DURING my internship at UCLG ASPAC from 27 July to 13 September 2015, I really felt to be honored to be cordially invited to participate to the 2015 UCLG ASPAC Executive Bureau, Council Meetings and the Asia-Pacific Conference on “Local Government Voice toward HABITAT III on a New Urban Agenda” in Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Not only did I gain valuable experience in supporting the international events, but I also deepened my realization in global urban issues.
With the fast-developing urbanization in the world, local governments face more challenges in making cities and human settlements inclusive, resilient and sustainable. Therefore, it’s of great value to enhance the role of cities and local governments in global governance.
I have seen how dedicated the members of UCLG ASPAC were in promoting the sustainable development of economy, environment, and the society by exchanging knowledge and sharing best practices during the meetings. I believe that members of UCLG ASPAC will make greater efforts to achieve both green environment and prosperous economy.
As an intern in UCLG ASPAC, I am very proud to work in such an excellent international organization.
UCLG ASPAC has been supporting local governments and their associations in decentralized cooperation, capacity building and project development, and also promoting the unity and cooperation among members, the efforts of which greatly contributes to the local and regional development.
Having stayed in Jakarta for about two months, I am very impressive by the openness and the fast development of Indonesia. Visiting the country where the golden sunshine never fades away, you will fall in love with the beautiful scenery here and meet the most hospitable and friendly Indonesians.
Despite its large population and densely populated regions, Indonesia has vast areas of wilderness that support the world’s second highest level of biodiversity. For example, Wakatobi, the host venue of the 2015 UCLG ExBu and Council Meeting, is an unpolluted island with numerous marine animals living in the clear seawater under the azure sky.
We can vision that the Wakatobi Regency will make more achievements in building the low-carbon society by continuously pursuing environmental sustainability and creating renewable energy.
*) Melody Zhang Yishuhan is an Undergraduate, Senior Translation, Institute of English Language and Culture from Guangdong University of Foreign Study, People’s Republic of China.
