FAQ

How will my city benefit from being involved in the Cities Programme?

The Cities Programme provides cities the opportunity to be a part of a worldwide network of city leaders who are tackling similar urban issues. Member cities will be able to exchange knowledge, learn and adopt strategies to assist in managing their intractable urban issues.

The Cities Programme aims to provide cities with an alternative management approach that replaces the barriers encountered in silo mentality of urban management. On completion of a specific pilot project, it is envisaged that this learning and methodology will be able to be transferred to other existing urban issues within the member city.

There are regular forums and events hosted by members within the Cities Programme network, which provide further networking opportunities for the Member cities.

For further information of Programme benefits, visit the Membership page.

Can my city engage if it is already a member of the Global Compact?

Yes.

What is the difference between the Global Compact and the Cities Programme?

The Global Compact is a framework for business and is the world’s largest corporate citizenship initiative. Its main objective is to mainstream business activities around the world to embrace the 10 Principles of the Global Compact.

The Cities Programme is an urban focused component of the Global Compact initiative. It is based on the Melbourne Methodology that requires inter-sectoral working relationships between business, Government and civil society. It’s main objective is for cities to develop innovative solutions to intractable urban issues based on the 10 principles of the Global Compact.

How can I participate?

The Cities Programme is open to metropolises across all six continents with a commitment to improving the quality of urban life through innovative, locally-driven solutions.

To participate in the Cities Programme, a city should:

1. Pay an engagement fee

2. Send a letter from a senior city representative to the UN secretary General stating a commitment on behalf of the city to participate in the Cities Programme

3. Identify an organisation to act as Local Secretariat

4. Identify a project of direct concern to all sectors.

What is the Engagement fee?

The Engagement fee is:
US$10,000 – OECD member countries.
US$5,000 – non OECD member countries.

To confirm whether your city is a member of the OECD, visit http://www.oecd.org/countrieslist

How is the Engagement fee used?

The Engagement fee is used to support the operational costs associated with International Secretariat over the 3 year engagement period for each city.

The International Secretariat provides ongoing strategic advice to the Local Secretariat during all Project phases. The Cities Programme website dedicates a webpage to each Project and is administered and regularly updated by the International Secretariat.

Who pays the Engagement fee?

The member city pays for the Engagement fee. The engagement fee can be made by one organization or contributed by multiple participating organizations. This is a decision entirely made by the Local Secretariat. The full fee must be made in one payment to the International Secretariat.

What does the International Secretariat do?

The International Secretariat is responsible for the operations and management of the Cities Programme. This includes providing ongoing advice and communications with the pending/member cities and facilitates the engagement, development, implementation and evaluation phases. The International Secretariat is continually approaching potential stakeholders to promote the Programme across different geographic regions.

The International Secretariat reports directly to the UN office in New York.

Is any funding available through the International Secretariat?

No. The International Secretariat is a non-funding body.

How is a Project Identified?

The project is identified entirely by the member city. The Cities Programme utilises the Melbourne Methodology which creates a neutral space for stakeholders to debate urban issues. The International Secretariat encourages member cities to hold a workshop to debate and confirm the Project topic.

To assist in identifying a Project topic, the International Secretariat has devised a set of Themes that are consistent with the broader principles of the Global Compact. This provides a starting point for cities to identify a Project topic, conceptualize how their project may form and best address the desired outcomes.

What do the themes relate to?

The project themes are prescribed by the International Secretariat and encapsulate the broader principles of the Global Compact, and seek to foster:

• Local capacity building
• Involvement of non-traditional stakeholders
• A key role for the private sector
• A neutral, agenda-free and non-political arena for problem-solving

The themes are to be used and explored by Member cities when discussing and confirming a Project Topic.

Can I use an existing project to join the Programme?

Yes. An existing project can provide a useful platform for a city to engage in the Cities Programme. The project must ensure that all sectors (Government, business and civil society) are represented. This ensures that the specific methodology can be applied and the desired outcomes can be achieved.

Can the private sector or civil society lead the Project?

Yes. Whilst the initial support letter must be written from the highest Government representative, the contact person can represent any sector. The key contact person should be able to play a facilitator role between Government, business and civil society.

Can I involve the UN office in my country?

Yes. The local UN representative can engage in the Cities Programme and provide advice and support, as required. Potential cities should check to determine whether their country has a Global Compact Country representative who may provide assistance.

Is the member city required to report on the Project progress?

Yes. Member cities are required to be in regular communication with the International Secretariat and provide Project Updates (using the prescribed format). In addition, the International Secretariat encourages member cities to submit relevant information publications that would be useful for the Project website.

Page 1 of 1 pages