Norbert Burger, former Lord Mayor of Cologne, was President of the International Union of Local Authorities (IULA) from 1997.

At political level, he set in train the move to unite and set up UCLG.  He was a local government leader of great humanity, wisdom and vision, who saw from the outset the need for local governments around the world to unite, to promote democracy and understanding, and to fulfil their growing missions in an urbanising world.  

He was proud to see UCLG established.