NEAR news vol.73th(ENG)

NEAR One Northeast Asia Region, One Community NEAR March-April 2017

Vol.

News

73

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, Gyeongju, South Korea

NEAR This Month

NEAR Activities I Secretariat News I NEAR Member News I NEAR Member Event Schedule(March-April)

Economy News

Shimane Prefecture - Japan

Feature Report 2017 Asia Pacific Cities Summit & Mayors’ Forum (2017 APCS) The 4th NEAR Youth Contest Awarded Pieces - Essay

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

NEAR News

“NEAR News� was launched in 2005 to serve as a messenger between NEAR member regions and to promote the sharing of information.

The bi-monthly magazine is published and distributed to NEAR members and other relevant organizations free of charge, containing information on NEAR activities, news from members, international issues, contributions and announcements (also available free at http://www.neargov.org).

You can take part in creating NEAR News anytime by contributing articles and creative ideas (Contact the NEAR Secretariat).

6 Vol. 73

Maslenitsa (Spring Festival) by Kustodiev, Russia, 1919

12

15

NEAR is... a representative regional diplomacy cooperation and international organization made up of 80 regional governments (73 member regions and 7 observers) in 6 Northeast Asian countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, Russia, North Korea, and Mongolia.

Since the adoption of the NEAR Charter based on mutual prosperity, NEAR has carried out extensive exchange and cooperation projects in various fields ranging from economy and humanities exchange, education & cultural exchange, environment, disaster prevention, cross-border cooperation, science & technology, ocean & fisheries, tourism, mineral resources development & coordination, energy & climate change, women & children, bio-medical industry to agriculture.

Partnering with and promoting joint projects by strengthening the exchange with international organizations such as AER (The Assembly of European Regions), the largest independent network of regional authorities in Europe, and R-20 (Regions of Climate Action), NEAR takes the lead in building an international cooperative network communicating with the world beyond Northeast Asia.

NEAR is open to all.

Regional governments located in Northeast Asia that share in the founding purpose of NEAR can join through the NEAR General Assembly. Associate membership is available for regional governments located in other regions in Asia.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

NEAR This Month

NEAR Activities / Secretariat News

NEAR Activities 2016 NEAR Annual Report

NEAR Working-level Workshop (Apr. 19-21) The 2017 NEAR Working-level Workshop is to be held this year on April 19-21, Jeju Island, over two nights and three days.

At the workshop, a report will be given on the main activities in 2016 and plans for 2017 of the NEAR Secretariat, as well as an introduction of major events and policies of the members, and suggestions for NEAR cooperative events. This will be followed by discussions on the on-going agendas of NEAR, such as a followup on the Adoption of Membership Fee, and the Revision of Subcommittee Rules.

Each member will be notified of the detailed plans of the NEAR Working-level workshop soon, and your interest and participation will be much appreciated. The NEAR Working-level workshop is held annually, and over 800 participants have participated in the meeting to date. The workshop has functioned as an excellent platform for exchange and relationship building among the working-level staff of each member government.

At the start of 2017, the NEAR Secretariat distributed the 2016 Annual Report based on the activities of the previous year. The 2016 Annual Report includes

The 5th Youth Contest, April 2017

information on the NEAR General Assembly, the 2016 NEAR International

This year, the 5th Youth Contest will be held in April. The contest is aimed at

Forum, Subcommittees Activities, the Northeast Asia Youth Leaders Forum, and

raising youth interest in politics, society, economy, and culture in Northeast Asia. It

the 4th Youth Contest, which were all held with the aim of activating exchange

also aims to promote exchange and cooperation among the NEAR member

among the members. The report is published in 6 different languages (Chinese,

regions. As in 2016, the contest will be divided into two sections: Essay and Art ·

Japanese, Korean, Mongolian, Russian and English) and distributed to the

Poster. The details of the contest will be provided in April. NEAR is looking

members and relative organizations to promote further exchange and cooperation.

forward to even more participation and cooperation from our members.

Secretariat News Visit to the 12th Chair, Hunan Province, China (Dec. 5-7, 2016)

NEAR Secretary-General Jun Jae-won visited the 12th Chair, Hunan Province, China, to discuss the future plans of NEAR for the next two years.

Executive Vice-Governor of Hunan Province Chen Xiangqun stated in the meeting with Secretary-General Jun that Hunan would carry out the role of chair in various ways, including the assignment of a department to take charge of NEAR activities aiming to promote increased exchange and cooperation in various fields.

Secretary-General Jun also said that NEAR Secretariat will support Hunan Province in carrying out its duties as chair and that the Secretariat would continue to encourage exchange and cooperation among the members through maintaining a close relationship with Hunan Province.

