ABSTRACT
Overview Th 1990s have seen an impressive increase in the presence of cities and towns on the world slage. I.ocaJ authorities are becoming integrated inlo a worldwid approach to urban sustalnability. The present cllapter describes this emerging system, tile rol s of int mat/onal and national funding agencies, the various Iypes of asSOCiations of municipalities, and lli varieties of cooperation between municipalities, particularly they ddress SUSlainability iss lIes. It provides examples of multilateral programmes addressing urban suslainability and of international cooperation programmes organized by local aulliorities and tbeir associations. Recommendations are made to extend and improve the functioning of the system.
