Adoption of the "Goyang Declaration"
Presenting a Vision for a Sustainable Global City
Lee Donghwan Elected Co-Chairman of the Northeast Asia Region
807 Delegates from 27 Countries
Sharing City Experiences and Policies to Find Common S
The "2025 10th United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) Goyang General Assembly," the first of its kind to be hosted by a local government, concluded on the 26th at KINTEX in Goyang Special City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Lee Donghwan) with the announcement of the "Goyang Declaration" by mayors, governors, and representatives of local and regional governments from the Asia-Pacific region. This assembly, unprecedented among local governments, served as an opportunity to showcase Goyang’s global diplomatic capabilities on the world stage.
Lee Donghwan, mayor of Goyang Special City, was elected as the co-chairman of the Northeast Asia region at the board meeting held on the 26th, attended by Carlos Cuah, president of UCLG ASPAC, Bernadia Chandradewi, secretary-general, and representatives of major cities in Asia and the Pacific. Provided by Goyang Special City
The assembly brought together approximately 807 delegates from 173 local governments and organizations across 27 countries worldwide, including the Asia-Pacific region. Participants shared their cities’ experiences and policies, seeking solutions to common challenges such as the climate crisis, economic recovery, and expanding youth participation.
The closing ceremony featured the announcement of the "Goyang Declaration." The declaration outlined a vision for a "sustainable global self-reliant city," including economic resilience and job creation, sustainable urban growth, strengthening youth leadership, accelerating energy independence, and creating inclusive and family-friendly cities. The participating cities expressed hopes that this declaration would spread beyond the Asia-Pacific region to the world.
The preceding board meeting was attended by Lee Donghwan, mayor of Goyang Special City, Carlos Cuah, president of UCLG ASPAC, Bernadia Chandradewi, secretary-general, and representatives of major cities in the Asia-Pacific region. The attendees emphasized the need for joint action to address shared challenges such as responding to the climate crisis, expanding youth participation, and building smart infrastructure. They also agreed to strengthen future cooperation networks by sharing the outcomes of inter-city exchanges.
Local government delegations attending the UCLG ASPAC Goyang General Assembly are taking a commemorative photo. Provided by Goyang Special City
Lee Donghwan, mayor of Goyang Special City, was elected as the co-chairman of the Northeast Asia region during this assembly. Mayor Lee stated, "The Northeast Asia region has a rich history and culture and significant economic potential, while also facing complex challenges such as climate change, urban issues, and security. As co-chairman, I am committed to building bridges of mutual growth and cooperation among member cities to ensure sustainable and innovative development in the Asia-Pacific region."
On the same day, participants gathered at Ilsan Lake Park to plant a white pine tree, a symbol of Goyang, wishing for a "sustainable future" and "lasting friendship and trust." This commemorative tree-planting event went beyond simply planting a tree, serving as a symbolic act to share a commitment to carbon neutrality and addressing the climate crisis.
Lee Donghwan, mayor of Goyang Special City (left), and Gao Jin, vice mayor of Yiwu City, China, are holding the "Goyang City - Yiwu City, China Friendly Cooperation Agreement Signing Ceremony" on the 26th. Provided by Goyang Special City
During the assembly, Goyang City signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for friendly exchanges with Yiwu City, Zhejiang Province, China, agreeing to promote cooperation and exchanges in various fields such as trade, investment, education, and tourism. In addition, Goyang officially joined the UCLG ASPAC Logistics Committee, expanding collaboration in global logistics innovation sectors including ports, airports, railways, and e-commerce. This achievement is seen as strengthening the foundation for international cooperation, aligning with Goyang’s ongoing efforts to designate an economic free zone and establish a smart logistics hub.
Through this assembly, Goyang City demonstrated its capacity to host international conferences, secured the election of the Northeast Asia regional co-chairman, signed an LOI with Yiwu City and joined the Logistics Committee, and took the lead in global agenda discussions, thereby further strengthening its global city diplomacy leadership.
Going forward, Goyang plans to continue its progress toward becoming a sustainable global city by following up on the "Goyang Declaration" and reinforcing international networks.
Lee Donghwan, mayor of Goyang Special City, and representatives of local governments from various countries are planting a commemorative tree at the UCLG ASPAC General Assembly ceremony on the 26th. Provided by Goyang Special City
Meanwhile, on the morning of the 27th, a city tour program will be offered for participants. The delegation will visit sites such as Haengju Fortress, Janghang Wetlands, Hyundai Motorstudio, and the Aerospace Museum, directly experiencing Goyang’s history, culture, and industry. The city aims to provide participants with a special opportunity not only to discuss policy but also to appreciate the unique charms of Goyang and broaden the scope of international exchange.
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