Associations around the world vary significantly in their character and contribute to pushing forward the agenda of open and distance education in different ways. ICDE’s Executive Committee has, after discussion, approved the Secretariat’s proposal to invite regional and national associations to apply for Associate membership of ICDE. ICDE’s constitution (http://www.icde.org/en/about/constitution/) states clearly that Associate members may not be involved in the governance of ICDE, and indeed ICDE should not be driven by regional or national policies. However, we are confident that this approach will provide a structure for dialogue, cooperation and be mutually beneficial, both for ICDE’s members and members of regional and national associations and network organizations.