Goyang to Host First UCLG ASPAC General Assembly by a Basic Local Government at KINTEX Hall 1, September 24-26
Discussing Sustainable Urban Agendas: Jobs, Youth, Energy, and More
Mayor Lee Donghwan: "Establishing Goyang as a Hub for Asia-Pacific Local Government Cooperation"
Goyang Special City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Lee Donghwan) is making every effort to ensure the successful hosting of the 10th UCLG ASPAC Goyang General Assembly, which will be held over three days from September 24 to 26 at KINTEX Exhibition Hall 1.
According to Goyang Special City on July 21, this general assembly is the largest international conference for local governments in the Asia-Pacific region, with over 220 local governments from 22 countries participating. It is especially significant as it is a UCLG General Assembly hosted independently by a basic local government.
UCLG (United Cities and Local Governments) is the world’s largest international organization of local governments, officially recognized by the United Nations (UN), and UCLG ASPAC is its Asia-Pacific regional branch.
At the 9th General Assembly held in Yiwu, China in 2023, Mayor Lee Donghwan personally presented the proposal to host the event, expressing the city’s intention to hold it. As a result, Goyang was unanimously selected by the UCLG ASPAC Board of Directors as the host city for the 10th General Assembly.
Since March, Goyang Special City has formed a dedicated organizing committee to prepare for the assembly, operating task-specific departments, securing an external advisory panel, and establishing facility inspection and safety plans. This practical, all-out system covers the entire preparation process for the assembly.
The official website (https://goyang2025.uclg-aspac.kr), launched in June, serves as a platform for providing assembly information, introducing speakers, accepting contest submissions, and processing participation applications, thereby facilitating domestic and international promotion and networking.
In addition, to make this assembly a citizen-participatory international event, a contest is currently underway. Entries are being accepted in three categories: photography, essay, and startup pitching. Winning works will be displayed on the website (essays), exhibited in the lobby (photographs), and given the opportunity to pitch at the assembly venue (startups). Submissions are open until August 8 via the official website.
Lee Donghwan, mayor of Goyang Special City, is seen meeting with Secretary General Bernadia on November 13, 2023, to propose the hosting of the UCLG ASPAC in Goyang City. Provided by Goyang Special City
Under the theme "Sustainable Global Self-Reliant Cities and Regions for the Future," the assembly will feature five major sub-forums: job creation, youth leadership, energy self-sufficiency, family-friendly cities, and urban growth. In-depth discussions will focus on the challenges faced by cities.
Additionally, the assembly will address common issues among global cities, such as the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Nexus, urban mobility, nature-based solutions (NBSs), and women’s leadership in local governments.
Key speakers will include Dakila Carlo Cua, President of UCLG ASPAC; Lee Jangwoo, Mayor of Daejeon Metropolitan City (incoming UCLG President); Sara Hoeflich, UCLG World Deputy Secretary General; the ambassadors of Vietnam and Qatar to Korea; and Cho Kyuil, Mayor of Jinju City.
On September 27, after the assembly concludes, a city tour will be offered, featuring Goyang’s representative attractions such as Haengju Fortress, Janghang Wetland, and Hyundai Motorstudio. This will not only facilitate exchanges between cities but also provide opportunities to experience Goyang’s history and culture, further strengthening global networking.
During the assembly, Goyang Special City plans to maximize synergy in city diplomacy by linking the event with large-scale exhibitions and cultural events held around KINTEX and Ilsan Lake Park, such as the "World City Tech Expo 2025," "Smart Land Expo," "Goyang Lake Arts Festival," and "Goyang Autumn Flower Festival."
The venue, KINTEX, hosted 244 international conferences in 2023 and 274 in 2024, having fully recovered to pre-COVID-19 levels. With the construction of the third exhibition hall underway, it is now equipped to attract large-scale international events on the scale of CES.
Furthermore, as the largest exhibition and convention center in Korea, KINTEX has already returned to pre-pandemic levels, hosting 244 international conferences in 2023 and 274 in 2024. With the ongoing construction of its third exhibition hall, KINTEX is growing as a global MICE infrastructure capable of hosting major international events on the scale of CES.
Lee Donghwan, mayor of Goyang Special City, delivering the keynote speech at the '2nd UCLG ASPAC Zhengzhou Executive Meeting Main Forum' on October 23, 2024. Photo by Goyang Special City
Through this general assembly, Goyang Special City aims to establish itself as a central city for international solidarity toward sustainable urban development, while solidifying its brand as a globally recognized MICE city.
Mayor Lee Donghwan stated, "This general assembly will go beyond a simple meeting to become a practical platform for international cooperation and exchange for sustainable cities. It will serve as an opportunity for Goyang to emerge as a global MICE hub and a leading city for cooperation among local governments in the Asia-Pacific region."
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