NEAR Secretariat’s Visit to TPO (Dec. 13, 2016) A group of the NEAR Secretariat staff, headed by the director Kwon Namwon of the department of Planning and Public Relations, visited the Tourism Promotion Organization for Asia Pacific Cities (TPO) in Busan to extend networks and promote information exchange with other international organizations specializing in tourism on December 13, 2016.

NEAR established and has been operating the Subcommittee on Tourism, and has held an international forum under the theme of ‘The Role of Tourism in Collaboration and Development in Northeast Asia,’ on November 25, 2016 in

4

NEAR NEWS Vol. 73

Secretariat News

Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.

TPO is an international organization, for the networking of inter-city cooperation and development of the tourism industry in the Asia Pacific region. Engaged in various events for the development for goods and services in tourism, the TPO will consider holding events such as joint forums with NEAR in the future.

appreciated." Baraalkhakhdaa, the consul of Mongolia responded that he would provide support to NEAR when requested, and is willing to visit the Secretariat Office during the consular comet service in Pohang in February.

The Consulate of Mongolia in Busan was open in January, 2016 and has jurisdiction over Busan, Ulsan, Daegu, Gyeongsangnam-do, Gyeongsangbukdo, and Jeollanam-do in South Korea.

Meeting with Local Students to Promote Globalization (Dec. 21, 2016) NEAR Secretariat visited Pohang High School as a part of a program to develop a global mindset among youth of the region on December 21.

Visit to the Embassy of Vietnam in Korea (Jan. 11) On Wednesday, January 11, 2017, NEAR Secretary-General Jun Jae-won met with the Ambassador Pham Huu Chi to hold discussions to seek cooperation

At this event, 30 students including, students of the “Num-Go-Num-Eoh"

with NEAR. NEAR Secretary-General Jun said ‘Recently, the scope of NEAR

(“Above and Beyond”) Club of Pohang High School and those who are

membership was opened from including nations within Northeast Asia to all

interested in international organizations and international problems, took part.

regions in Asia, through the adoption of associate membership. It would be

Foreign staff from China, Mongolia and Russia held presentations and Q&A sessions on each country and its culture, as well as international organizations.

necessary for the regional governments of Vietnam to use the platform for more cooperation with other regional governments in Northeast Asia." This year, it is

The Secretariat will continue to meet the young adults and youths in the region

anticipated that more mutual exchange will take place, especially since the 2017

and hold programs for the development of a global mindset of our future leaders.

Ho Chi Minh City-Gyeongju Expo will be held in Ho Chi Minh City. NEAR has asked for support from the Embassy of Vietnam to encourage more regional governments to join NEAR as associate members.

Ambassador Pham Huu Chi has said that the Embassy will support Vietnamese regional governments to join NEAR and participate in various activities for more exchange with NEAR members. Vietnam has 58 provinces and five central cities. (58 Provinces and five Central Cities in Vietnam)

NEAR Secretariat Visit to the Mongolian Consulate in Busan (Jan. 6)

NEAR Secretariat Meeting with BFIC (Jan. 12) NEAR Secretariat Delegation headed by the Manager Park Sung-min of the International Cooperation Team visited the Busan Foundation for International On Friday, January 6, the NEAR Secretariat delegation headed by Director Ku

Cooperation to learn about various activities for international cooperation. The

Ja-hee of the Department of International Cooperation visited the Mongolian

NEAR Secretariat also shared opinions on preparing new programs of the

Consulate General in Busan. The delegation introduced NEAR and held

Secretariat such as the running of Global Supporters.

discussions on the future cooperation between the two organizations.

Secretary-General Alok K. Roy of BFIC said that through the platform of

The Director Ku said, “All 22 aimags of Mongolia have been actively

NEAR for exchange and cooperation among the regional governments in

participating in NEAR events and activities, and have gained various

Northeast Asia, Busan Metropolitan City of South Korea will be able to engage

information and experiences regarding developed administrative systems. The

in more cooperation and exchange with other local governments and especially

future cooperation of the Consulate of Mongolia would be very much

between the two organizations.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

5

NEAR Member News

NEAR Member News China - Henan Province 2017 China (Henan) International Investment & Trade Fair Zhengzhou International Convention & Exhibition Centre

The Kyoto TEA Fair will be held over the span of one year starting in April 2017 in order to vitalize the local society and to promote Uji tea. On April 1-2 the Sakura Tea Party will be held as an opening event in Sewari, Yawata, known as a famous cherry blossom spot.

In October, a tea room measuring 1 pyeong (35.6 ft²) and or Uji Tea Bar will be set up, where visitors will be able to take part in the cultural program.

In November, business matching for tea industry promotion and an exchange program for the local and international community engaged in tea industry will be implemented.

In addition to the main event, the Japanese Heritage Summit, a gathering of regions in Japan which have been selected as Japanese heritage sites, will also take place.

