Members

• The Seoul Institute is a comprehensive research institute focused on urban policies. The Seoul Institute conducts a wide range of surveys and studies on a variety of urban concerns. The aim is to plan Seoul's future with a medium- to long-term vision. Our research areas include social policies on welfare, culture, education and industries and urban policies on city planning, housing, transportation, and environment.
• http://www.si.re.kr

• Beijing Municipal Institute of City Planning & Design (BICP) is an institution affiliated to Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning and responsible for the formulation of various urban and rural plans. As approved by the Ministry of Construction of China, BICP is a grade A planning and Design organization and aims to provide the services for Beijing municipal government’s macro decision-making on urban development and various construction projects.
• http://www.bjghy.com.cn

• The Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC) was set up in 2008 based on a strategic blueprint developed by Singapore’s Inter-Ministerial Committee on Sustainable Development. The Centre’s mission is to distill, create and share knowledge on liveable and sustainable cities. CLC distills key learning points from Singapore’s experiences over the last half-century, while creating knowledge to address emerging challenges. It also shares knowledge with, and learns from, other cities and experts.
• http://clc.gov.sg

• Shanghai Urban Planning and Design Research Institute (abbreviated as "SUPDRI) was established in 1957. It is one of the earliest and most technically advanced Class A planning, design and strategic consulting units in China. For more than 60 years, Shanghai Urban Planning and Design Institute has been adhering to the concept of "meticulous planning, benefiting future generations", standing at the forefront of the development of urban disciplines and planning.
• http://www.supdri.com/

• The HCMC Institute for Development Studies (HIDS) was established on October 1, 2008 by unifying the Institute for Economic Research and the Social Science Institute (belonging to HCMC People’s Committee); and merging with Urban Planning Institute (an affiliate of the Department of Planning and Architecture). It serves as a scientific research agency under the City People's Committee; has the function of researching, advising and consulting the City Party Committee and the City People's Committee on issues related to the fields of economy, society and urban environment in the city. The Institute has legal status, is funded for scientific research and operating expenses, has its own seal, and is allowed to open accounts at the State Treasury and banks according to State regulations.
• hids.hochiminhcity.gov.vn

• Founded in 1992, BDI is the policy research institute of Busan Metropolitan City. As Korea’s leading think tank for urban futures, BDI drives evidence-based research, cross-disciplinary innovation, and forward-looking governance to tackle the complex challenges of metropolitan development.
  Our work spans urban and regional planning, economic and industrial transformation, welfare and population strategy, marine and environmental sustainability—all with the goal of shaping inclusive growth and global competitiveness for Busan. With a strong commitment to international collaboration, BDI partners with universities, policy networks, and multilateral organizations worldwide. Key initiatives include the 2050 BUSAN PLAN, research on carbon-neutral cities, and industry–academia–government platforms for sustainable innovation.
  As an open and global knowledge hub, BDI leads dialogue on smart city transitions, climate resilience, and equitable welfare systems, while steering Busan’s transformation into a sustainable, competitive global metropolis.
• www.bdi.re.kr

• Tianjin Planning Institute was established in March 1989 and was originally subordinate to the Municipal Planning and Natural Resources Bureau. In August 2020, it was transformed into an enterprise and renamed Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Research Institute Co., Ltd., which is affiliated to Guoxing Capital Company of the Municipal State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, and has become the backbone enterprise of Tianjin Haihe Design Group. It is the vice president unit of China Urban Planning Association, the president unit of Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Association, the executive vice chairman unit of Tianjin Land Society, the chairman unit of the National Innovation Alliance for Coastal Wetland Ecological Construction, the supporting unit of Tianjin Key Laboratory of Smart City Planning, and the overall strength of Tianjin's major project planning is in the forefront of the country.
• www.tupdi.net

