Korea Mayors, County Heads, and District Heads Association Successfully Concludes Joint Chairpersons' Meeting

Joint Resolution for Local Autonomy, Decentralization, and Balanced National Development

Jeollanamdo Governor Kim Youngrok is taking a commemorative photo with attendees at the 3rd Year of the 8th Term Korea Mayors, County Heads, and District Heads Association held at Jangheung Integrated Medical Convention Center on the 22nd. Provided by Jeonnam Province

On April 22, Jeollanamdo announced that it held the "3rd Joint Chairpersons' Meeting of the 3rd Year of the 8th Term" of the Korea Mayors, County Heads, and District Heads Association at the Jangheung Integrated Medical Convention Center in Jangheung County, where participants jointly resolved to realize local autonomy and decentralization, as well as balanced national development.

Governor Kim Youngrok of Jeollanamdo attended the event and stated, "It is meaningful that this meeting is being held in Jangheung, a city of Nobel literature," adding, "As the competitiveness of local regions is directly linked to the competitiveness of the nation, fundamentally strengthening local capabilities through constitutional amendments for local decentralization and fiscal decentralization is a mission of our era and a task that must be accomplished together."

Jo Jaegu, head of Nam-gu District in Daegu and the association's representative chairperson, along with 12 other local government leaders attending the meeting, jointly read a statement urging all political parties and presidential candidates to present visions for local decentralization and balanced national development ahead of the 21st presidential election.

Participants also reported on current issues such as improving the national disaster management system for large-scale wildfires, and revising population calculation standards related to administrative district adjustments. They deliberated on agenda items including the "Old Downtown Home Repair Specialization Project" proposed by Gwangju Dong-gu District Office, and "Improvement of the Local Subsidy Total Limit System" proposed by Okcheon County in Chungbuk.

After the meeting, attendees visited the Ahn Junggeun Memorial History Museum in Jangdong-myeon, Jangheung, where they listened to a historical explanation of Haedongsa from a cultural commentator, watched a video titled "Ahn Junggeun Remembered in Light," and continued their schedule by paying tribute to Ahn Junggeun, who sacrificed his life for peace and unity.

The Korea Mayors, County Heads, and District Heads Association was established in 1999 to promote the development of 228 cities, counties, and districts nationwide, expand local autonomy and decentralization, and resolve shared local issues. The association has carried out various activities to realize the value of "grassroots local autonomy," including cooperation with the central government and expanding exchanges among local governments.