Dobong-gu Presents Best Practices in Sustainable Development at the Asia-Pacific RCE General Assembly

Participation of UN University and Asia-Pacific RCE (Regional Centers of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development) Cities... Sharing Practices and Actions of RCE Cities for Sustainable Development Education in Response to SDGs and COVID-19

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Dobong-gu, an RCE city (Mayor Lee Dong-jin), attended the 13th Asia-Pacific RCE General Assembly held on the 24th, which was participated by the UN University and RCE cities in the Asia-Pacific region.

This General Assembly is an annual gathering of RCE cities in the Asia-Pacific region to share cases and build networks, and this year it was held in Kyrgyzstan (RCE Kyrgyzstan) in Central Asia.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the assembly was conducted as a webinar in four sessions (9/10, 9/24, 10/8, 10/22), where discussions were held on Education for Sustainable Development and the role of RCE in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the theme of this General Assembly, "Building Capacity for Sustainability," each RCE city presented ▲ the impact of COVID-19 on local communities ▲ ways to enhance RCE activities in response to COVID-19.

Dobong RCE presented ▲ the COVID-19 situation in Korea, Seoul, and Dobong-gu ▲ the COVID-19 situation in Dobong-gu from economic, social, and educational perspectives ▲ projects and initiatives being carried out while adhering to safety guidelines despite the COVID-19 situation (such as ESD textbook development and operation of the University for Sustainable Development) ▲ overall COVID-19 response by Dobong RCE ▲ efforts to achieve SDG4 (Quality Education) target 4.7 (ensuring acquisition of knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development).

In particular, Dobong RCE’s bicycle concept for sustainability (Global Citizenship - Glocal Leadership - Education for Sustainable Development) received great acclaim from RCE cities.

Mayor Lee Dong-jin of Dobong-gu stated, “Following last year’s participation in Hangzhou, China, this second participation in the Asia-Pacific RCE General Assembly allowed us to learn about various Education for Sustainable Development actions and practices by RCE cities in the Asia-Pacific region in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was an opportunity to share Dobong RCE’s excellent projects and initiatives with the Asia-Pacific region.” He added, “As the first district in Seoul to be certified as an RCE, we will promote the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Education for 2030 action plan through close networking and case sharing with RCE cities.”