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LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
FOREWORD
Won Hee-Ryong President
Dear Fellow Members and Partners, Every time I collected my memory of what we have gone through, I can never find words to perfectly picture it. Accomplishments to accomplishments we have achieved prove the energy that we have and at the same time give us idea what we can also achieve in the future. Brighter one!, the faith I always have ever since I gained your trust to be at the frontline of our beloved organization. This year, we will have golden opportunity to contribute to three big events, all of which lead to the same course, for sustainable development, not only in our region but also the whole world. Held in Jeollabuk-do, Korea, the 6th UCLG ASPAC Congress will be the first event in which we can show our support. New presidency election will be one of the agenda. As important as it is, let’s use this moment to welcome the New Committee. The support and commitment that I received during my almost two-year tenure, I believe, will also encourage the New Committee to create more breakthroughs. In this occasion, I also invite us all to make the best of the world scope event Habitat III and UCLG world Congress in October this year. This is our time to get inspired and share to the world what we have. Becoming part of UCLG ASPAC has always made me feel enthusiastic. In my second year, please let me once again thank you all for the full support. To UCLG ASPAC Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia, your commitment has perfectly proved that there is no obstacle too big with your team work. Within the period, I have also seen clearly that what we are today will not be made possible without endorsement of our partners all over the world. I strongly believe that the vision we hold on will unite us more and more. And surely the most valuable of all, our members. Your trust has inspired me more than I can ever imagine. Finally, it will be a great pleasure of mine to meet you around at Jeollabuk-do this year. Do kindly visit our beautiful country and enjoy our wonderful culture, food, scenery, festival, and people. Let’s celebrate our friendship and network that we have in the vibrant color of our country, to become more united as one AsiaPacific community!
Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi Secretary General
Dear Valued Members and Partners, I am ecstatic to meet you once again in this first edition of Newsletter this year. What never fails to inspire me in my role as Secretary General of UCLG ASPAC is witnessing the innovation that has emerged in many cities and local governments in our region. Those and the hurdles we have overcome give me confidence that we can always face the challenges that may come in the future. This November 2015 – April 2016 Newsletter in your hands will enlighten you about our milestones. In this edition, we are focusing on sustainable development as our main topic. We are on the move to a more and more developed Asia-Pacific. With our close network and partnership, soon you will be able to see the progress that we made in our region. Women empowerment in the Philippines and Sri Lanka is on track. Likewise, the Salatiga Urban Transport Network is also on the move to highlight best practices in the region and to ensure the action plans are in place. These are only some of the achievements we are proud to share with our members and readers. Also, find out about our involvement in the wider scope, in which we could share and get inspired. I believe that more and more innovation will emerge soon through this cooperation. I am also delighted to inform you that we have greatly improved our online presence. We have launched our new website and you will find that the new look will engage you with more inspiration from other members. Also, anticipate more updates from our social media, and engage with this Newsletter, too. Thanks to members who have constantly contributed to the evolvement of this Newsletter. Know that your success stories are not only models to follow, but also spread hope and inspiration in the region. I invite you all to immerse yourself in this episode of development. Get the best out of the newsletter by following hints in every piece of it, and get inspired!
Cover photos (from left to right) Namwon Chunhyang Festival (Korean Beauty) | Public Space in Cililitan, Jakarta | Hanok Village (Korean Traditional Houses) UCLG ASPAC 2nd Retreat & Campus | Governor Won Heeryong, Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, Secretary General UCLG ASPAC Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi in Jakarta City Hall
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
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CONTENTS
6th UCLG ASPAC Congress, Writing Better Asia-Pacific Future Jeollabuk-do, Sneak Peek of Paradise Rising Up Guangzhou to the Next Level
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Building Pratnership to Achieve Sustainable Future
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Partnership in Building a Prosperous Australia
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Second UCLG Retreat & Campus: For a Better Urban Community
Urban Innovation Forum
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Asia-Pacific in Cooperation
Groundbreaking ASEAN Culture House, A Hub for Cultural Exchange between Korea and ASEAN Countries
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Women on the Move in Paris
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Hamamatsu City – Thailand, towards Expansion to New Market
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New World-Class Public Service Establishments in Pyeongyang
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Global Award, Recognizing Cities’ Innovations
From Jeju to Jakarta, Opening New Way for Further Cooperation
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Testimonial – Secondee
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Inspire and Get Inspired
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Thank You!