Kyoto Prefecture will continue to create brands of Uji Tea, so as to attract more visitors, both from within and outside of the prefecture. Please refer to the official webpage (http://ochahaku.kyoto/) for more information.

The 2017 China (Henan) International Investment & Trade Fair will be held from March 29 to 31. The fair is sponsored by the People’s Government of Henan Province, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. It is the

Japan - Tottori Prefecture Tottori Open to the World: A Response to the Expansion of Exchange

largest conference of international economy and trade in Henan Province. The fair provides a great a platform for the opening-up of the Henan Province and restructuring of the industry. Already in its tenth year, the fair has facilitated the signing of a number of high development cooperative projects with the participation of domestic and international buyers. These projects promote the development of Henan Province and provide many business opportunities, allowing for the achievement of ‘Win-win’ goals for both local and international buyers.

The Fair will be held simultaneously with the annual Ancestor Worship Ceremony in the Yellow Emperor’s Native Place so that the sharing of human resources and cultural, economic and trade activities can be effectively combined.

Japan - Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto TEA Fair

Tottori Prefecture launched Asiana Airlines, which connects Yonago Airport and Incheon Airport, in 2001, along with the DBS Cruise Ferry in 2009, which connects Sakaiminato City, Japan Donghae City, Korea, and Vladivostok, Russia, and plays an important role as a bridge of exchange in Northeast Asia.

Since Asiana Airlines has transferred its flights to LCC Air Seoul in 2016, Tottori Prefecture has carried out many promotion activities, including SNS PR aiming to attract more tourists, especially young people, the distribution of booklets on subjects including events and cultural events in Korea, and local Tottori cuisine. In the same year, Hongkong Airlines was launched, connecting Yonago Airport and Hongkong Airport. In order to boost the reputation of Tottori Prefecture and attract more tourists, various methods of promotion have been launched through blogs, magazines, and TV programs for aimed at tourists.

Recently, through active promotion, the number of cruise tours passing

6

NEAR NEWS Vol. 73

NEAR Member News

through Sakaiminato has also increased, in a bid to attract more inbound tourists.

Tottori Prefecture will make continuous efforts to respond more effectively to the increased number of people engaged in exchange in Northeast Asia, through the utilization of international routes.

South Korea - Incheon Metropolitan City 2017 Happy Spring Festival : Chinese New Year Festival in Incheon

Russia - Irkutsk Region International Art Symposium, Baikal-CeraMystica. Ice Baikal-CeraMystica, a festival for artists and potters is an annual event which started in 2012, in Olkhorsky district, Irkutsk, Russia. The Baikal-CeraMystica has become a locally and globally recognized high-level cultural event. Over the The 2017 'Happy Spring Festival (New Year’s Festival),' run by the Chinese

past five years, specialized potters from 15 cities in Russia and 13 countries

Cultural Center in Korea, was held from January 11-15, in Incheon Free

across the globe have attended this event which has invited highly skilled potters

Economic Zone Office, Incheon Metropolitan City.

who meet the standards of the international judges.

The Happy Spring Festival, launched in 2010 by the Chinese Ministry of

Starting this year, the annual “Baikal-CeraMystica” festival takes place in

Culture, is an international Chinese spring festival on the largest scale. It is co-

Irkutsk City. An international art symposium, “Baikal-CeraMystica-Ice” is

hosted with other committees and various cultural organizations, as well as

currently being held from February 23 to March 6, where the potters create

foreign offices.

works inspired by the spirit and creativeness of porcelain and stone pieces.

The Happy Spring Festival, now marking its seventh year in Korea, was held for the first time in Incheon. At this event, varied and special programs will be held, including an exhibition and performance of intangible cultural heritage, an exhibition of paintings and calligraphic works, Hunan tribal performances, a lion

It is anticipated that many future masterpieces will be created at the symposium, capturing the artistic spirit and history of Irkutsk porcelain.

On March 10, the entries of the “Baikal-CeraMystica” festival over the past five years will be displayed in the Irkutsk Art Museum.

dance performance, a showing of a short cultural movie clip, and the China Town Parade.

An official from the city stated that the annual ‘Happy Spring Festival,’ plays an important role in enhancing relationships and increasing cooperation and exchange in various fields between the two countries.

