global, China
Global Executive Committee
China Strategy Envoy Portfolio
Zhang Alex
Executive Director, Eco-Forum Global, China
Global Executive Committee
China Strategy Envoy Portfolio
Alex Zhang is currently serving as the Executive Director of Eco Forum Global (EFG), ICLEI’s primary partner organization in China. As China’s principal international platform for sharing and exchanging best practices and experiences in sustainable development and eco-civilization construction, EFG enjoys a myriad of resources in line with ICLEI’s strategy in China such as promoting resilient and sustainable city concept and practices, and exploring ways of engaging Chinese cities. Meet Executive Director Alex Zhang
Mauricio Vila Dosal
Governor, Yucatan, Mexico
Global Executive Committee
Nature, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Restoration Portfolio
Mauricio Vila Dosal
Governor, Yucatan, Mexico
Global Executive Committee
Nature, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Restoration Portfolio
Mauricio Vila holds a Bachelor in Law as well as M.A. in Political Management and Governance and a MBA. He became a local Member of Parliament for the fourth district of Yucatan in 2012 and remained in office until 2015. He then served as Mayor of Mérida from 2015 to 2018, a time during which the city received recognition for its management, quality of life and transparency.
Dr. Cathy Oke
Melbourne, Australia
Global Executive Committee
Urban Research on Sustainability Challenge Solutions Portfolio
Dr. Cathy Oke
Melbourne, Australia
Global Executive Committee
Urban Research on Sustainability Challenge Solutions Portfolio
Cathy Oke was elected to the Melbourne City Council in 2008. As Chair of the City’s Environment Portfolio, Deputy Chair of Transport and Finance and Governance Portfolios and an environmental scientist, Cathy brings 20 years’ experience to her city, ICLEI and to the achievement of both organizations’ agenda. Currently, Cathy combines her role as an elected representative with her work at the National Environmental Science Program. Meet Dr. Cathy Oke
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 Vice Major Alfredo Coro

Amanda Stone
Councillor, Yarra, Australia
Special Advisor to the Nature, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Restoration portfolio
Global Executive Committee
Amanda Stone
Councillor, Yarra, Australia
Special Advisor to the Nature, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Restoration portfolio
Global 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
Ana Oregi
Deputy Mayor Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
Special Advisor to the Urban research on sustainability challenge solutions portfolio
Global Executive Committee
Ana Oregi
Deputy Mayor Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
Special Advisor to the Urban research on sustainability challenge solutions portfolio
Global Executive Committee
Ana Oregi is an urban architect and Deputy Mayor of Vitoria-Gasteiz responsible for land, climate action, mobility, and public space. Her former positions include: Basque Minister for the Environment and Land Policy, member for the Council of the Aquitaine-Euskadi-Navarra Euroregion, and President of the Network of Basque Municipalities for Sustainability, Udalsarea. Oregi also served as Member of Parliament for Alava in the Basque Parliament. Meet Mayor Ana Oregi
Christopher Taylor
Mayor, City of Ann Arbor, USA
Special Advisor to the Climate Action and Low Emission Development portfolio
Global Executive Committee
Christopher Taylor
Mayor, City of Ann Arbor, USA
Special Advisor to the Climate Action and Low Emission Development portfolio
Global Executive Committee
Mayor Taylor is an attorney by profession. After running for the Ann Arbor City Council for the first time in 2008, he completed three terms before becoming Mayor of the City in 2014. A graduate from the University of Michigan Law School, he is an ardent supporter of climate action, affordable housing, and multi-modal transportation. He notably championed the A²ZERO Carbon Neutrality Plan, which outline how the city will achieve a just transition to community-wide carbon neutrality by 2030. Meet Mayor Christopher Taylor
Datin Sapiah binti Haron
Mayor, Hang Tuah Jaya, Malaysia
Special Advisor to the Circular Development portfolio
Global Executive Committee
Datin Sapiah binti Haron
Mayor, Hang Tuah Jaya, Malaysia
Special Advisor to the Circular Development portfolio
Global 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.

Dato’Azhar bin Haji Arshad
Mayor, Seberang Perai, Malaysia
Special Advisor to the Climate Action and Low Emission Development portfolio
Global Executive Committee
Dato’Azhar bin Haji Arshad
Mayor, Seberang Perai, Malaysia
Special Advisor to the Climate Action and Low Emission Development portfolio
Global Executive Committee

Dato’Azhar bin Haji Arshad was appointed as the Mayor of Seberang Perai effective 1st January 2022. Previously, he had served in the Prime Minister Department (PMO) of Malaysia, also served in the Information Ministry and several District and Land Offices in Pahang as District Officer (DO) before joining the Penang State Secretary Office in 15 November 2018 as the Deputy State Secretary (Development). He has a Masters in Science (Land Resource Management), Diploma in Public Administration, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics.

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 Municipal Council, Uganda
Regional Executive Committee
Regina Bakitte Nakazzi
Mayor, Nansana Municipal Council, 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, Chefchaouen Municipality, Morocco
Regional Executive Committee
Mohamed Sefiani
Mayor, Chefchaouen Municipality, 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.

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

Daisaku Kadokawa
Mayor, Kyoto, Japan
Regional Executive Committee
Daisaku Kadokawa
Mayor, Kyoto, Japan
Regional Executive Committee Mayor Kadokawa has been involved in ICLEI’s governance since 2008, the same year he was elected Mayor of Kyoto. Under his leadership, the city’s heritage as birthplace of the Kyoto Protocol keeps being honored. Among other achievements, the Kyoto City Green Industry Promotion Vision was enacted in 2014, emphasizing the importance of green industries as a growth factor for the city, and setting the direction for Kyoto to implement initiatives to build its own model for a smart city.
Dong Yeon Kim
Governor, Gyeonggi Provincial Government, Republic of Korea
Regional Executive Committee
Dong Yeon Kim
Governor, Gyeonggi Provincial Government, 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.

