Join the Call for Papers
The United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) invites academics, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to submit their original research and case studies for presentation at the 10th UCLG ASPAC Congress. This is an opportunity to contribute to key discussions on urban sustainability, governance, and innovation while engaging with global experts and decision-makers.
- Who can participate?
Researchers, urban planners, policymakers, academics, and practitioners working in the fields of urban development, governance, sustainability, and related disciplines. - Why submit?
- Gain international recognition by presenting your research at a prestigious forum.
- Contribute to evidence-based policymaking and innovative urban solutions.
- Have your work included in the official conference proceedings, which will be shared with local government authorities, international organisations, and urban development institutions.
- Selected outstanding papers may be considered for publication in partner academic journals or policy briefs.
- How to submit?
- Submit an abstract (maximum 300 words) outlining your research, methodology, key findings, and relevance to the Congress themes before 18 July 2025
- If accepted, you will be required to submit a full paper following the provided guidelines.
For more details on submission guidelines, deadlines, and review criteria, please contact Mr. Agung Zulhatta (agung.zulhatta@uclg-aspac.org).
For abstract submission please fill the form here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CFP2025-Congress
About the Congress
The United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) Congress is a flagship event held every two years, bringing together local governments, policymakers, and urban development experts from across the Asia-Pacific region. It serves as a key platform for cities to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and address the most pressing challenges in urban governance, sustainability, and resilience.
As the largest regional section of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), UCLG ASPAC plays a vital role in advocating for local governance, decentralisation, and sustainable urban development. The Congress provides an opportunity for leaders, practitioners, and stakeholders to shape policies and strategies that promote inclusive, innovative, and future-ready cities.
Cities and regions across Asia and the Pacific are at the forefront of global transformation. While urbanisation drives economic growth and innovation, it also presents complex challenges such as climate change, infrastructure demands, social inequalities, and resource management. The UCLG ASPAC Congress is a space where local governments can:
- Share best practices and innovative solutions for sustainable urban development.
- Strengthen city-to-city cooperation for policy exchange and collaboration.
- Engage with experts, institutions, and development partners on global urban trends.
- Enhance the role of local governments in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global urban agendas.
The 10th UCLG ASPAC Congress – Goyang 2025
Against this backdrop, the 10th UCLG ASPAC Congress will convene city leaders, policymakers, and experts to explore innovative strategies for self-sufficient and future-ready cities. Under the theme “Sustainable Global Self-Sufficient Cities and Regions for the Future,” the Congress will focus on practical solutions that empower cities to become:
- Economically independent through job creation and sustainable local economies.
- Environmentally resilient by adopting clean energy and smart urban solutions.
- Socially inclusive by prioritising youth leadership, family-friendly policies, and equitable urban development.
The Congress is co-organised by UCLG ASPAC and Goyang Special City and will take place from 24-26 September 2025 at KINTEX, Goyang, South Korea. As a global model city for urban innovation and sustainable development, Goyang will provide the ideal setting for collaborative discussions, knowledge exchange, and regional partnerships.
Bringing together mayors, city officials, urban planners, private sector leaders, and international organisations, this edition of the UCLG ASPAC Congress will offer a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and strategic planning to shape the future of cities in the Asia-Pacific region.
Call for Papers: Objectives
The Call for Papers aims to achieve the following objectives:
- Enhancing Evidence-Based Urban Governance: Encourage research that provides data-driven insights, policy recommendations, and innovative strategies to support local governments in making informed decisions that promote resilient and sustainable urban development.
- Strengthening Knowledge Exchange and Collaboration: Foster interdisciplinary dialogue and partnerships between researchers, policymakers, and urban practitioners to share best practices, experiences, and case studies that address critical urban challenges across the Asia-Pacific region.
- Promoting Innovation for Sustainable Cities: Highlight emerging technologies, forward-thinking policies, and innovative urban solutions that enhance economic opportunities, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability in rapidly growing urban areas.
Output
All accepted papers will be presented in dedicated sub-forum sessions at the Congress. Authors will have the opportunity to present their research before local government authorities, international agencies, academics, and urban professionals from across the Asia-Pacific region.
Selected papers will be compiled into conference proceedings, which will be published and disseminated to Congress participants, policymakers, and urban development institutions. The insights gathered from these papers will also contribute to recommendations for future urban policies and collaborative regional initiatives.