Mongolia - Umnugovi Province Enhancing Exchange in Agriculture between Umnugovi Province and Gyeongsangbuk-do A delegation headed by Director Kim Hansoo of Global Trade Cooperation Division of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province visited Umnugovi Province from December 7 to 8 2016 and held a meeting with Governor Naranbaatar. At the meeting, it was agreed that exchange between the two provinces would take place in the agricultural sector. In particular, among the items discussed were the promotion of various activities such as greenhouse development and training programs for government officials in Umugovi Province or people engaged in the agriculture field to be hosted by Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

7

NEAR Member Event Schedule

March

NEAR Member Event Schedule

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

6

7

Region : [JP] Tottori Prefecture 12 Event : T ottori Prefecture - Tottori Marathon 2017 When : March.12 Where : Tottori Contact : Secretariat of Tottori Marathon (T)+81-857-21-2885

13

14

Region : [KR] Incheon Metropolitan City 19 Event : T he 17th Incheon International Half Marathon When : March.26 Where : Incheon Munhak Stadium Contact : (T)+81-32-440-4952 (E)wwookkyy@koera.kr

20

21

26

27

28

2017. 3

5

April 2017. 4

Region : [KR] Jeollabuk Province Event : T he 18th Jeonju Film Festival When : April.27-May.6 Where : Jeonju Contact : Division of Culture and Art, Jeollabuk-do Provincial Office (T)+82-63-280-3381

(E) ilyeop@korea.kr

NEAR NEWS Vol. 73

Region : [CN] Shandong Province Event : 2017 Extreme Sailing Series When : April.28-May.1 Where : Qing Dao Contact : Qingdao International Yacht Club (QIYC) (T)+86-532-85916115

2

3

4

9

10

11

16

17

18

23/30

24

25

Region : [KR] Busan Metropolitan City Event : 6 th Busan Nakdong River Yuchae Flower Festival When : April.9-17 Where : Daejeo Ecological Park Contact : Busan Metropolitan City Government

(T) +82-51-888-5054

8

Region : [JP] Hyogo Prefecture Event : NEAR Subcommittee meeting on Disaster Prevention (15th) When : March.6-8 Where : Kobe, Hyoto Prefecture Contact : Hyogo Prefectural Government (T)+81-78-362-9870 (F)+81-78-362-9914

NEAR Member Event Schedule

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

2

3

4

8

9

Region : [KR] Daegu Metropolitan City 10 Event : DAEGU FASHION FAIR When : March.8-10 Where : Daegu Exco Contact : (T)+81-53-803-3352 (T)0 (E)kjk70@daegu.go.kr (H)http://www.daegufashionfair.com

11

15

16

17

18

Region : [KR] Daegu Metropolitan City 22 Event : World Masters Athletics Championships indoor Daegu 2017 When : March.19-25 Where : Daegu Athletics Promotion Center Contact : (T)+81-53-790-4125 (E)heatherj@korea.kr (H)http://www.daegufashionfair. com 29

23

24

25

30

31

Region : [KR] Daegu Metropolitan City Event : International Textile Fair 2017-PREVIEW IN DAEGU When : March.8-10 Where : Daegu Exco Contact : (T)+81-53-803-3341 (E)choonggi@korea.kr (H)http://www.previewin.com

1

Region : [KR] Daegu Metropolitan City Event : International Green Energy Expo & Conference 2017 When : April.5-7 Where : Daegu Exco Contact : (T)+82-53-803-5911 (E)jangych@korea.kr (H)www.Energyexpo.co.kr

5

6

7

8

12

13

Region : [KR] Jeollanam Province 14 Event : WANDOSEAWEEDSEXPO2017 When : April.14-May.7 Where : Wando Expo Belt (Wando Port) Contact : Jeollanam-do Provincial Office (T)+82-61-286-6921

15

20

Region : [RU] Altai Region 21 Event : International Tourism Forum “Visit Altai” When : April.21-30 Where : Altai Region Contact : The Management of the Altai Region for Tourism, Recreation, Interregional and International Relations, Altai Regional Government (Т/F)+7-3852-20-10-31 (E)priem@alttur22.ru, tourism_22@mail.ru

Region : [KR] Gyeongsangbuk Province 22 Event : Uiseong Korea International Kite Festival When : April.22-24 Where : Wicheon ecology-River, Uiseong Contact : (T)+82-54-830-6096 (E)dlwogns99@korea.kr (H)http://www.worldkitefestival.kr

19

26

Region : [KR] Daegu Metropolitan City Event : International Optical Show When : April.20-22 Where : Daegu Exco Contact : (T)+82-53-803-3361 (E)hjg7733@daegu.go.kr (H)http://www.diops.co.kr

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

9

Economy News

Shimane Prefecture - Japan

Shimane Prefecture - Japan

Shimane Prefecture - Japan Shimane Prefecture, located on the western border of Japan, boasts beautiful nature and a warm climate. It is over 230km wide from the east to the west. The Oki Islands are located 80km away from the prefecture/ mainland/ from its shores. The prefecture has a population of about 690 thousand people.

