Strengthening Solidarity and Cooperation Among Major Asian Cities for "Innovation, Inclusion, and Shared Development"
Mayor Lee Mingeun: "Aiming for a Global Community City Where All Citizens Grow Together"
On September 19, the city of Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, announced that eight cities from Korea and abroad had adopted a "Joint Statement Pledging Solidarity and Cooperation Among Intercultural Cities" at the "2025 Ansan Intercultural City International Symposium" held at Hotel Square Ansan on the 18th.
At the "Ansan Intercultural City International Symposium" held on the 18th, Ansan Mayor Lee Mingeun (center) and other participants performed a solidarity and cooperation pledge after adopting a joint statement. Provided by Ansan City
The symposium was attended by over 200 people, including Ansan Mayor Lee Mingeun, Hamamatsu Mayor Nakano Yusuke from Japan, Rita Marascalchi, Head of the Inclusion and Integration Secretariat at the Council of Europe (CoE), delegations from eight cities across five countries, experts, and citizens.
During the symposium, a joint statement was announced, focusing on building an Asian intercultural city network under the vision of "Innovation, Inclusion, and Shared Development," with Ansan City and Hamamatsu City of Japan at the center.
In the declaration, participants stated, "We deeply agree that differences in cultural backgrounds are a source of innovation and vitality, not conflict." They pledged to create an "Innovative City" that integrates intercultural perspectives into all areas of municipal governance, an "Inclusive City" that guarantees the full participation of all residents, and a "Shared Development City" that grows together through intercultural exchange.
At the symposium, Mayor Lee Mingeun presented a blueprint for Ansan's future as Korea's leading intercultural city under the theme "The Future of Intercultural City Ansan."
Hamamatsu Mayor Nakano Yusuke gave a presentation on "Hamamatsu's Leading Initiatives," while Rita Marascalchi of the Council of Europe spoke on "Intercultural Cities in Practice."
On the same day, Mayor Lee held a series of meetings with delegations from six cities in five countries, including Japan, the Philippines, Mongolia, and China, to discuss practical measures for intercity exchange and cooperation.
Mayor Lee stated, "This symposium was an opportunity for Ansan, as Korea's leading intercultural city, to lay the foundation for a new vision of 'Innovation, Inclusion, and Shared Development.' Building on the joint statement, we will do our utmost to create a global community city where all citizens grow together."
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