The Regional Union of Municipalities of the South Aegean (PED South Aegean) is the institutional body representing the municipalities of the Region of the South Aegean. Its core mission is to strengthen cooperation among municipalities, to promote first-tier local government as an institution and to support the sustainable development of island areas.

As part of its institutional role, PED South Aegean:

• Strengthens cooperation and coordination among its member municipalities, promoting the exchange of experience, know-how and good practice.
• Promotes and supports first-tier local government as an institution, contributing to the continuous enhancement of the role and operation of municipalities.
• Carries out or supports research and studies on local government, insularity, decentralisation and local development.
• Collects, processes and makes use of data and information relating to the mission, responsibilities and work of municipalities.
• Supports the ongoing information, education and training of elected officials, managers and staff of municipalities, strengthening their knowledge and skills.
• Cooperates with the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece (KEDE), the Union of Regions of Greece (ENPE) and every other competent local government body to advance common goals and institutional issues.
• Develops partnerships with local and regional government bodies and organisations of the European Union, as well as with international organisations and bodies abroad.
• Cooperates with public, private, scientific and social bodies active in local government, decentralisation and development policy.
• Participates, through its representatives, in collective bodies, committees, councils and organisations, in accordance with the legislation in force.
• Designs, supports and coordinates actions that enhance the role of elected officials and municipal staff and make municipal services more effective.
• Supports initiatives that strengthen decentralisation, local development, entrepreneurship and the local economy, taking into account the specific needs of insularity.
• Undertakes actions and initiatives that improve citizens’ quality of life, protect the natural and built environment and strengthen social cohesion.

Through these responsibilities, PED South Aegean acts as a forum for cooperation, dialogue and institutional representation for the municipalities of the Region, promoting policies and initiatives that meet the needs of island communities and contribute to the sustainable development of the South Aegean.