In the industrial sector, alloy steel, such as pig iron casting, technology is being actively developed. Recently, in the IT industry, the use of the open source programming language 'Ruby,’ is attracting global attention. As public demand decreases, Shimane Prefecture is making attempts to restructure the industry from being dependent upon public investment to being led by the private sectors. In order to do so, the Prefecture has taken measures such as training people in higher education institutes such as Shimane National University, and building cooperative relationships with business organizations such as Shimane Prefectural Industry Technology Center.

This issue will introduce support policies of Shimane Prefecture to promote manufacturing industries to reach international markets and to open up overseas markets for local products.

10

NEAR NEWS Vol. 73

Shimane Prefecture - Japan

Exhibition in Thailand

Site-Visit

Site-Visit

Exhibition in Thailand

Shimane Business Support Office

Support for Overseas Market Expansion Shimane Prefecture supports local manufacturing industries in various ways, in order to sustain and increase the employment rate and to respond to overseas demand by reaching out to the international market. The support covers the reviewing of small and medium enterprises, to the running of businesses in the local market.

From 2011, the Industry Promotion Division of Shimane Prefecture has run seminars and site-visits for SMEs planning to expand into overseas markets. Starting in 2013, the prefectural government has supported local businesses in the planning for expansion into overseas markets, human resource training, and the development of overseas markets.

Support for the planning of overseas market enlargement covers financial support for consultations, on-site research, and the establishment of local corporations. Support for the development of overseas markets includes the holding of consultations between Japanese and international enterprises, participation in international fairs, and financial planning for overseas marketing activities for business owners in Shimane Prefecture.

In September 2014, the ‘Shimane Business Support Office’ was opened in Bangkok, Thailand, providing consultations for businesses preparing to enter, or those which had already entered Asian and European markets. About 100 consultations are carried out yearly, responding to market development, on-site research, and advice for local legal systems and taxation.

From now on, the prefectural government will support human resources development for overseas corporation management and local environment adoption.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

11

Shimane Prefecture - Japan

Izumo Soba, a local speciality of Shimane Prefecture

Overseas Sales Promotion of Shimane Prefecture Local Food Products The Division of the Promotion of Trade and Branding in Shimane Prefecture is making efforts to increase overseas markets for agricultural and marine products, and processed food. As the local market continues to shrink, the prefectural government has provided support for the voluntary activities of motivated business owners.

As the major target is the USA and Europe, the prefecture is holding as many meetings as possible among local food business companies and overseas buyers. When meetings are set up, various promotional activities are carried out, such as the participation of the prefectural government in international fairs or the hosting of the ‘Shimane Fair’. Furthermore, the government is continuously managing

Consultation in Export Goods of Shimane Prefecture

products made in Shimane so that they can be established in the local market.

As Japanese food abroad, the sales of which was limited to overseas Japanese previously, gains popularity in the international market, the market has been broaden to include the local people. In particular, soy sauce and tea products made by traditional organic methods are becoming more popular.

Shimane Prefecture will continue to strive in conjunction local business-owners to present to the world food products made from the rich ingredients of the Shimane Prefecture

12

NEAR NEWS Vol. 73

Shimane Prefecture Trade Fair featuring local products

Shimane Prefecture - Japan

Promotional event in Taiwan

Promotional event in Vladivostok

Peony, the prefectural flower of Shimane

Export of Peony Peonies, the prefectural flower of Shimane, Japan have been exported to countries such as Netherlands and America for over 50 years since 1963, in quantities of around 200 thousand flowers, which is a quarter of annual total production. Approximately 20 years ago, technology which enables blooming timing was developed, even earning a patent. This technology is useful when shipping overseas to different climates.

Recently Shimane Prefecture has started direct trading with Taiwan and Russia. Sometimes staff members from the association of agriculture visit the local peony farms to teach flowering methods or to promotional events run by the customers. Direct exchange with those international customers may lead to more activities of the prefecture such as tour promotion or cultural exchange.

The peony is also used for flower arrangement, tea ceremony and gardening in Japan. Since Russian people also enjoy a gardening culture, peonies are also exported to Russia, allowing people to gain familiarity with Japanese tea culture and gardens. Russian people also enjoy horticulture in vacation homes, meaning that Japan exports many varieties to meet the demand of peony lovers.

Shimane Prefecture will continue to make attempts to launch peonies on the global market.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

13

기획취재 Feature Report

2017 Asia Pacific Cities Summit & Mayors’ Forum (2017 APCS)

2017 Asia Pacific Cities Summit & Mayors’ Forum (2017 APCS)

The 2017 Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) & Mayors’ Forum, co-hosted by Daejeon Metropolitan City, South Korea and Brisbane, Australia, will be held at the Daejeon Convention Center from 10 to 13 September 2017. This year, more than 1500 urban leaders of business and government from 100 cities across the Asia Pacific and beyond will gather for this Summit in Daejeon, Republic of Korea.

