The Center for International Strategies of Governments and Social Organizations (CIG) of the Universidad Austral and the Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture (OEI) presented the International Capabilities Index (ICI), which seeks to be a tool for local governments in the region in the development of cities.

The ICI is a key tool for assessing and strengthening the role of subnational governments on the global stage. In a world where cities and regions are playing an increasingly prominent role in global governance, this index offers a comprehensive view of the capabilities needed to address the challenges of internationalization and promote sustainable development within their territories.

Through four dimensions and more than 40 indicators, the index provides a roadmap for cities and provinces to achieve effective international integration. Based on case studies and a solid academic foundation, this initiative aims to guide decision-makers in designing strategies that maximize global opportunities.

By providing concrete and measurable data, this tool will help bridge the gap between internationalization theory and its practical application in urban planning and local development. The index not only facilitates an accurate diagnosis but also identifies specific opportunities and challenges for each territory. With this information, local authorities can design more effective strategies to increase the global competitiveness of their cities and provinces, while simultaneously ensuring that internationalization generates tangible benefits for their residents. It is a key tool for professionalizing the departments responsible for international affairs, promoting more technical, informed, and future-oriented management.

In 2024, the Ibero-American Geriatric Council (CIG) conducted a pilot implementation in four Ibero-American cities—Barcelona, ​​Buenos Aires, Madrid, and São Paulo. In 2025, work will continue to expand the program to ten new Ibero-American cities.

The Index is part of a series of strategic tools developed by the IGC to build specialized knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of subnational diplomacy. Alongside other global initiatives, it can become a key element in developing increasingly successful, evidence-based international strategies with strong actionable potential.

This publication reinforces the CIG's commitment as a benchmark in the field of internationalization, promoting the development of innovative public policies and the strengthening of strategic alliances between the public, private and academic sectors. 

The ICI is available for download in its Spanish and English versions on the CIG website.

Presentation event of the ICI to teams from the OEI offices in their respective countries and with the participation of the Director of the OEI National Office in Argentina, Luis Scasso, the Director General of the CIG, Fernando Straface, Felipe Vera, Specialist of the Housing and Urban Development Division of the IDB, and member of the CIG International Council, the Director of the School of Politics, Government and International Relations of the Universidad Austral, Alfonso Santiago, Francisco Resnicoff, Senior Fellow of CIG, and Mariana Cammisa, Fellow of CIG