February 17-21, 2025 | Barcelona – UCLG ASPAC attended the UCLG Retreat 2025, an annual key gathering for local leaders, policymakers, and regional sections of UCLG to shape a sustainable and inclusive future hosted by its headquarter. In the Retreat, UCLG ASPAC not only invited global city leaders to connect for accelerating progress towards 2030 Agenda but also voiced the position of cities and local governments in Asia-Pacific region, shared the key initiative and priorities of the Organisation as well as reminded the importance of providing equal opportunities for women in taking leadership role for sustainable future. Themed “Local Government and YOUTH Shaping the FUTURE,” the UCLG Annual Retreat placed youth at the centre of local action, fostering intergenerational dialogue to shape policies for the World Summit for Social Development and the Countdown to 2030. The event embraced diverse perspectives to better address contemporary challenges and build a stronger future.
UCLG Annual Retreat 2025 focused on several key themes including Youth Leadership in Governance (encouraging the participation of young people in local decision-making processes), Sustainable Urban Development (exploring how youth-driven initiatives could support green and resilient cities), Digital Innovation & Smart Cities (harnessing technology to improve local governance and public services), and Social Inclusion & Equity (ensuring youth from diverse backgrounds had a voice in shaping policies that affected them).
Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments’ Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments highlighted how local and regional actions contributed to major international milestones, such as the United Nations Oceans Conference and the 30th Climate Change Conference. The session also emphasised the role of Local2030 in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discussions focused on strengthening global collaboration, increasing engagement in intergovernmental processes, and enhancing the influence of local governments in shaping global policies.
The Annual Meeting of the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments reinforced the critical role of local and regional governments in addressing global challenges and advancing sustainable development. Discussions underscored the need for strong governance, strategic investments, and multilevel collaboration to enhance local impact on international policies. As global crises intensify, the commitment to fostering inclusive, resilient, and well-supported cities remains vital. Moving forward, stakeholders must prioritise collective action, ensure sustainable financing, and strengthen partnerships to drive meaningful progress toward achieving the SDGs.
Intergenerational Dialogue
The Inter-generational Dialogue (Youths and Seniors) united the UCLG Presidency, Mayors, Governors, young elected officials, and youth representatives for an open discussion on intergenerational solidarity in policy-making and local governance, highlighting youth leadership as active agents of change, and voicing out the commitment to long-term thinking and intergenerational justice. This session explored how cities could tackle current challenges while safeguarding future generations through cooperation, experience-sharing, and transformative social norms.
Graham Bollard, from Fingal County Council in North Dublin and Vice Chair of the Fingal Fórsa Union Local Branch Committee (FÓRSA) in Ireland, highlighted key challenges facing youth. He noted that unemployment was a major issue in the past and that the lack of obligation to provide housing has left many young people unable to afford a home. Emphasising the value of youth, he stressed that they are the greatest asset and should have a voice in government.
Mayor of Portbou, Gael Rodríguez, the youngest mayor in Spain (born in 2004) shared his thoughts on the challenges of adapting his municipality. He explained that the municipality needs to be updated for future planning, and their approach involves modernising the village, which will have a positive impact on the future, particularly in areas like waste management, water circulation, and economic growth. He also mentioned that they have developed a new logistical model and have been doing great work in updating the village. As a result, future generations will not have to start from scratch in making improvements.
The former UNICEF Youth Ambassador from Sydney, Australia, stated that Champion Mayors, Champion Projects, and Champion Youth are long-term investments for future generations, yet many ultimately fail or are not re-elected. To address this, a dedicated team is needed to proactively sustain these initiatives while also anticipating future challenges. Today’s youth differ from future generations, which is why the UN has even established a Special Envoy for Future Generations. Therefore, ensuring continuity and integration between past, present, and future generations is essential.
Localising SDGs Moderated by SG Bernadia: From Local to Global Action: Connecting for a Sustainable Future
Moderating the “Connecting the Dots” session, held on February 18, 2025, Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, Secretary-General of UCLG ASPAC, opened the session by stressing the urgency of accelerating SDG implementation. At the current pace, it could take 42 years for the Asia-Pacific region to fully achieve the SDGs. She also emphasised the importance of providing equal opportunities for women leaders in governance and highlighted successful local practices like Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) to strengthen collaboration across different government levels.
Speakers (Mayor Carola Gunnarsson of Sala-Sweden, Mr. Pascal Rapillard from Geneva, and Mr. Yunus Arikan) shared insights on local governance, democracy, and climate action. Discussions explored how local governments could better integrate SDGs with climate policies, improve data collection, and enhance national-local cooperation. Geneva’s experience with Voluntary Local Review (VLR) was highlighted as a model for breaking policy’s silos and fostering interdepartmental collaboration. The session also examined the role of High-Level Climate Champions (CHAMPs) in aligning local climate strategies with national policies. Participants agreed on key action points: strengthening collaboration between local and national governments, improving reporting mechanisms, expanding multi-level climate initiatives, and promoting policy coherence.
UCLG ASPAC’s Strategic Plan 2026-2030: Strengthening Research and Practical Solutions
UCLG ASPAC Secretary General Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi also shared the Organisation’s strategic plan for 2026-2030. UCLG ASPAC’s key initiative includes the plan to launch the City and Local Government (CLG) Institute, which will serve as the Organisation’s research and knowledge management arm. The establishment will bridge the gap between research and governance and provide local governments with actionable insights to improve local management, including the development of sustainable financing models.
SG Meeting with the Mayor of Daejeon: Strengthening Urban Collaboration
UCLG ASPAC Secretary General also sat together with Mayor Lee Jang-woo of Daejeon, the upcoming President of UCLG World, to discuss urban governance, and international collaboration and update on Asia-Pacific’s activities and priorities.
SG highlighted UCLG ASPAC’s growing membership, including new additions like Manila. The discussion also covered UCLG ASPAC’s five-year strategic plan, which will be adopted at the upcoming Congress in Goyang.
SG also informed the upcoming launch of the Cities and Local Government Institute (CLGI), a platform for knowledge sharing and leadership development as the key initiative of the Organisation. The meeting ended on a positive note, with discussions on Daejeon’s upcoming Zero O’Clock Festival.