Developing Public Space to Serve Local Community
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Women Empowerment in Sri Lanka and Philippines
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LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
6th UCLG ASPAC Congress,
Writing Better Asia-Pacific Future
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PART from routine meetings, the UCLG ASPAC Congress has always been a much-awaited event, as it defines where the organization is heading. For this year, beautiful Jeollabuk-do will host this event. At present, UCLG ASPAC, which is the largest of UCLG’s regional section, links more than 7,000 cities and local governments. Given this
huge connectivity, we have been developing as an organization and contributing to our members’ development. In the wider picture, the organization is also a catalyst of development and a change-maker in the global arena. Have a look at our contributions and accomplishments in the previous months:
Our Contribution #1 Congress - “Globalization for the Future” April 2005 EXCO, Daegu, Korea
#2 Congress – “Sustainable Cities and Local Governments for a Sustainable World” July 2008 Peach Conference Center Royal Cliff Beach Resort Hotel, Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand
#3 Congress – “Responding to Globalization” October 2010 Hamamatsu, Japan
#4 Congress – “Resilient Cities: Rethink, Rebuild, Revitalize” October 2012 Hotel Borobudur, Jakarta, Indonesia
#5 Congress – “Adaptive City: Embedding Design in City Governance” September 2014 Regent Taipei Hotel, Taipei
#6 Congress – “Regions, Life and Culture in the New Urban Agenda” September 2016 Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
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5th UCLG ASPAC Congress in Taipei
Our Accomplishments 1. Local Finance & Economic Development
Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) 2 to be carried out for 2016 – 2020.
We have been working on its advocacy effort to lobby for systemic change and public finance reform by improving access to valuable local finance information.
3. Strengthened Decentralization and Local Diplomacy for National and Regional Transformation
Tangible Results
Fiscal improvement of Pakret of Thailand by revitalizing the traditional markets in which taxes have provided better revenue system for the Municipality. They adopted lessons learnt from Surakarta (Solo) on local finance enhancement.
2. Working towards Resilient Cities and Local Government
Declaration on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) released in 2012 in Jakarta. We became coordinator of the Stakeholder Group of Mayors and Local Government for DRR in Asia-Pacific region towards a
Great effort leading to the establishment of two (2) active LGAs from Cambodia: the National Association of Capital and Provincial Councils, Cambodia (NACPC), and the National League of Association of Commune or Sangkat Council (NLCS).
4. Localizing the Post-2015 Development Agenda
Actively involved in shaping the Post2015 Development Agenda as part of the member of the Global Tasks Force. Wakatobi Declaration on the New Urban Agenda calls on enabling environment needed by local governments to better perform,
With Jeollabuk-do as the host of this 6th Congress, there are thousands of reasons you shall not miss this event!
