April 7-13, 2024 | UCLG ASPAC Secretary General, Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, was invited to Zhengzhou and Beijing from April 7-13, 2024. The visit included her participation in the ASEAN-China (Henan) Month of People-to-People Exchanges, a preparatory meeting with the Zhengzhou Municipal People’s Government which will be hosting the upcoming 2024 UCLG ASPAC Council in October this year, and a bilateral meeting with the China People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) in Beijing.
The visit was highly productive and engaging. She strengthened ties between UCLG ASPAC and Chinese members through her participation in various meetings, speeches, interviews, and cultural exchanges. The discussions held during her visit laid the groundwork for future collaborations and initiatives in areas such as local government logistics, investment, AI, environment, and finance. Furthermore, her visit to Beijing carried the spirit of cooperation and partnership fostered during her time in China.
Upon her arrival in Zhengzhou on April 8, 2024, Secretary General Bernadia immediately engaged in a series of significant activities. She had an interview with Zhengzhou Radio and Television Studio, providing an opportunity to share her insights and perspectives on the significance of holding the ASEAN-China (Henan) Month of People-to-People Exchanges which aimed to strengthen exchanges and cooperation. She also discussed the role that Zhengzhou should play in the development pattern of Asia-Pacific cities and emphasised that Zhengzhou, as a landlocked city, should learn from other cities in its next step of development. Furthermore, she mentioned that the Secretariat has plans to promote cooperation and exchange between Zhengzhou and other cities in the Asia-Pacific region.
CLICK TO WATCH the interview of SG Bernadia with Zhengzhou Radio and Television Studio
A preparatory meeting for the 2024 UCLG ASPAC Council took place, involving the Foreign Affairs Office of the Zhengzhou Municipal People’s Government. The meeting covered key points such as the logistical arrangements for the upcoming 2024 UCLG ASPAC Council, and Zhengzhou’s proposal to include a Mayors and Enterprises Session within the UCLG ASPAC Business Matching framework. Additionally, discussions were held regarding the development of the UCLG ASPAC Manifesto 2025-2030, which encompassed areas such as Logistics and Investment, AI and the Role of Local and Regional Governments, and Access to Finance amongst many others.
Secretary General Bernadia delivered a speech at the ASEAN-China (Henan) Youth Innovation Exchange conference, emphasising the importance of youth engagement in shaping a prosperous future. In her remarks, she highlighted how the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges could be seen as an opportunity to act on the global civilisation initiative, advocate Asian values featuring peace, cooperation, and inclusiveness, and enhance mutual understanding and build closer bonds between the over 2 billion people of the two sides. “We need to embrace the opportunity to forge new partnerships, and collaborate on programmes and projects that will shape the course of our shared future,” she added. She then participated in an interview with the Zhengzhou media group, further amplifying the message of collaboration and exchange.
Secretary General also attended the opening of the Thai Food Festival titled “Thailand Heartbeat,” which showcased the cultural diversity within the ASEAN-China (Henan) Month of People-to-People Exchanges. In the evening, she managed to have a meeting with key officials and businesswomen from Zhengzhou, including Deputy Mayor Ms. Li Fengzhi, and Chairwoman of Zhengzhou Women’s Federation Ms. Shen Hong.
The ASEAN-China (Henan) Month of People-to-People Exchanges
The year 2024 is the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges. To foster affinity and mutual understanding among ASEAN-China people, and promote the exchanges and cooperation between ASEAN and Henan Province to a new level, “The ASEAN-China (Henan) Month of People-to-People Exchanges”, co-sponsored by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, ASEAN-China Centre, ASEAN Secretariat, Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia, the People’s Government of Henan Province, etc., was successfully held in Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China on April 9, 2024. As one of the supporting activities for the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges, “The ASEAN-China (Henan) Month of People-to-People Exchanges,” was organised under the theme of “Writing New Chapters for Civilization Exchanges, Sharing New Opportunities for Economic Growth,” and consisted of series of sub-activities including Opening Ceremony, exhibitions, activities, and visits to the culture and tourism sites and enterprises in cities of Henan Province, such as Zhengzhou, Kaifeng, Luoyang, and Xuchang.
UCLG ASPAC plays a key role in fostering dialogues and cooperation amongst cities and local governments in ASEAN member states through the ASEAN Mayors Forum which received an accreditation from ASEAN in 2018. The upcoming AMF will be held in Vientiane, Lao PDR in September this year.
