Definition

MedCités is a network of Mediterranean cities, created in Barcelona in 1991, under the auspices of the Technical Assistance Programme for the Environment in the Mediterranean (METAP), a programme jointly funded by the European Investment Bank (EIB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the European Commission and the World Bank. 

MedCités was created with the aim of strengthening decentralised action that includes technical assistance in the field of the environment, this assistance being understood as the best way of promoting the knowledge of the urban environmental problems of the region.  Currently, MedCités is carrying out an important task in the field of strategic urban development and participates in the elaboration of strategic urban plans in various cities.  It actively collaborates in different multilateral organisations, such as Centre of Mediterranean Integration of Marseille, Cities Alliance, the World Bank and the UNDP.

In 2013 MedCités took a major step in terms of consolidating itself and adapting to the new needs of its members.  It has strengthened it structure, formally constituting itself as an association, it has extended its membership, and has reached 45 representative cities from 17 countries.  The city of Tetouan holds the presidency, and Barcelona the secretary general.   

Goals

• To boost the strategic urban development by offering methodological instruments, technical assistance and training.
• To strengthen the role and the means (institutional, financial and technical capacity) of the local administrations by setting in motion local policies of strategic development.
• To develop knowledge, awareness and commitment of the citizens and consumers for a more sustainable region.
• To carry out a policy of direct cooperation so as to develop the partnership between the coastal cities of the Mediterranean.  To make exchanges of information and joint cooperation projects.

Participation of Barcelona

Barcelona has been a member since its creation and has played an active role and one of leadership.  Since 1998, the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona has assumed the Secretary General of the network.