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LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
JEOLLABUK-DO, SNEAK PEEK OF PARADISE
Jeonju International Sound Festival
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E list every reason why you would not want to miss coming to this beautiful land. SAEMANGEUM is the world’s longest man-made seawall stretching 33km, with an extensive reclaimed land of 409km. With many predicting that it will create some of the most exciting business opportunities in Korea in the near future, the Saemanguem Development Project aims to become an economic hub of Northeast Asia and the shining jewel of the global business community, housing powerful tourism and industrial engines on a vast plot of land. Strategically located at the center of the Yellow Sea Rim and Korea’s Western Seacoast Industrial Belt, the project is expected to offer Korean businesses an effective and convenient route to China, Japan, and many Eurasian markets. Also, with the support of a variety of tax-related benefits and incentives provided by the Korean government, in accordance with the 2007 Saemanguem Special Act, it will create a solid foundation for global businesses in Northeast Asia. Located in the downtown area of a historic city, JEONJU HANOK VILLAGE
has gained an international reputation as one of Korea’s top tourist attractions thanks to the historical and cultural heritage it has preserved. The Hanok Village is also devoted to the traditional lifestyle, where all facets of daily life are slower than those in today’s industrialized cities, which led to it being included on the global Cittaslow list in 2012. Designated a UNESCO CITY OF GASTRONOMY in 2012, Jeonju, the capital city of Jeollabuk-do, has long been a city representative of traditional Korean cuisine. The city still plays a crucial role in the development and preservation of traditional Korean cuisine, attracting people with refined palates from all over the world with its exciting range of Korean dishes: bibimbap, kongnamulgukbap, hanjeongsik and baekban, to name some. Generally regarded as one of the most valuable treasures of Korean culture and history, PANSORI is a unique music performance with its main performance styles developed in Gochang, Namwon and Jeonju of Jeollabuk-do. It was included on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2003.
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
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Namwon Chunhyang Festival (Korean Beauty)
Hanok Village (Korean Traditional Houses)
Bibimbab (Korean Mixed Rice
Kochang Barley Festival (Korean Culture Festival)
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LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
Mayor Wen Guowei of Guangzhou Met Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi Secretary General of UCLG ASPAC
RISING UP GUANGZHOU TO THE NEXT LEVEL SECRETARY General of UCLG ASPAC Visited Guangzhou and Met with Mayor Wen Guohui
What approaches are needed to achieve these goals?
Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, Secretary General of UCLG ASPAC visited Guangzhou on April 15 -18, 2016. She met with the new Mayor Wen Guohui of Guangzhou and delivered a keynote speech at the Urban Innovation Forum at Guangzhou Library.
Mayor Wen listed four major approaches – innovation, green growth, city of sharing, and openness. Innovation, such as mechanism innovation for the city and innovation capability for businesses, is critical if Guangzhou aims at a new economic system and growth model. Green growth is another key approach for the above-mentioned goals. In addition to cleaner and more beautiful environment, Guangzhou will also advocate green products and green enterprises.
During their meeting, Dr. Tjandradewi and Mayor Wen exchanged views on city governance and management. When asked about his goals for Guangzhou as the new mayor? Mayor Wen elaborated a three-point aspiration for a city like Guangzhou, which has an annual GDP of RMB 1.8 trillion Yuan (approximately USD 2,828 billion) growing at 8.4% and a population as large as 16 million. First, he aims at better economic quality and structure. Second, Mayor Wen aspired to enhance wellbeing and sense of happiness of citizens and satisfaction with government. Third, he seeks to make Guangzhou more influential and competitive internationally.
The city government will set year-specific targets to build Guangzhou into a city of sharing for residents to ensure greater improvement in income, social security, healthcare and education. Last but not least, which is also an important reason why Guangzhou joined UCLG, Guangzhou will continue to pursue greater openness. It will have more communication and cooperation with international organizations, cities and communities around the world, and learn from their experiences on city governance and management. Mayor Wen has expressed his intention to continue the active role of Guangzhou at UCLG and its Presidency.
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
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Aside from having exclusive interview with the Secretary General, UCLG ASPAC also has the opportunity to take a sneak peek to Guangzhou resources that might support him to realize his vision and previous contribution of the Mayor who is also running for UCLG ASPAC Presidency for period 2016 – 2018. February 2016
• Present Mayor of Guangzhou
June 2015 – February 2016
• Vice Governor of Guangdong
February 2014 – June 2015
• Chairman of the Standing Committee of Shanwei People’s Congress
June 2013 – June 2015
• Secretary of CPC Shanwei Committee
September 2009 – June 2013
• Guangdong State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission
July 1990 – September 2009
• Guangdong Economic and Trade Commission
BEAUTIFUL RESOURCES IN GUANGZHOU
The Sculpture of Five Goats is Guangzhou’s City Symbol. After all, Guangzhou was renowned as Goat City or Sui Cheng and hence Wu Yang (five sheep) became the symbol of Guangzhou.