• The Incheon Institute, established in 1996, is a comprehensive policy research organization dedicated to addressing key municipal issues and shaping future development strategies for Incheon. Its research spans urban policies such as planning, transportation, environment, and safety, as well as social policies including welfare, industry, culture, and education. The Institute’s findings are widely reflected in the policymaking and implementation of the Incheon Metropolitan Government, while international collaboration and community engagement further strengthen its role as a think tank contributing to the city’s sustainable growth and the well-being of its citizens.
• www.ii.re.kr

• The Institut Paris Region (IPR), established in 1960, is a regional planning institute specializing in large-scale metropolitan governance. Its work covers urban planning, mobility, housing, economic development, public health, waste management, biodiversity, and climate. Supported by an open governance structure of around 40 members and a team of about 150 experts, IPR recently completed a new regional master plan for Paris and is actively involved in the Grand Paris Express project.
• en.institutparisregion.fr

• For over 20 years, CITYNET (The Regional Network of Local Authorities for the Management of Human Settlements) has committed itself to helping local governments improve the sustainability of human settlements. Starting with 26 members in 1987, CITYNET has grown to become an international organisation of more than 100 members in more than 20 countries, most of which are cities and local governments in the Asia-Pacific region.
• http://citynet-ap.org

• ICLEI is the world's leading association of cities and local governments dedicated to sustainable development. It is a powerful movement of 12 mega-cities, 100 super-cities and urban regions, 450 large cities as well as 450 medium-sized cities and towns in 86 countries.
• http://www.iclei.org

• The Korea Research Institute for Local Administration (KRILA) was established in 1984. The aim of the Korea Research Institute for Local Administration (KRILA) is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of local governments in South Korea. Its primary objective is to conduct research, provide policy recommendations, and offer practical solutions to improve local governance, administration, and public services. KRILA focuses on promoting decentralization, strengthening local autonomy, and ensuring balanced regional development to contribute to the overall advancement of local communities.
• krila.re.kr

• Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP), established in 1972, is the leading professional body representing certified urban and regional planners in Malaysia. It is committed to promoting excellence in the planning profession through rigorous standards, ethical practices, and continuous professional development. MIP plays a key advisory role in shaping national and regional planning policies, fostering sustainable urban development, and addressing emerging challenges. Through strategic collaborations with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and educational institutions, MIP ensures that planning practices align with Malaysia’s development goals and international best practices.
• mip.org.my

• The Mori Memorial Foundation (MMF), established in 1986, is a Tokyo-based institute focused on urban planning and governance. It developed the Global Power City Index (GPCI), which evaluates cities across six key dimensions. MMF also analyzes Tokyo’s evolving challenges, including population growth and increasing diversity, and emphasizes continuous planning for mega cities.
• mori-m-foundation.or.jp

• The Nikken Sekkei Research Institute (NSRI) is the think tank of the Nikken Group, Japan’s largest architectural and design firm. Its work ranges from national policy support, such as Japan’s Location Optimization Plan, to practical urban projects including Transit-Oriented Development and Project PLATEAU, Japan’s digital twin initiative. NSRI also developed the Walkability Index, a tool for assessing urban competitiveness based on walkable access to key facilities.
• www.nikken-ri.com

• The Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI), established in the 1980s, supports more than 650 cities across the Arab region through policy research, advisory services, and capacity building. It focuses on helping cities respond to major challenges such as regional instability, urban migration, drought, and climate change. AUDI also promotes digital transformation, smart city development, and human-centered urban planning.
• araburban.org

Active Member: 9 Urban Think Tanks

Active Members rotate responsibility for hosting the annual General Assembly and Academic Forum.

Associate Member: 3 International Organizations (IOs), 2 Government-affiliated Think Tanks, and 2 Private-sector Affiliated Think Tanks

Associate Members advise on MeTTA’s operations and stay informed about its activities.

Among them, MIP and KRILA, the two government-affiliated think tanks, confirmed upon joining MeTTA that they would actively participate in all annual activities and, like Active Members, take turns hosting the Academic Forum.

In addition, MMF and NSRI, as private-sector affiliated think tanks, are research institutes backed by private corporations.