About MeTTA

What is
MeTTA?

Megacity Think Tank Alliance (MeTTA) is an international alliance of think tanks focused on addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of megacities. It brings together leading experts and institutions to share policy development, strategic initiatives, and research aimed at promoting sustainable urban growth, enhancing the quality of life of its citizens, and fostering innovation in metropolitan areas worldwide.

Purpose

By building an international network, MeTTA plans to distribute to its member think tanks information on urban problems and solutions and to coordinate their problem-solving efforts. Through substantial and consistent cooperation with its members, MeTTA will support megacity governments to form a mutual relationship for collaboration and by encouraging bilateral and multilateral partnerships, to raise the quality of life of the citizens.

Topics &
Collaboration Areas

Exchange and collaboration on :

1. Cross-Border Cooperation Issues for Global Megacities

Environmental and Health Challenges: Addressing transboundary pollution (e.g., particulate matter), urban health crises, and cross-city cooperation on pandemic response.
Social Safety and Talent Mobility: Establishing joint social safety mechanisms, enhancing global talent and labor exchanges, and institutional frameworks.
Economic and Cultural Exchange: Strengthening economic resilience, cultural exchange programs, and shared histories, alongside boosting the cultural and tourism industries.

2. Global Issues Requiring Collective Action

Sustainable Development and Climate: Tackling climate change, fostering sustainable growth, promoting inclusive development, and preparing for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

3. Traditional Metropolitan Challenges

Managing Urban Growth: Addressing sprawl, informal settlements, and affordable housing due to rapid urbanization.
Innovation and Talent Attraction: Developing strategies to attract creative talent and establish new, innovation-driven industries.
Urban Safety and Livability: Mitigating crime, homelessness, mental health crises, and providing better urban living standards.
Sustainable Urban Infrastructure: Devising solutions for traffic congestion, air quality, energy efficiency, water management, smart city technologies, and mega-event hosting strategies.

MeTTA
Operation

MeTTA Forum

table for MeTTA Forum, is guiding Meeting Type, Scope of Attendance, Operating Method
Meeting Type	Scope of Attendance	Operating Method
General Assembly	High-level meeting among member institutions, attended by representatives	Share activity updates and city/institutional- specific issues, present notable policies and research. Discuss and make decisions on the next host city, new memberships, and overall MeTTA activities ※ Held as pre-meeting before the forum
Academic Forum	Member institutions (required to present) Experts from city government-affiliated think tanks Host city government officials Invited research institutions and experts (may participate even if not members)	Hosted annually by member institutions in rotation Share policy and research outcomes on selected topics ※ The host institution has final authority on topic selection Host institution is responsible for event planning, preparation, and covering event costs ※ The host institution decides on attendance costs support for member institutions, typically covering accommodation for three participants

Working-Level Meeting

table for Working-Level Meeting, is guiding Meeting Type, Scope of Attendance, Operating Method
Meeting Type	Scope of Attendance	Operating Method
Working-level Meeting	Active & Associate Member Institutions(Meeting among working-level representatives) Heads of institutions appoint 1-2 representatives from their staff/research team	Present annual research plan and results, share city-specific issues Host institution proposes tentative topics for the annual MeTTA Forum, and gathers opinions through discussion ※ The meeting is conducted in English, with the Secretariat acting as the recorder The Secretariat covers venue and meeting organization costs (typically held online) ※ Each institution covers the costs for their staff's attendance ※ Potential Member Institutions may participate in an observatory role

MeTTA Secretariat

Seoul Institute, Center for External Collaborative Research (Strategic Research Division)
Jeongdong Office, 89-10, Seosomun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Official Email : MeTTA@si.re.kr

Membership

Roles and Responsibility

table for Working-Level Meeting, is guiding Meeting Type, Scope of Attendance, Operating Method
Meeting Type	Scope of Attendance	Operating Method
Active Members	Representative research institutions in a megacity region	Host the General Assembly and Academic Forum annually in rotation Participate in the General Assembly and Academic Forum to discuss specific city/institutional issues and present notable policies and research outcomes. Serve as the decision-making body for MeTTA activities(via correspondence and assemblies), making key decisions on the next host city, new memberships, and overall MeTTA operations. Encourage active participation from metropolitan government-affiliated think tanks in MeTTA forums and collaborative knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Associate Members	International organizations interested in MeTTA Government- affiliated think tanks, including research institutes, NGOs and planning associations	Attend MeTTA General Assembly and Forum Offer consultation, share insights, and present updates on activities. May take on the responsibility to host and participate in the annual General Assembly and Academic Forum upon commitment and approval during the General Assembly

Membership Application Process

Express Interest : Reach out through an Active Member or the Secretariat to become a Potential Member.
Apply for Membership : Provide organizational information and designate a staff member for working-level communication.
Approval : Attend the General Assembly for officialization of membership.

Apply For Membership Update Membership Information

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