Purpose The Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) and Mayors’ Forum is an event initiated by Brisbane City Council in Australia in 1996. Recognized as the region’s leading business and government forum for managing cities and urban development, APCS provides a dynamic and interactive platform for participants to exchange knowledge, identify a common agenda, develop shared solutions, improve city governance across the Asia Pacific region, and ensure sustained prosperity.

14

NEAR NEWS Vol. 73

2017 Asia Pacific Cities Summit & Mayors’ Forum (2017 APCS)

Main Program <Keynote Speeches and Plenary Sessions> The keynote and plenary speeches presented by highly renowned scholars and specialists on cities and global leadership shall provide fantastic opportunities to share knowledge and insight into various issues under the theme 'Shaping the Future of Asia Pacific.'

Founder of Cherie Blair Foundation

Cherie Blair

Chancellor Emeritus of Asian University for Women Vice Chair of International Council on Women's Business Leadership President of Jigsaw

Jared Cohen

Thomas Frey

First Director of Google Ideas DaVinci Institute Futurist (Author of the book Communicating with the Future)

<Concurrent Session> There are four sub-themes. Leaders from international organizations, governments, academia, and the private sector will participate in the forum, presenting successful case studies of city management, and vision and sustainable prosperity regarding the four sub-themes: • Innovating Cities through Science and Technology • Revitalising Cities through Vibrant Business Activities • Achieving Sustainable City Solutions • Recreating Cities through Art and Culture

<Mayors’ Forum> The Mayor’s Forum provides an opportunity for the heads of city governments to develop solutions for common issues regarding sustainable growth and city governance and promote the growth and prosperity of cities across the Asia Pacific region. As an outcome of the forum, a joint written statement, the 2017 Asia Pacific Mayor’s Declaration will be drawn up.

<Young Professionals’ Forum> The Young Professionals’ Forum provides a development opportunity for private and public sector leaders, college students and professionals from the Asia Pacific region, aged 18 to 30.

Young Professional delegates will be presented with a series of urban challenges relating to summit program themes. They will be tasked with finding responses to these challenges which are cost neutral or revenue positive to city governments. These responses will be presented at the Mayors’ Forum and to all 2017 APCS delegates during the plenary session, and awards will be presented.

<Exhibition & Business Meeting> During the whole program, exhibitions for the promotion of participating cities and companies will be run, in order for the building of networks. It will bring together innovative organizations and companies from countries across the globe to seek to collaborate for mutual benefit. This program will be organized into one-to-one and prescheduled meetings for buyers and sellers along with presentations on companies and investment promotion.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

15

The 4th NEAR Youth Contest Awarded Pieces - Essay

The 4th NEAR Youth Contest Awarded Pieces - Essay 2016â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NEAR Youth Contest marked the 4th year of the contest which was started in 2013. The annual contest is open to youths aged from 14 to 18 from the member regions in Northeast Asia. In 2016, in addition to the former competition format which involved essay writing only, an art contest component was combined. NEAR News vol. 73 introduces the award-winning Special Recognition essay pieces!

16

NEAR NEWS Vol. 73

The 4th NEAR Youth Contest Awarded Pieces - Essay / Special Recognition / What I Have Learned from Singapore, a Multi-ethnic Country

[Special Recognition]

What I Have Learned from Singapore, a Multi-ethnic Country Ikeda Ayu, Japan

When I think of ‘Northeast Asia,’ to be honest, I don’t have such a great

people in different traditional clothes, are talking to each other in a friendly way.

impression. With regards to China, I have heard about the heavy air pollution

In Japan, I think that one of the things that is lacking is an attitude to know and

and problem of waste disposal. Recently, the rubber used in playgrounds in

understand one another more. I was happy to be in this small country where

elementary schools has been found to be harmful to the health of children. In

people have the ability to worship freely in an Islamic mosque or Buddhist

Korea, education against Japan, the problems of the Dokdo disputes, and the

temple, where people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds could live in

comfort women issue come to mind. High school students in other countries may

harmony, and where I, a Japanese person, also felt accepted and welcomed. I

not have a positive image of Japan. Since I have not visited other countries in

think that Singapore is a nice country to live in and at the same time, I would

Northeast Asia, although I do not know much, I expect there to be positive

love to open up myself to Singaporean people. It is important for individuals to

aspects, not only negative aspects.

try to find positive aspects when it is easy to see only negative aspects. This will not only help improve the relationship between people, but also among countries.

