From 24 members at its inception in 1987, CITYNET has grown to 106 members from 22 countries/regions of the Asia-Pacific and Europe.

Today, the comprehensive CITYNET network includes city governments, national level organisations, development authorities, non-governmental organisations and community-based organisations.

Increasingly, cities and organisations have seen the relevance of being part of CITYNET. Our members have benefited from the various aspects of urban expertise and know-how CITYNET gives them access to. Here are some reasons why your city/organisation should become a CITYNET member:

- To attend the relevant seminars and training programmes that CITYNET organises for its members in their own priority areas. At times, CITYNET also provides sponsorships to its members for attending these programmes.

- To access and learn from best practices in action. Through CITYNETs efficient TCDC Programme. Your city could receive a team of experts from another city in the Asia-Pacific in an area of your choice, or visit a city to observe best practices first-hand, or even learn from the failures of certain urban experiments.

- To establish an identity for your city in the Asia-Pacific and beyond. CITYNET is the voice of Asia-Pacific cities, and raises its members visibility and presence in the international arena. It takes the strong and united voice of cities in the Region to international fora. CITYNETs advocacy makes sure your point-of-view gets attention at critical urban events around the world.

- To receive prompt and timely technical support. Cities are resource pools of technical and managerial expertise. Being part of CITYNET means your city has access to this vast network of technical and management know-how exactly when you need it.

- To become better equipped to apply for funding from the United Nations organisations and other donor agencies. Through CITYNETs extensive experience in this area, members acquire expertise in making project proposals and applications for funding. They also receive help in finding suitable project partners from their chosen part of the world.