Eui Seung Kim
Vice Mayor, Seoul Metropolitan Government, Republic of Korea
Regional Executive Committee
Eui Seung Kim
Vice Mayor, Seoul Metropolitan Government, Republic of Korea
Regional Executive Committee

Eui Seung Kim became Vice Mayor of Seoul’s Administrative Division 1 in August 2022 and has been involved in ICLEI’s governance since then. He joined Seoul Metropolitan Government in 1992, and notably held the office of Director of the Climate and Environment Headquarters from July 2019 to January 2020, where he formulated and implemented climate and environmental policies for Seoul.

Weishu Li
Vice Mayor, Changchun Municipal People’s Government, China
Regional Executive Committee
Weishu Li
Vice Mayor, Changchun Municipal People’s Government, 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, Turku, Finland
Regional Executive Committee
Minna Arve
Mayor, 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, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Basque Country, Spain
Regional Executive Committee
Maider Etxebarria Garcia
Mayor, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Basque Country, 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, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Regional Executive Committee
Martin Horn
Lord Mayor, 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
Mayo, Matosinhos, Portugal
Regional Executive Committee
Luísa Salgueiro
Mayo, 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, Bahamas
Regional Executive Committee
Ginger M. Moxey
Minister, Grand Bahama, 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.

Mauricio Vila Dosal
Governor, Yucatan, Mexico
Regional Executive Committee
Mauricio Vila Dosal
Governor, Yucatan, Mexico
Regional Executive Committee

Mauricio Vila holds a Bachelor in Law as well as M.A. in Political Management and Governance and a MBA. He became a local Member of Parliament for the fourth district of Yucatan in 2012 and remained in office until 2015. He then served as Mayor of Mérida from 2015 to 2018, a time during which the city received recognition for its management, quality of life and transparency.

Jorge Alejandro Aldana Bardales
Mayor, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Regional Executive Committee
Jorge Alejandro Aldana Bardales
Mayor, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Regional Executive Committee
Ricardo Quiñónez Lemus
Mayor, Guatemala City, Guatemala
Regional Executive Committee
Ricardo Quiñónez Lemus
Mayor, Guatemala City, Guatemala
Regional Executive Committee
Verny Gustavo Valerio Hernández
Mayor, San Rafael de Heredia, Costa Rica
Regional Executive Committee
Verny Gustavo Valerio Hernández
Mayor, San Rafael de Heredia, Costa Rica
Regional Executive Committee

Leading a municipality located in a province blessed with numerous natural beauties, Verny Valerio Hernández is committed to the preservations of these treasures. A lawyer by training, some of his legal work related to environmental law. He served as city alderman from 2010 to 2016, until he was elected Mayor of San Rafael de Heredia. He is also involved in and serving on the board of various development associations.

Niki Armacost
Mayor, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY, USA
Regional Executive Committee
Niki Armacost
Mayor, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY, USA
Regional Executive Committee
Jeni Arndt
Mayor, Fort Collins, CO, USA
Regional Executive Committee
Jeni Arndt
Mayor, 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.

Barbara Buffaloe
Mayor, Columbia, MO, USA
Regional Executive Committee
Barbara Buffaloe
Mayor, 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, City of Fredericton, NB, Canada
Regional Executive Committee
Jillian Hudgins
Board, 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, Durham Region, ON, Canada
Regional Executive Committee
Ian McVey
Sustainability Manager, Durham Region, 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, Sydney, Australia
Regional Executive Committee
Hy William Chan
Councillor, Sydney, 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, Kiribati
Regional Executive Committee
Francis F. B. Green
Chair, Kiribati Local Government Association, 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, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Regional Executive Committee
Nuatali Nelmes
Lord Mayor, 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, City of Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Regional Executive Committee
Anna Reynolds
Lord Mayor, City of Hobart, 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, Yarra, Australia
Regional Executive Committee
Amanda Stone
Councillor, Yarra, 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.

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, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Regional Executive Committee
Marjorie Kauffmann
State Secretary for Environment and Infrastructure, 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, Cuenca Canton, Ecuador
Regional Executive Committee
Cristian Eduardo Zamora Matute
Mayor, 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, Thimphu, Bhutan
Regional Executive Committee
Ugyen Dorji
Mayor, 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.

Salina Hayat Ivy
Mayor, Narayanganj City Corporation, Bangladesh
Regional Executive Committee
Salina Hayat Ivy
Mayor, Narayanganj City Corporation, Bangladesh
Regional Executive Committee

Dr. Salina Hayat Ivy is a Bangladeshi politician, physician, and the first and current mayor of Narayanganj City Corporation. She has a medical degree and has worked as a doctor in various hospitals. She has also been involved in various social and environmental initiatives. Her priorities include climate resilient development, increasing green space in the city, restoring the water bodies, protecting the biodiversity, natural and built environment.

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 National Association of Nepal, Nepal
Regional Executive Committee
Bhim Prasad Dhungana
President, Municipal National Association of Nepal, Nepal
Regional Executive Committee
Datin Sapiah binti Haron
Mayor, Hang Tuah Jaya, Malaysia
Regional Executive Committee
Datin Sapiah binti Haron
Mayor, Hang Tuah Jaya, 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, Makati, Philippines
Regional Executive Committee
Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay
Mayor, 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 Vice 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
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