I have been to Singapore three times previously, when my mom was there to teach. I have heard a lot about this country since I was young. Singapore is a

My impression of Northeast Asian countries overall is negative. However, I

multi-ethnic country consisting of Malaysians, Chinese, and Indians. There are

would like to learn about the different aspects of these countries. Through the

many different religions in Singapore. Surprisingly, there was a Hindu temple in

Internet, we can connect globally, and we are able to gain information and share

China town and a Chinese style Buddhist temple in Little India. I noticed that

opinions. When I communicate with others, I lack English skills. Although there

many tourists freely visited Muslim mosques, and I took my cue from the local

are many people learning Japanese, I think that it is necessary to learn a language

people and greeted others. If this was happening daily without any awkwardness,

used all over the world such as English to talk to different people from all over

surely it showed the extent to which Singaporean society operated in harmony.

the globe. I would like to major in International Studies and become a bridge,

With regards to religious matters, there have been recent issues related to

connecting Japan to the world. I don’t yet know what I can do, but I hope that I

Muslims. People usually think it is hard to understand each other if they are from

could at least make a small contribution. I also wish that countries in Northeast

different religions. However, living in Singapore provides us with a hint to as to

Asia will become cooperative in their relationships over politics, economics and

how to increase mutual understanding and exchange.

the environment. To do so, learning English will be the first step, a step that I have taken.

The streets in Singapore are also very beautiful and the cleanliness is maintained by imposing a fine on those who throw trash. On these clean streets,

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

17

The 4th NEAR Youth Contest Awarded Pieces - Essay / Special Recognition / Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Know Northeast Asia!

[Special Recognition]

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Know Northeast Asia!

Sim Seyun, South Korea Conflicts involving ownership over Dokdo Island between Korea and Japan,

make this happen, it is necessary for the teenagers

Kulil Island between Japan and Russia, and the Senkaku Islands, are taking place

like my friends and youths in our 20s to

in Northeast Asia. Northeast Asia covers South Korea, China, and Japan, and also

make an effort since they are familiar with

Taiwan, when expanded. From now on, I would like to talk mainly about South

new media such as SNS which cross over

Korea, China, and Japan.

boundaries and spaces. Youth are also passionate in almost every aspect. Creating new trends in the

From long ago, Northeast Asian countries had established close relationships.

Culture from China was once conveyed to Japan, and culture popular in Japan

fields of games, music or dance, surely will be a big step forward for integration.

passed through the Korean peninsula and China. Of course, positive aspects are not all that exist. Invasions by countries of China in ancient times and the middle

To overcome the emotional gap among the people in the region due to

ages, and the war caused by the expansionist policies of Japan on the Korean

the difference in nationality and views over history, the efforts of the people

Peninsula and China still remain as hurtful memories. Even now, the countries in

alone are not enough. The three governments must avoid exploiting the

Northeast Asia are pursuing benefits, navigating the complicated relationships

differences over historical views and nationalities to maintain their vested

between countries. Meanwhile, the emotional distance between Northeast Asian

interests, and when they do, it should be the people who should criticize such

countries is increasing.

actions. In the future, governments should make efforts to correct erroneous historical views and the people must make efforts to understand and respect other

In order to solve the problem, it is important to learn and understand more about

nations and cultures.

Northeast Asia. First, we may know the common aspects and differences among the countries in the region. To learn about the aspects in common will increase the

Currently, the world powers are gathering in Northeast Asia, and regional

affinity felt between the nations and decrease the negative aspects towards one

conflicts have the potential to cause world-wide problems. In particular, since

another. To understand the differences of another is to respect them.

conflicts with North Korea lie in the region, it is important to overcome the conflicts. Depending on the state of relationships within Northeast Asia, there is

One of the common aspects of countries in Northeast Asia are Buddhism and

the potential for war or peace. This makes our effort important. If we the youth

Confucianism. Buddhism has led Northeast Asian countries for a long time, both

respect and understand each other more, peace will be waiting for us in the future.

mentally and spiritually. Confucianism greatly affected the style and method of political rule in the three countries, Korea, China, and Japan. Chinese letters are another common item among the three countries. Even after the creation of Hangul the Korean alphabet, there still remain many Chinese letters in the Korean language. One difference among the countries is the national status throughout history. China, the most powerful in the region received gifts from the other two countries as China acknowledged the independence of Korea and Japan. Korea accepted developed culture through exchange with China and tried to avoid as much conflict with other countries as possible by maintaining good diplomatic relations. Japan, also accepted new culture from Korea and had direct exchange with China. However, because it developed at a relatively slower pace as an island nation, Japan sometimes provoked wars in order to expand into the continent.

The three components in common - Buddhism, Confucianism, and Chinese lettersform the root to unite the three cultures. It has already been proven that the three nations may joined as one through K-Pop or Japanese Animations. To

18

NEAR NEWS Vol. 73

The 4th NEAR Youth Contest Awarded Pieces - Essay / Special Recognition / "As I see the Present and Future of Russia"

[Special Recognition]

"As I See the Present and Future of Russia" Nikolaichuk Nikita, Russia Russia’s future offers a great global project, which turns slowly and gradually into a tangible and conscious present. Moral, intellectual and economic potential of the country will depend on the requests that the State imposes on its future.