Canton Tower and Liede Bridge
“Innovation, Green Growth, City of Sharing and Openness” for 1. Better Economic Quality and Structure 2. Enhancing Wellbeing and Sense of Happiness of Citizens Satisfaction with Government 3. More Influential and Internationally Competitive Guangzhou -- Mayor Wen of Guangzhou
Haizhu Wetland
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LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
Secretary General as a keynote speaker on Urban Innovation Urban Forum, Guangzhou
URBAN INNOVATION FORUM, EXCHANGING IDEAS WELCOMING GUANGZHOU AWARD
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UANGZHOU Library has once again witnessed enthusiastic people meeting to learn to each other, exchanged ideas and inspiration in effort to create innovations for the city. It was on April 17, 2016 that Urban Innovation Forum was held for the third time in Guangzhou, a series of event held in welcoming a global award to recognize cities’ innovations.
“Expanding international cooperation could improve sustainable innovative capability.” - Bernadia Irawati, UCLG ASPAC Secretary General
In this 3rd Urban Innovation Forum, Guangzhou invited UCLG ASPAC Secretary General, Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, to become keynote speaker in this forum. The Secretary General made a speech on Building International Cooperation in Development: How Innovation Shapes Our Urban Future for citizen of Guangzhou. In her speech, she introduced many challenges of urbanization faced by Asian countries, particularly natural
disasters and diseases. She explained that expanding international cooperation could improve sustainable innovative capability and encouraged to continuously update people’s mindset and that cooperation could push forward realization of urban development. Audiences were also very interested in this session, reflected by various topics asked during Question and Answer session. An audience interested in solving traffic congestion asked the Secretary General’s opinion, including how to control number of cars on the road. According to Bernadia, encouraging people to choose public transportation was the best solution while at the same time promoting its convenience, comfort and environmentally friendly characteristics. Other asked solution to solve water polution problem. For this, Bernadia suggested having a close collaboration between the local authority and community and calling for public awareness. Urban Innovation Forum was held in conjunction with Guangzhou Award event, a global award rewarded to cities implementing innovations. This forum was firstly started on January 17, while the second forum was conducted on March 26, both events were formulated under “one city, one story” concept.
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
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Groundbreaking ASEAN Culture House, A Hub for Cultural Exchange between Korea and ASEAN Countries
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USAN Metropolitan City held a groundbreaking ceremony for the ASEAN Culture House in the construction site located in Jwa-dong, Haeundae-gu on Wednesday, March 23, 2016. The House was confirmed to be established at the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit in 2014. At the groundbreaking ceremony, about 300 participants including eight ambassadors of ASEAN countries to Korea, Vice Mayor for Economic Affairs of Busan, First Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, National Assembly members in the region, multicultural families with members from ASEAN countries graced the ground breaking ceremony with a hope for successful construction of the House which will serve as a hub for ASEAN-related exchange.
“Through the establishment of the ASEAN Culture House, Busan will not only raise its status as a hub city for ASEAN-related exchange but also implement various measures to help vitalize the local economy.” - Choi Gi-won, Director of International Relations at Busan Metropolitan City.
Ceremonial Moment at Ground Breaking Ceremony of ASEAN Culture House
According to an official at Busan Metropolitan City, the establishment of the ASEAN Culture House, which is to promote understanding about the ASEAN region, was put out for bid by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit in November 2014. With four stories and two basement floors, the House will be completed and open at the end of the year 2017. The ASEAN Culture House will be an ecofriendly building with terraces on each floor, emphasizing the designs of the roof and eaves as a typical ASEAN-style building. The House is expected to serve as a hub for cultural exchange between Korea and ASEAN countries, a hands-on place offering rich cultural experience and a “Wideopen Reception Hall” providing various information about ASEAN countries.
