Asia-Pacific Local Governments Gather as UCLG ASPAC Goyang General Assembly Opens

Goyang Welcomes Local Government Leaders from 27 Countries
Key Urban Issues Discussed: City Culture, Women's Leadership, Climate Crisis
UCLG ASPAC Logistics Committee Membership and LOI Signed
Samulnori and K-pop: A Stage for Harmony of Tradition and Modernity
Mayor Lee Donghwan: "Solutions to Climate and Digital Divide Will Be Found Through City Cooperation"

The "2025 10th United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific Section (UCLG ASPAC) Goyang General Assembly," the largest international conference of local governments in the Asia-Pacific region, kicked off on the 24th at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, for a three-day schedule.

Lee Donghwan, mayor of Goyang Special City, is delivering a greeting at the "2025 10th World Organization of United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific Section (UCLG ASPAC) Goyang General Assembly," the largest international conference of local governments in the Asia-Pacific region, on the 24th. Provided by Goyang Special City

This general assembly saw the participation of delegations from local governments in 27 countries, exceeding initial expectations and drawing even greater international attention and anticipation.

On the morning of the first day, the Culture Committee, the Standing Committee for Women in Local Government, and the Finance Committee convened to discuss key issues such as cultural exchanges between cities, the expansion of women’s leadership, and responses to the climate crisis.

Lee Donghwan, mayor of Goyang Special City, met with Bernadia Chandradewi, Secretary General of UCLG ASPAC, to reaffirm their commitment to a successful assembly and to cooperation among local governments.

At the subsequent Asia-Pacific Local Government Leaders’ Roundtable, delegations including Daria Turley, Vice President of the Australian Local Government Association, and Abd Hamid Hussain, President of the Malaysian Local Government Association, shared innovative policies and best practices, and discussed ways to collaborate on realizing the UCLG ASPAC agenda for 2026 to 2030.

Mayor Lee stated, "Today’s cities are at the forefront of humanity’s challenges, including the climate crisis, energy transition, and the digital divide. I hope that through this Goyang General Assembly, we can share the wisdom of each city and work together to make this a turning point for the prosperity and sustainable development of the Asia-Pacific region."

Lee Donghwan, mayor of Goyang Special City, is taking a commemorative photo with Bernadia Chandradewi, Secretary General of United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPAC), on the 24th. Provided by Goyang Special City

On the same day, Mayor Lee also held talks with Gao Jin, Vice Mayor of Yiwu, Zhejiang Province, China. The two cities agreed to sign a Letter of Intent (LOI) for friendly exchanges at the opening ceremony on the 25th and to cooperate in various fields such as trade, logistics, e-commerce, education, tourism, and science and technology.

Additionally, Goyang City officially received its certificate of membership in the UCLG ASPAC Logistics Committee. Established at the 2023 Yiwu General Assembly in China, this committee promotes regional development through exchanges of logistics infrastructure and policies, including ports, airports, railways, and e-commerce.

Mayor Lee added, "As Goyang pursues future-oriented urban strategies such as the promotion of a free economic zone and the establishment of a smart city, I look forward to achieving results in trade, investment, and logistics innovation through cooperation with Yiwu."

At the welcome dinner, which concluded the first day of the assembly, Goyang’s traditional liquor "Baedari Makgeolli" was introduced. Mayor Lee welcomed participants by introducing Baedari Makgeolli, saying, "Just as makgeolli is brewed from the harmonious blending of rice, water, and nuruk, I hope the Asia-Pacific community will come together harmoniously to create a hopeful future."

Leaders of local governments in the Asia-Pacific region are taking a commemorative photo after concluding a roundtable meeting on the 24th. Provided by Goyang Special City

The dinner was attended by Dakila Carlo Cua, President of UCLG ASPAC, Secretary General Bernadia Chandradewi, and delegations from various countries. The event also featured a K-pop performance by Goyang’s street dance team "Earthquake" and a samulnori performance by Kim Deoksu’s troupe, creating a space for exchange that blended tradition and modernity.

Meanwhile, on the second day of the assembly, September 25, the opening ceremony will be held, followed by the main forum on "Sustainable Global Self-Sufficient Cities and Regions for the Future" and five sub-forums focusing on jobs, youth, energy, family-friendliness, and urban growth.