The International Centre Cities on Water is concerned with documentation, information, study and research into the problems and experiences of urban settlements which have a close relationship with water.

The association's main aim is to encourage and improve scientific and cultural exchange between cities on water throughout the world, and to establish Venice as a reference point for all those who are involved in restoring a positive relationship between water and city, between water and urban context.

The Centre concentrates on the main issues affecting cities on water that have developed along coasts, within gulfs, bays and lagoons, which are located on lakesides or estuaries or on the banks of important rivers.