Union of the Baltic Cities (UBC) is one of the leading network of cities in the Baltic Sea Region with member cities from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland and Sweden.

Founded in 1991 in Gdańsk, UBC is a voluntary, proactive network mobilizing the shared potential of its member cities.

UBC – 30 years of boosting cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region

In September 2021, UBC turned 30 years. These thirty years of active international networking is an honorable achievement from the whole UBC community!

Jubilee year activities included:

• publication about UBC’s history, now available online. Download  from the UBC website at http://ubc.wersjaprojektowa.pl/sites/default/files/ubc30lr.pdf or read it online: https://issuu.com/unionofthebalticcities/docs/ubc30lr
• social media and other campaigns

 “UBC is a dynamic platform made 30 years ago, that will work on the better future of citizens and leaders in the cities. This year has brought with it not only the global pandemic but also changes within the UBC structure and organisation. During 2021, we strived to make these changes a concrete reality, so that we can even better serve the needs of our member cities. The cities are smart, but they become even smarter within UBC cooperation”, states UBC President Mantas Jurgutis.

How we work

UBC works through eight Commissions: Cultural Cities, Inclusive and Healthy Cities, Learning Cities, Planning Cities, Safe Cities, Smart and Prospering Cities, Sustainable Cities, and Youthful Cities.
The aims of the UBC are to:

• Promote cooperation and exchange of experiences between cities in the BSR to advance and deliver sustainable urban solutions and quality of life, and so to bring added value for them;
• Promote cities as drivers for smart, sustainable, green and resource-efficient growth;
• Advance cities as inclusive, diverse, creative, democratic and safe hubs, where active citizenship, gender equality and participatory policy making are promoted;
• Advocate for common interests of cities and their citizens, act on their behalf and further the interests of the BSR.

The UBC and its Member Cities work in close cooperation with other partners and participate actively for the implementation of regional strategies, notably the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region EUSBSR.

Structure of the UBC

The Union of the Baltic Cities’ core organisation consists of the Presidium, the Executive Board and the Secretariat.
 
Presidium
The Presidium consists of the President, First Vice-President and three Vice-Presidents, elected by the General Conference for a two-year period. Between Board meetings the Presidium is authorized to make decisions necessary for the proper management of the Union.
 
Executive Board
The UBC Executive Board is the Union’s highest authority between the General Conferences. It consists of one member city representative from each country plus the President and four Vice-Presidents. Countries not holding a seat in the Presidium may propose two Member Cities to the Executive Board.
 
The main responsibilities of the Executive Board are liaising with, coordinating and guiding the work of UBC Commissions and deciding on the allocation of resources on basis of agreed criteria, approving new Member Cities, Associated Cities and Partners, ensuring the implementation of the UBC Strategy and decisions.
 
Secretariat
The UBC Secretariat coordinates the UBC daily work and activities. It is responsible for smooth communication, administration and organization of UBC events. The Secretariat offers assistance to Commissions and other UBC bodies. The Secretariat is located in Gdańsk, Poland.

Interested in joining the UBC?