Moscow is very often called the "Third Rome" - symbol and stronghold of orthodoxy. From the Roman Empire to Byzantium, and from Byzantium to

lines is hidden the future of our country: Russia has never been and will never be

Moscow, principality the torch of the Orthodox faith passed, which determined

the aggressor in anyway or war - this is its strength and greatness: being at the

the fate of spiritually – the moral policy of the Russian state, laid the foundation

same time in two parts of the world, Russia is a scale, whose main task is to

in the development and formation of the country, in which Russia is more than a

maintain a balance between East and West.

thousand years old, slowly but thoroughly erecting this house of faith and love, kindness and labor in peace and harmony.

My reflection about the present and future of Russia begins with the non-

One of the most important, global and urgent task of the present and future of Russia is the creation of a modern, high-tech system of processing mineral

accidental story: the past, present and future, are three pillars that represent the

resources such as oil and gas. Oil is a key component in almost all areas of

fourth dimension - Time.

production from energy to light industry.

But in the 19th century, our famous compatriot, world-renowned scientist

The past is the root that goes deep into the bowels of our existence, the present

Mendeleev said: "Trading of crude oil - all the same that use the stove by notes"

is a branch which clearly and distinctly appears to our consciousness, and the

that is why the Russian economy in the middle of the 21st century must be built,

future is its leaves, which only have to blossom.

first and foremost not on crude oil imports, but on high-tech processing of oil

However, just as sprawling and velvet leaves grow on trees with juicy branches and fertile soil, the great, bright future awaits the country that honors its past and is proud of its present.

products and gas.

At the same time, we must and will develop rapidly aviation, shipbuilding, microelectronics and rockets for the space industry, without which it is impossible

Russia remembers its past - remembers the feat of arms of the Russian people

to create an ensemble of modern and economically developed state.

on the Kulikovo field, remembers the brave soldiers who died under Borodino in

Today we can see the displacement of geo-strategies in the world. Earlier

1812, remembers the heroes of the bloodiest war of the 20th century and

geopolitics focused in Europe, were Eurocentric, but now the focus is

remembers all those who died for its honor and independence.

concentrated in the Middle East, Central and Southeast Asia. Therefore, the

Russia is a multinational state, the state - civilization, sealed with Russian

priority of the Russian economy is the Far East and Siberia.

people, Russian language and Russian culture, which for all of us native unites

More than a century ago, Count NN Muravyov-Amursky said: "Russia comes

and does not allow dissolving in this diverse world. Therefore the future of our

from the East." Nowadays, according to the Russian Federal Law, the Far East is

country, in my own opinion, will be based on interethnic mutual enrichment, both

the territory of advancing socio - economic development.

in the field of culture and in the economic arena.

A unity of honor, faith and strength of Russian’s soul will determine a good spiritual and moral ground for cultivating her worthy and great future.

How do I see Russia in the next generations?

I see a fair society based on common and clear understanding of faith, honor, dignity and morality, a society in which everyone will be able to call proudly himself a Man and herself a Woman.

In the Far East, the most modern in the country spaceport "East" is built. The Far East is the beginning of the future Russia. Vast expanses and spectacular scenery, millions of active and talented professionals are awaiting.

A huge resource base - all this is a storehouse, which is just to be opened to us with reliable foreign partners in the East.

It is not occasionally that Russia asks for a friendly hand and economic support to the East - the proximity of mentalities and unity of purpose, predetermines

I see large cities, with gold-domed cathedrals in which every morning is marked by the ringing of bells; cobbled streets where there are a lot of families walking, talking and having fun, strong families based on the mutual understanding of love

rapid and mutual beneficial development.

Russia is a unique state, which is in two parts of the world and not only on a map.

and fidelity.

I asked my friends and family – how do they see Russia in a few

We honor and respect the customs and traditions of both East and Europe and

decades? They all told me the same thing! And I

appreciate our relations with all states. And if the majority of political leaders will

truly believe that it will turn into reality in all its

focus on the same goal - to make the world fairer, with a clear grain of faith, love

greatness and fullness, because there is no

and understanding from the chaff and husks, then together we can move forward

another way wished for Russia.

on this issue and with Russia’s help, make a better world.

Edward Asadov, Soviet writer and poet, has wonderful lines describing Russia’s past: "Russia did not begin with a sword" - in these

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

19

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments (37668) 3F Pohang Technopark, #394 Jigok-ro (#601 Jigok-dong), Namgu, Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ROK T. +82-54-223-2318 F. +82-54-223-2309 E-mail near@neargov.org Website www.neargov.org