New study highlights how cities are reshaping international cooperation
A new study conducted by students from the Sciences Po Urban School in partnership with the International Association of Francophone Mayors (AIMF) and PLATFORMA shows that local and regional governments are playing an increasingly strategic role on the global stage, despite mounting financial and geopolitical challenges.
From climate action and sustainable development to social inclusion and governance, cities are no longer merely implementing policies shaped elsewhere. According to the study, international cooperation between local governments has evolved significantly over recent decades, moving beyond traditional town twinning arrangements towards more operational partnerships, knowledge exchanges and city diplomacy.
The report, The Evolution of Cities’ International Cooperation Policies, analyses responses from 54 local authorities belonging to the AIMF network and combines quantitative research with fieldwork in Benin and Madagascar.
A changing landscape for decentralised cooperation
The research finds that cities are increasingly using international cooperation as a tool to address global challenges that directly affect local communities. Partnerships now take multiple forms, including bilateral cooperation, membership in international networks, exchanges of good practices and political engagement on global issues.
At the same time, the study points to persistent vulnerabilities. Many local governments face limited financial and human resources, while international cooperation programmes often depend on external funding and political support. These constraints can affect the sustainability and long-term impact of partnerships.
Learning from peers
One of the report’s strongest messages is the importance of peer-to-peer learning. Cities increasingly see international partnerships as opportunities to exchange practical solutions and adapt successful experiences to their own local realities. The study underlines that local governments are not only recipients of expertise but also producers of knowledge and innovation.
The research also highlights the growing relevance of South-South cooperation, which can offer cities in similar contexts opportunities to share experiences and develop locally adapted responses to common challenges.
Human relationships remain key
Field research in Benin and within the Association of Cities and Local Authorities of the Indian Ocean (AVCOI) demonstrates that successful cooperation depends not only on formal agreements but also on trust, long-term commitment and strong relationships between partners.
The authors conclude that decentralised cooperation cannot be measured solely through legal frameworks or project outputs. Its strength lies in the ability of local governments to transform exchanges into lasting action and to build solutions through dialogue, solidarity and mutual learning.
Strengthening local governments’ global role
As multilateralism faces increasing pressure, the study argues that local and regional governments are well placed to contribute to global governance through their proximity to citizens and their practical experience in delivering solutions. International cooperation between cities therefore remains an essential instrument for fostering sustainable development, innovation and international solidarity.
Frédéric Vallier, Executive Director of AIMF presented the study on 5 October during CEMR-PLATFORMA public webinar on the future of the global sustainable development framework beyond 2030. Watch the recording of the presentation (in French).
Read the full study: The Evolution of Cities’ International Cooperation Policies (June 2026)