The International Geographical Union (Union Geographique Internationale (UGI)), an international geographical society, was established in Brussels, in 1922 to promote the study of geographical issues, initiate research & publications warranting international cooperation, facilitate participation of geographers in relevant international organizations, collect & diffuse geographical data in & between member countries, enable organization of meetings – workshops – seminars – conferences - symposia, research standardization and compatibility. The IGU conforms to the ICSU (International Council for Science) and ISSC (International Social Science Council). It has 34 congresses & 4 task forces.

The Urban Commission is one of the most active commissions and has identified for 2008-2012, three main issues, viz., interdependent urban systems, change & conflict within cities, sustainability and social justice. They cover seven problems – complex urban systems, contested social spaces, sustainability, aging cities vis a vis new cities and new spaces, socio-economic and politico-administrative insecurity, urban heritage & conservation & focusing on interdependent urban systems, change & conflict within cities, sustainability & social justice.