[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”||0px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]16-18 November 2021 | UCLG ASPAC attended the UCLG World Council Meeting 2021 organised in hybrid mode at the Smart City Exhibition Centre. The gathering included a council meeting taking theme “Smart Cities and Territories, Pillars of the Common Agenda”; the UCLG World Council Policy Debate and Business Session addressing how the municipal movement can contribute to the UN SecretaryGeneral’s Common Agenda, and world transformation in the coming years, emphasising on the future of human rights; and a session themed “A Pact for the Future: Renewing the Social Contract for the Great Reset” in regards to the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic to demonstrate the important role of local and regional governments.
UCLG ASPAC is glad to see active involvement of cities from Asia and the Pacific in various dialogue sessions.
During the UCLG World Council Policy Debate & Business Session, Mr. Qiang Sheng, Xi’an Municipal Government, China, reported on the success of the fifth Guangzhou Award for Urban Innovation and multilateral activities to amplify local governments’ voices to the world. On this occasion, he expressed appreciation to UCLG ASPAC continuous efforts to promote win-win cooperation within the UCLG framework.
Mr. Qiang also shared his observation and thought in the Pact for the Future session mentioning that erasing gaps between the rich and poor will take (a long) time, but equal access to basic services must be delivered to all, such as vaccinations. Regarding this, he called for effective, resilient, and people-centred local governance.
There was also Mayor Noraini Roslan of Subang Jaya reiterating lessons learned by cities during the pandemic and calling for support from all levels of government.
Mayor Her Tae-Jeong of Daejeon, through a video message shared the 2023 UCLG Congress preparation in Daejeon taking theme “Breaking Through as One”. He proudly stated that the Congress will be held with full support and cooperation of the central government. He also mentioned the request to UCLG World Secretariat to invite the Korean Cities Federation of North Korea to the Congress to deliver strong message for peace on the Korean Peninsula and in the world. He looks forward to seeing UCLG members in Daejeon.
Governor Anies Baswedan of Jakarta, host city of UCLG ASPAC Secretariat, through a video message on UCLG Executive Bureau Policy Debate and Business Session, mentioned the importance of the pact for the future and cordially invite UCLG members to the next U20 event held in Jakarta.
In addition, there was Vice Governor Emil Dardak of East Java, on the UCLG World Forum of Regions, sharing the three key issues faced by local government including fiscal relationship with municipalities, local democracy and public opinion, and relationship with the central government.
The outcome of the World Council included the adoption of the 2022 work plan, the approval of the budget, and a new interim governance structure with a rotating UCLG Presidency, and preparations for the Seventh UCLG Congress in Daejeon 2022.
In the World Council, Mayor Berry Vrbanovic of Kitchener, Canada, and UCLG Treasurer reported that Dr. Mohamed Boudra had not sought re-election as mayor and that Co-President Nkadimeng had been appointed deputy minister in the South African government, and thus were no longer eligible to serve on the UCLG Executive Bureau. Upon discussion at the Statutory Affairs Committee, the Committee recommended rotating the presidency among the members of the Executive Bureau until the end of the term in 2022, with Boudra serving as Honorary President and Nkadimeng as Honorary Co-President until then. Mayor Ilsur Metshin of Kazan, the Russian Federation, is the incoming UCLG President.
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