March 30-31, 2023 | UCLG ASPAC, as the Secretariat of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy Southeast Asia (GCoM SEA), successfully organised GCoM SEA Regional Workshop in Bangkok, Thailand. The event convened 101 participants ranging from GCoM pilot cities in the region, EU delegations, UCLG ASPAC as the GCoM SEA Secretariat, GCoM Global Secretariat, development and technical partners, to GCoM signatories in Asia and Europe.
The key event of the workshop was the launching of Climate Action Plans (CAPs) of eight pilot cities from Indonesia (Medan, North Minahasa, Pontianak, and Tangerang) and Malaysia (Iskandar Puteri, Petaling Jaya, Putrajaya, and Segamat). Pilot cities from Viet Nam (Cao Lanh, Hue, Nam Dinh, and Sapa) are finalising their CAPs, while pilot cities from Thailand (Hua Hin, Mae Hia, Nonthaburi, and Suphanburi) will launch their CAPs later this year.
This event was graced by key distinguished figures: Mr. Kiatchai Maitriwong (Executive Director of Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation or TGO); H.E. Mr. David Daly (EU Ambassador to Thailand); Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi (Secretary-General of UCLG ASPAC/GCoM Southeast Asia Secretariat); Ms. Mar-len Abigail Sombillo Binay-Campos (Mayor of Makati and GCoM Board Member for Southeast Asia) through her video message; and Mr. Pornphrom Vikitsreth (Adviser to the Governor of Bangkok, Environmental Affairs).
The event facilitated cities and partners to share their knowledge and experiences in five distinct panel discussions: reporting methodology, low-carbon development, circular economy, adaptation measures, and nature-based solutions. There were also some interactive sessions during the working group on circular economy and poster presentations by pilot cities. During the site visit, workshop participants went to Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park which showcases the practices of climate adaptation.
