Congress, inclusion

Inclusion, Nerve of Innovation Driven Development - The 7th Congress of UCLG ASPAC –

Landscape of Kampung (village) in city of Surabaya

INCLUSION has been the keyword since representatives of local and regional government networks adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs) in New York (September 2015) and also ratification of New Urban Agenda (NUA). The highlight has been the “acknowledgement of the role that cities and sub-national governments need to play in all its dimensions.”

The acknowledgement has, by nature, anticipated local governments’ performance to become more visible than ever in the pursuance of the shared goals. The expectation, adding to the minimum understanding on SDGs, contributes to adding challenges local governments face in developing their respective areas. The shared goals are seen as additional tasks they need to complete, instead of useful tool to help them work on their current development tasks.

UCLG ASPAC, as a local government association, has actively raised awareness on development issues; SDGs and NUA included, throughout all of its activities, such as policy forum, training, project implementation, and research and also extends it to the gathering of local governments in Asia-Pacific, such as the upcoming one, 7th UCLG ASPAC Congress, which will be held in Surabaya, 12-15 September 2018.

In the 7th Congress, UCLG ASPAC offers new approach to local governments.

Under the theme “Innovation Driven Development for Sustainable Cities,” participating local governments will be fully exposed to new methods of various fields applied by different stakeholders in different sub-regions.

Successful cities applying smart practices within Asia-Pacific areas and various international organisations that successfully assist local governments beyond the region will enlighten and lead attendees to discuss innovation-based solution for their cities. The wide range of invitees, distinguished speakers, and topics discussed will also optimise possibility for partnership and, hence, provide solution for the city.

Beside the wide range of sectors addressed, the Congress also puts emphasis on the importance of wider stakeholder inclusion in order to stimulate the emergence of innovation as basis of cities’ sustainable development. Participating local governments, therefore, will find session that discuss partnership with private sectors, encourage women empowerment, roles and engagement of youth, and even children. Local governments are invited to optimise and incorporate resources at local level and also beyond.

The 7th UCLG ASPAC Congress will be held from 12 to 15 of September 2018 in Surabaya. This gathering will not focus on achieving certain global agenda, but inject knowledge that makes cities develop sustainably and thus will achieve the goals.

UCLG ASPAC and Surabaya City Government are looking forward to meeting you there!