In addition, outstanding papers may be considered for publication in partner academic journals or policy briefs aimed at informing decision-makers at the local and international levels.
Sub-Themes for Paper Submission
Researchers are encouraged to submit papers related to one of the following sub-themes:
- Job Creation and Economic Resilience
- Strategies for employment generation in urban areas.
- Supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship in cities.
- Economic diversification and innovation for self-sufficient urban economies.
- Youth Leadership in Urban Governance
- The role of young people in decision-making processes.
- Youth-led urban innovation and civic engagement.
- Strategies for empowering young leaders in urban governance.
- Energy Self-Sufficiency and Urban Sustainability
- Renewable energy solutions for cities.
- Smart grid and microgrid technologies for sustainable urban energy.
- Policies for reducing urban carbon footprints.
- Family-Friendly Cities and Social Inclusion
- Creating child-friendly and family-oriented urban policies.
- Affordable housing, education, and healthcare in urban areas.
- Strategies for ensuring inclusive and equitable urban development.
- Managing Urban Growth and Sustainability
- Sustainable city expansion and transit-oriented development.
- Environmental conservation and smart city planning.
- Strategies for resilient and adaptive urban infrastructure.
Key Deadlines
UCLG ASPAC Congress Proceedings papers must be formatted to the following Article Structure (Annex 1), Style Checklist (Annex 2), and Paper Template (Annex 3)
- Papers that do not follow these guidelines will be returned for editing.
- Papers must be submitted through the Online Form by the corresponding author.
- Papers submitted through email will not be accepted.
| Milestone | Deadline |
| Call for Papers Announcement | 1 July 2025 |
| Abstract Submission Deadline | 18 July |
| Full Paper Submission Deadline | 25 July 2025 |
| Notification of Full Paper Acceptance/ Selected Speakers | Generally, within four weeks |
| Presentation Slides and Poster/Materials Submission Deadline | 22 August 2025 |
| Congress Dates | 24-26 Sept 2025 |
Registration and Fees
All selected speakers will receive full benefits, while additional attendees (co-authors or companions) must register and pay the designated fee.
1. Benefits for Accepted Presenters
If the full paper is selected, the main presenter will receive:
- Free access to all conference sessions, materials, and networking events.
- Economy-class return airfare support from the presenter’s home country to Incheon International Airport.
- Complimentary hotel accommodation in Goyang from 24-26 September 2025.
- Free meals during the event (24-26 September 2025).
- Official invitation letter and acceptance letter for administrative purposes.
3. Fees for Additional Participants (Co-Authors/Companions)
Co-authors or accompanying persons who wish to attend must register and pay registration fee:
| Category | Fee |
| Co-Author/Companion – Early Registration | USD 120 |
| Co-Author/Companion – Regular Registration | USD 150 |
- What’s Included Networking reception and dinner; Lunch and coffee breaks; City tour; Souvenir
- This fee does not cover airfare, hotel, meal or other personal expenses.
3. Payment Methods
Participants can pay via:
- Bank Transfer: Payment details will be provided upon registration.
- Credit/Debit Card: Available via the online registration system.
For registration, please visit: https://goyang2025.uclg-aspac.kr/en/how-to-register/
Final Notes
- Plagiarism is strictly prohibited – all submitted papers will be checked for originality.
- Authors retain copyright but grant UCLG ASPAC permission to publish selected papers in conference proceedings and partner publications.
- Presenters must attend the Congress in Goyang, South Korea to present their work.
Visa Arrangements
UCLG ASPAC will not provide visa assistance for speakers. However, UCLG ASPAC will support administrative matters, such as issuing an invitation letter and acceptance letter for visa application purposes. All costs related to visa arrangements are the sole responsibility of each participant.
Accommodation & Travel Support
- The UCLG ASPAC Congress 2025 will be held at KINTEX, Goyang, South Korea.
- One presenter per accepted paper will be granted free registration for the event and will not be required to pay for hotel accommodation or meals during the event (25-26 September 2025).
- UCLG ASPAC will provide accommodation within Goyang for one presenter per accepted paper.
- UCLG ASPAC will not cover airfare costs. Selected speakers must arrange their own travel expenses or seek external funding from third-party sources.
