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
Our leadership
ICLEI is led by an elected group of local and regional leaders from across our network.
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.
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.
Vice President
Global Executive Committee
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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)
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)
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Global Executive Committee
Resilient Development and Risk Management Portfolio
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
Special Advisor to the Climate Action and Low Emission Development portfolio
Global Executive Committee Before becoming Vice Mayor, Alfredo Coro completed three terms as Mayor of Del Carmen, Philippines. In his 9 years in public service, Del Carmen’s partner-driven approach to development reduced the poverty index by 20% by building up the eco- tourism industry, improved SDG indicators with public service innovations, and public participation on environmental conservation. Del Carmen and Mayor Coro were recognized by various national and international events / organizations including the 1st Best Mangrove Awards in the Philippines, the Galing Pook Award (Public Service Innovation), UN Climate Change Week, etc. Meet Vice Major Alfredo Coro
Global Executive Committee Before becoming Vice Mayor, Alfredo Coro completed three terms as Mayor of Del Carmen, Philippines. In his 9 years in public service, Del Carmen’s partner-driven approach to development reduced the poverty index by 20% by building up the eco- tourism industry, improved SDG indicators with public service innovations, and public participation on environmental conservation. Del Carmen and Mayor Coro were recognized by various national and international events / organizations including the 1st Best Mangrove Awards in the Philippines, the Galing Pook Award (Public Service Innovation), UN Climate Change Week, etc. Meet Vice Major Alfredo Coro
Mayor, Seberang Perai Municipal Council, Malaysia
Special Advisor to the Climate Action and Low Emission Development portfolio
Global Executive Committee Mayor, Seberang Perai Municipal Council, Malaysia 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.
Special Advisor to the Climate Action and Low Emission Development portfolio
Global Executive Committee Mayor, Seberang Perai Municipal Council, Malaysia 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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
Regional Executive Committee Berty Hans Margueritte became mayor of Curepipe in 2017. He has been involved with ICLEI’s governance ever since. He served on the ICLEI Africa RexCom and as advisor to the GexCom during the term 2018-2021, with a particular focus on issues related to small islands developing states.
Regional Executive Committee In 2018, Jefferson T. Koijee became the first mayor of Monrovia to be confirmed by the Liberian Senate since the end of the civil war. He brings to his position more than ten years of leadership, advocacy and youth development experience. An important aspect of his vision for Monrovia consists in providing opportunities for vulnerable people and deprived communities via youth driven and youth centered programs.
Regional Executive Committee 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.
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 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.
Regional Executive Committee Before becoming Deputy Mayor of New Taipei City in December 2018, Cheng-Ta Hsieh served as Commissioner of Labor Affairs from 2013 to 2018. Cheng-Ta Hsieh has always tried to include sustainability as a key component of his work, and he is keen on sharing New Taipei City’s many actions and accomplishments in the field.
Meet Deputy Mayor Cheng-Ta Hsieh (YouTube Video)
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.
Regional Executive Committee
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.
Regional Executive Committee
Ms. Li Currently serves as Vice Mayor of Changchun. She started her career in 1990, serving as Deputy Director of the Management Committee of Changchun Automobile Industry Development Zone, as the Chairman and Party Secretary of the Changchun Women’s Federation, and as the Deputy Secretary of Kuancheng District Party Committee, District Mayor of Kuancheng District People’s Government. Before joining Changchun, she also served as the Secretary of the Kuancheng District Committee of the Communist Party of China.
Regional 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
Regional Executive Committee Erion Veliaj was elected Mayor of Tirana in 2015 and re-elected in 2019. Focused on child-friendly policies and on creating a balance between city and nature, he aims to transform Tirana through sustainable urban development. Prior to becoming Mayor, Veliaj served as Albanian Minister of Social Welfare and Youth. In 2003, he founded "MJAFT" (Enough), a civic organization granted the UN Vienna Civil Society Award by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
Regional Executive Committee Mariusz Skiba holds a graduate degree in political science from the University of Silesia, Poland, and a degree in management and engineering from the Silesian University of Technology, Poland. Prior to being appointed Deputy Mayor of Katowice in 2014, he worked in the Silesian Marshall Office and as Katowice’ councillor. Skiba is responsible for the city’s sustainable development, and the acquisition of European funds.
Meet Deputy Mayor Mariusz Skiba (YouTube Video)
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
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
Regional Executive Committee Mayor of Kingston Senator Delroy Williams was sworn in as the Chairman of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) in December 2016. Known for his interactive and inclusive approach towards local governance, he has strived to make Kingston a sustainable tourist and business hub as well as to create a network of Caribbean cities for regional integration and cooperation since he took office. Mayor Williams also serves on the board of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA).
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.
Regional Executive Committee A lawyer by profession, Manuel de Jesus Jimenez Ortega became Mayor of Santo Domingo Este, the first Dominican Member of ICLEI, in 2020. Before being elected as Mayor, he served three terms as a member of the Dominican parliament. Prior to his political career, Manuel de Jesus Jimenez Ortega led a successful musical career.
