Goyang City Ramps Up Preparations for 10th UCLG ASPAC Assembly
Active Participation from Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Africa
First Basic Local Government Host
Presents Vision for International Cooperation on Sustainable Global Cities
Goyang Special City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Lee Donghwan) is making final preparations for the "2025 10th United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) Goyang General Assembly," which will be held over three days from September 24 to 26 at KINTEX Exhibition Hall 1.
With about 20 days left until the event, the city is finalizing the program and operational plans to ensure the successful hosting of this international assembly, which will be attended by delegations from local governments and international organizations around the world.
Approximately 500 participants from 220 local governments are expected to attend the assembly. Reflecting the high level of global interest in the event, registrations have been active not only from the Asia-Pacific region but also from around the world. As of now, over 20 countries have completed their registration, including Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines from Asia, as well as Canada, Spain, Switzerland from the Americas and Europe, and Nigeria from Africa.
To increase participation and provide more opportunities for local governments and institutions (including NGOs and related organizations), the city has extended the registration deadline from the original August 31 to September 12. After the early registration period (June to July, $120 per person), general registration is now underway at $150 per person.
The UCLG ASPAC General Assembly, held biennially, marks its 10th edition this year. Major Asian cities such as Daegu (1st), Pattaya, Thailand (2nd), Jeollabuk-do (6th), and Yiwu, China (9th) have previously hosted the assembly, raising its international profile. This year, Goyang City will become the first basic local government to host the event, opening a "historic first stage."
The theme of this year's Goyang General Assembly is "Self-Sustainable Global Cities and Regions for the Future." Presentations will cover various cases of urban innovation, including renewable energy, smart infrastructure, and the circular economy. In addition, government officials, international organizations, academia, and the private sector will collaborate to explore practical solutions for strengthening interregional solidarity, enhancing urban self-reliance, and implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Gao Jin, Vice Mayor of Yiwu, China, and Daria Turley, Deputy Chair of the Australian Local Government Association, will lead the main forum, discussing sustainable development and the role of local governments. UN Special Envoy Jean Todt will deliver a keynote speech via video, presenting a vision for international cooperation.
Keynote Speech at the 2nd UCLG ASPAC Zhengzhou Executive Committee Meeting Main Forum 2024. Provided by Goyang Special City
Additionally, internationally renowned figures such as the Mayor of Mal?, Maldives, Ambassador Vu Ho of Vietnam to Korea, and Ambassador Khalid of Qatar to Korea will attend the sub-forums, sharing their experiences and policies across five key topics.
The "Energy Self-Sufficiency Session" will discuss enhancing energy independence and efficiency in cities and regions through the adoption of renewable energy, as well as policy innovation and public-private cooperation. Experts from the Maldives, Malaysia, and Ulsan will share their experiences. The "Family-Friendly Cities Session" will focus on addressing low birth rates, increasing fertility, and creating family-friendly urban environments. The "Urban Growth Session" will discuss the development of smart cities through the adoption of innovative technologies and infrastructure. The "Job Creation Session" will showcase cases from various countries on expanding sustainable employment. In addition, the "Youth Leadership Session" will concentrate on strategies to foster youth as key drivers of sustainable urban development.
Comprehensive preparations to ensure the convenience and safety of event participants are proceeding smoothly.
Shuttle buses will operate between the main venue, KINTEX Exhibition Hall 1, and Sono Calm Hotel to enhance participant convenience. For international attendees, guidance services including simultaneous and consecutive interpretation will be strengthened. Numerous guides will be deployed, and overall program schedules will be provided via QR codes, along with pre-event email notifications and participant handbooks.
A medical support team and dedicated safety personnel will be stationed at the venue to enable a prompt response to emergencies. Information on evacuation procedures will be provided to participants through signage and evacuation guidance videos, and a cooperative system will be established with Ilsan Western Police Station and the fire department. In addition, detailed safety incident response plans have been developed to ensure thorough prevention and minimize potential damage.
To make this assembly a "platform for open exchange," various related events are also being promoted.
Lee Donghwan, Mayor of Goyang Special City, meets with the Secretary-General to propose attracting UCLG ASPAC to Goyang City. Photo by Goyang Special City
During the same period at KINTEX, the "World City Tech Expo 2025," the "7th Regular Meeting of the Korea Association of Metropolitan Mayors," and the "Smart Land Expo" will be held, while at Ilsan Lake Park, the "Goyang Lake Art Festival" and the "Goyang Autumn Flower Festival" will offer participants a diverse range of attractions. In particular, a joint promotional booth with the "World City Tech Expo 2025" will be set up to support broad exchanges between local governments and domestic and international companies.
Mayor Lee Donghwan of Goyang Special City stated, "This assembly is a significant opportunity for Goyang to establish itself as a hub of cooperation among global cities. We will strive for a successful event that will have a ripple effect on future world assemblies, lead the agenda for global local government cooperation, and inspire other cities."
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