The UCLG Committee of Digital and Knowledge-based Cities –Chaired by the City of Bilbao– was created in 2005 with the aim of reducing the digital divide and boost the implementation of digital local agendas as a mean to improve the quality of life of citizens from the decentralized governments.

Since its creation, through the Committee, it has been promoted the development of a common vision and dynamics among local governments in favour of an inclusive Information Society that favours the reduction of the digital divide and the use of new technologies as a lever for the development of more sustainable and competitive cities.

In 2016 a reflection process on its functioning structure was initiated in UCLG, which gave as a result the creation of a new structure of consultation mechanisms integrated by: Policy Councils, Committees, Working groups, Committees of Practice and Forums.

Taking into consideration this new structure, it was propose to turn the Committee of Digital and Knowledge-based Cities into the “Community of Practice Digital Cities” that will still be leader by the City of Bilbao and that will have a more practical focus.