September 18-19, 2025 | Jeonju – UCLG ASPAC active member, Jeonju, the historic city, once again opened its doors to the world as it hosted the Jeonju Future Cities Forum 2025 under the theme “Global Cities, Connecting the Future.” The Forum has rapidly grown into one of the most significant global platforms where city leaders, experts, youth, and citizens converge to shape strategies for more sustainable and inclusive urban futures. UCLG ASPAC supported as the co-organiser of this forum.
Mayor Woo Beom-ki Warmly Welcome the Participants to the Jeonju Future Cities Forum 2025
The Forum began with welcoming remarks by Mayor Woo Beom-ki of Jeonju, who reaffirmed his city’s vision to act as a cultural and innovative hub. He emphasised that Jeonju, often referred to as a city reflecting Korean culture and beauty the most, is deeply committed to sharing its heritage while pioneering modern solutions for climate, technology, and citizen well-being. His words set the tone for two days of dynamic dialogue, collaboration, and partnership. He highlighted that Jeonju is ready to be the host city for the Olympic Games in 2036.
UCLG ASPAC Secretary General’s Congratulatory Remarks
In her congratulatory message, Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, Secretary General of UCLG ASPAC, praised Jeonju’s leadership and commended the Forum as a powerful example of solidarity among cities and local governments. She reminded participants, quoting a Korean proverb: “One pillar alone cannot build a house.”
“No single city can tackle climate change, demographic shifts, or technological disruption in isolation. We must build together.”
She also underscored Jeonju’s role as an active UCLG ASPAC member and as a model city blending cultural heritage, innovation, and citizen participation. Her message resonated with UCLG ASPAC’s core mission — fostering resilient, inclusive, and youth-empowered cities across the Asia-Pacific region.
Inspiring Keynote Presentations
The Opening Ceremony also featured two keynote presentations that deepened the Forum’s vision.
- Professor Mario Santana Quintero (Carleton University, Canada) called for a future where cultural heritage preservation and urban renewal go hand in hand, powered by digital innovation and international solidarity.
- Professor Choi Jae-Chun (Biodiversity Foundation, Ewha Woman’s University) addressed the pressing climate, demographic, and environmental crises, urging cities to become eco-based communities where nature, humanity, and society coexist harmoniously.
Together, the keynote speakers highlighted the dual priorities of protecting heritage while innovating for ecological resilience — both central to the Asia-Pacific urban agenda.
Session Highlights: Five Agendas for Future Cities
The Forum explored five major agendas, each reflecting challenges and opportunities faced by global cities:
- Cultural Cities: A Global Renaissance
Discussion explored how culture and heritage drive sustainability and global connectivity. Jeonju’s culinary and artistic heritage was showcased as a case of cultural identity serving as a global bridge. - City Branding and Design: The Rebirth of Cities
Showcase of strategies from Jeonju, Porto, and Geelong on how design and branding can enhance competitiveness and sustainability, particularly for medium-sized cities. - AI for Sustainable Urban Services
From healthcare to mobility and agriculture, experts demonstrated how AI technologies are reshaping urban life, aligning with the vision of “AI City, AI Life Jeonju.” - Youth Future Lab: Diversity and Coexistence in the Population Crisis Era
Dr. Bernadia delivered a keynote on “Global Cities Shaped by Youth,” sharing UCLG ASPAC’s youth policies and success stories from Seoul, Surabaya, Manila, and Kathmandu. She introduced the concept of Agilience— agility plus resilience — as essential for cities to remain adaptive and sustainable. Youth participants responded with a declaration envisioning inclusive and youth-friendly cities. In addition, one of the special highlights was the Youth Future Lab Awards, which recognised innovative youth contributions to shaping the future of cities. During this segment, Sungchan Lee, an intern of UCLG ASPAC from Jeonbuk University, shared forward-looking ideas on how youth participation can be strengthened at global stages, inspiring delegates with the vision of young leaders stepping into policymaking arenas worldwide. - Citizen Future Lab: Eco-Friendly Transportation for a Sustainable Future
The session engaged 100 citizens in designing solutions for hydrogen bus systems and public transit, emphasising citizen ownership in shaping urban sustainability.
Aligning with UCLG ASPAC’s Youth and Future Cities Objectives
Throughout the Forum, UCLG ASPAC’s commitment to advancing Youth and Future Cities was evident. By empowering youth as decision-makers, fostering inclusive governance, and promoting city solidarity, the Forum echoed UCLG ASPAC’s objective: to create cities that are not only sustainable and resilient but also co-created by younger generations who will inherit and lead them.
A Milestone for Collective Action
The Jeonju Future Cities Forum 2025 closed with optimism and renewed commitment. With cultural vibrancy, innovative ideas, and strong citizen and youth voices, the Forum affirmed that the future of cities must be built together — through solidarity, inclusivity, and agilience. For UCLG ASPAC, the Forum was not just a milestone event but a reaffirmation of its mission: uniting cities of the Asia-Pacific in shaping futures that are resilient, inclusive, and hopeful.
