During the period 1987–1991, 74 cities were chosen[2] from among thousands and appointed as messengers of peace by the UN Secretary-General Javier Perez DeCuellar.
Representatives of 63 cities met on 7 and 8 September 1988 in Verdun, France, to participate "in the building of a world less violent and more humane, a world of tolerance and of mutual respect to enable the requirements of peace based on justice and human rights to be better understood."
The association was established to recognize and encourage the role and responsibility cities have in creating a culture of peace.
The IAPMC has been extensively involved in numerous peace campaigns, banning of anti-personnel landmines campaign, nuclear non-proliferation, human rights, and has attracted substantial public awareness in peacemaking efforts of the United Nations Organization, Economic and Social Council, Department of Public Information and other bodies.
President: Victor Hadjiavraam, Mayor of Morphou (Cyprus) Vice Presidents: Andrzej Pietrasik, Mayor of Plonsk (Poland), Vincent N'cho, Vice-Governor of Abidjan District (Ivory Coast) Secretary-General: Andrej Čas, Mayor of Slovenj Gradec (Slovenia) Deputy Secretary-General: Dušan Stojanovič, Slovenj Gradec (Slovenia) UN Representative: Sylvester E. Rowe (New York) Alfred L. Marder, Honorary President, New Haven (US) Andre Hediger, Geneva (Switzerland) Brian Fitch, Brighton & Hove (UK) Sylvester E. Rowe, New York (US) The following member cities are members of the executive board of IAPMC: New member cities can apply for membership, providing they fulfill and comply with the membership criteria, either by contacting the officials (president or secretary-general) or any of the member cities which can propose the new member city at the General Assembly.