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.
Regional Executive Committee Travis County Commissioner since 2014, Brigid Shea came to Austin in 1988 to start the Texas chapter of Clean Water Action. Prior to that, she had been an award-winning journalist at NPR stations in Minnesota and Philadelphia. Commissioner Shea served on the Austin city council from 1993 to 1996 and championed consumer, electoral, and environmental reforms. She is a 2001 graduate of Leadership Austin and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce Clean Energy Council.
Meet Commissioner Brigid Shea (YouTube Video)
Regional 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 (YouTube Video)
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. With more than ten years of experience, he has integrated knowledge across climate action domains, including policies, financing tools, and community engagement. He is an experienced partnership broker, and is leading efforts to develop collaborative programs to reduce emissions in Durham Region.
Meet Manager of Sustainability Ian McVey (YouTube Video)
Regional Executive Committee Matthew Appelbaum served on the city council of Boulder, Colorado, for 18 years, from 1987 to 1995 and 2007 to 2017, including five years as the Mayor and four as Deputy Mayor. He served two terms on the Board of Directors of the National League of Cities (NLC) and was a long-time member of NLC’s Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee (EENR), for which he served as chair or vice-chair for several years.
Meet Former Mayor Matthew Appelbaum
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
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.
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)
Regional Executive Committee A trained historian, Ary José Vanazzi is currently serving his fourth term as Mayor of São Leopoldo, following those in 2004, 2008, and 2016. In 2010, he served as campaign coordinator for President Dilma Roussef in his home-state of Rio Grande do Sul. His previous political experience includes various positions in São Leopoldo’s City Council, municipal associations, as well as a term as a member of the Federal Parliament.
Meet Mayor Ary José Vanazzi
Regional Executive Committee 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 (YouTube Video)
Regional Executive Committee In December 2020, João Campos was elected Mayor of Recife, becoming the city’s youngest Mayor and the youngest Mayor of a Brazilian state capital, at just 27. A trained civil engineer, he previously worked as Chief of Staff for the Governor of Pernambuco. He also served as Federal Deputy in 2019- 2020, after receiving the most votes for this position in the history of Pernambuco.
Meet Mayor João Campos (YouTube Video)
Regional Executive Committee After his degree in law from the Eafit University, Juan David Palacio Cardona became the youngest Secretary General of the Medellin Council at 25. Following his year-long service, he gained academic specializations in Government and Municipal and Regional Development Management and in Labor Law and Industrial Relations. In January 2020, he was unanimously elected Director of the Metropolitan Area of Valle de Aburra by the ten Mayors of the region.
Meet Director Juan David Palacio Cardona (YouTube Video)
Regional Executive Committee Raúl Emilio Jatón worked as a journalist for more than 30 years, at both national and international levels. His involvement in politics started in 2015, when he was elected as Provincial Senator in Santa Fe. He then became City Councilor in 2017, and was elected Mayor of Santa Fe in December 2019. Under his leadership, Santa Fe is implementing various sustainability projects, with a particular emphasis on urban nature and equitable development.
Meet Mayor Raúl Emilio Jatón
Regional Executive Committee A fourth generation political leader and a trained lawyer, A. H. M. Khairuzzaman Liton became Mayor of Rajshahi in 2008, and was re-elected in 2016. Under his leadership, the city adopted a new master plan to become a modern, developed, livable, affordable, and model city. Mayor Khairuzzaman Liton received several sustainability awards, including the 2020 Environmental Friendly City of the year, 2012 Environmental Award, and 2009 National Award on Tree Plantation.
Regional 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.
Regional Executive Committee As Vice-president of the Municipal Association of Nepal (since 2001) and Mayor of Dhulikhel (since 2017), Ashok Byanju is committed to promoting better urban planning and biodiversity throughout Nepal. He is convinced that preserving biodiversity will have a positive impact on sustainability in South Asia, since it will encourage the conservation of natural resources like soil and water.
Regional Executive Committee Fathimath Afshan Latheef started her involvement in public life at 10, representing her country at the first SAARC Arts and Cultural Festival, and later at the Youth Forum for the World Food Summit. Before becoming CEO of the Local Government Authority of Maldives, Ms. Latheef was involved with several NGOs (in particular for election-related matters), and she worked for the President’s office and the ministry of foreign affairs.
Meet CEO Fathimath Afshan Latheef (YouTube Video)
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.
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
Regional Executive Committee Under Syarif Fasha’s leadership, Jambi City has undertaken some strong actions in favor of sustainability, such as the Green Urban Transport Project presented at the 2019 Resilient Cities Congress. In 2019, the city was selected by the GCoM as one of five Climate Leaders, in the framework of the Global Climate City Challenge. On top of his role as Mayor of Jambi City, Syarif Fasha is the deputy chairman of the board of APEKSI Development Field.
Meet Mayor Syarif Fasha ME
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