October 22, 2024 | UCLG ASPAC Southeast Asia (SEA) Standing Committee convened on October 22, 2024 under the framework of the UCLG ASPAC Council Meeting 2024 in Zhengzhou. Attended by more than 32 participants, the meeting was fruitful as it covered various topics of discussion, including the adoption of initiatives to be integrated into the workplan and implemented further by the Committee.
Key points of discussion included the successful conduct of ASEAN Mayors Forum (AMF) 2024, held in Vientiane, Lao PDR, drew approximately 350 participants under the theme “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience for Sustainable Development of ASEAN Cities,” with the opening remarks delivered by the Prime Minister of Lao PDR and Secretary General of ASEAN. It was reported that the Forum adopted the Vientiane Declaration 2024 and introduced the renaming of AMF to the ASEAN Governors and Mayors Forum (AGMF). As for the next AMF (hosted in 2025), a leadership baton was passed to Malaysian cities and local governments.
SEA Standing Committee meeting discussion also included the collaborative project between Guangzhou People’s Municipal Government and UCLG ASPAC that resulted in two notable initiatives including the Healthy and Green School Project (launched in North Minahasa, Indonesia in June 2024) and the Playtime for Every Brave Heart Playground Project (located in Xaythany District Hospital, Vientiane, Lao PDR; inaugurated in September 2024).
The discussion addressed the need to localise the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 to be adopted by ASEAN State Leaders in Malaysia in May 2025, emphasising the critical role that local governments play in supporting ASEAN’s strategic objectives. Related to this, UCLG ASPAC SEA Standing Committee will start raising awareness of local governments on ASEAN Community Vision 2025, through the organisation of Localising ASEAN Community Vision 2045-Consultative Meeting engaging distinguished Mayors, City Leaders, and ASEAN experts, planned to be hosted by Quirino Province. Building on this commitment, the AGMF 2025 will include a city or local government-pairing session to enhance collaboration and resilience among ASEAN cities. These initiatives aim to ensure that the local governments can effectively contribute to ASEAN’s broader goals while fostering stronger regional partnerships.
The discussion on regional peace and security further emphasised collaborative efforts to address emerging threats. Participants agreed that AGMF City-Pairing Collaboration amongst sub-national governments in ASEAN and further cooperation with the ASEAN Secretariat is essential for achieving the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. Concerning inclusivity and resilience in ASEAN cities to address future challenges, an ASEAN City Pairing Session will be added to the AGMF 2025 Agenda. UCLG ASPAC SEA Standing Committee also confirmed its participation in the ASEAN Exhibition 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
Furthermore, the Committee will also be actively involved in the development of the UCLG ASPAC Manifesto/Strategic Plan 2025-2030.