Ceremonial Moment Marking Ground Breaking of ASEAN Culture House
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LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
HAMAMATSU CITY – THAILAND Towards Expansion to New Market
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OWARDS the end of 2015, Hamamatsu City started a new connection with Thailand. Cooperation had previously been established between the two parties, but this was stepped up due to the sizable number of businesses with operations in both areas, meaning that Thailand became of particular interest to small and medium businesses in Hamamatsu considering overseas expansion. This is the reason why Hamamatsu City and Thailand Board of Investment decided to sign the MoU on economic exchange in October 2015. Hamamatsu City expected that after signing the MoU, there would be a connection formed between small & medium companies in Hamamatsu expanding to Thailand and the Thailand Board of Investment; fast acquisition of information regarding various systems in Thailand particularly the legal and taxation systems that often undergo change; as well as collaboration in the city’s projects, such as seminars on investment environment and observation missions. “Cooperation has previously been established between the two parties, but this has been stepped up due to the sizable number of businesses with operations in both areas…” Following the MoU, Hamamatsu City in collaboration with the Thailand Board of Investment has already planned projects for small and medium businesses. These include an investment environment seminar to provide latest information on the investment environment of Thailand and an observation mission where participants will be able to directly examine the investment environment themselves. Currently, many small and medium sized businesses in Prefecture Shizuoka
City Fact
2nd Biggest City in Shizuoka Prefecture
Mayor of Hamamatsu City, Yasutomo Suzuki and Hirunya Suchinai, Secretary General, The Office of Board of Investment, Kingdom of Thailand signed MoU in 19 October 2015
Hamamatsu are still gathering information and cannot yet begin their overseas expansion. It is recognized that providing the latest information on the investment environment as well as opportunities to visit the area in person is exceptionally important. It is believed that these efforts will create opportunities to take the first step towards overseas expansion. Hamamatsu is not the only city in Japan cooperating with Thailand. The Setouchi Food Business Meeting held in February 2015 in Thailand was another example of cooperation between these two countries. As an effort to open up a new market, Hamamatsu City government joined EXPO Milano 2015, held in Milan, Italy, between May – October 2015. The Japan Pavilion was awarded a gold prize in the exhibition design category of the pavilion prizes. Hamamatsu participated as one of the members of the “Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures” display at the Japan Pavilion’s event venue, and the display attracted much attention with its large sushi rolls that used local specialties of mandarin oranges, tea, and seaweed to portray the city’s mascot, the Daimyo of Success, Ieyasu-kun.
Population 605,098
Elevation
3 m over sea level
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
Jeju Governor and President of UCLG ASPAC, Won Hee-ryong and Governor Basuki Tjahaja “Ahok” Purnama Met in City Hall
FROM JEJU TO JAKARTA Opening Way for Further Cooperation
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NTRODUCING “Jeju Olle”, a series of ecological walking trails for tourists, Won Hee-ryong, Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province visited Jakarta City Hall and had a meeting with Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, Governor of DKI Jakarta on 4 November 2015. In the meeting, both governors discussed various topics including cooperation in the sectors of eco-tourism, culture exchange and renewable energy. Won Hee-ryong, the Governor and President of UCLG ASPAC, said that his delegation shared their experience on developing marine tourism, which could also be implemented in Thousand Islands. “We’ve talked about cooperation in sectors of ecotourism, tourism improvement, fishery and environment. We hope this cooperation could be conducted well in the future,” he said. Talking about the meeting, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama disclosed, “We want to imitate the tourism system from Jeju Province in Thousand Islands.” In details, Jakarta would like to receive support for the resort development projects on 14 out of 110 islands.
“We’ve talked about cooperation in sectors of ecotourism, tourism improvement, fishery and environment. We hope this cooperation could be conducted well in the future.” - Won Hee-ryong, Governor of Jeju and President of UCLG ASPAC “What we could learn from Jeju Self Governing Province is its best practices in boosting eco-tourism in Jeju Island. If these best practices could be implemented in Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands)… that would be a great achievement.” Governor Basuki, who is also Co-President of UCLG ASPAC, added. On his short visit to Jakarta City Hall, Won Hee-ryong was accompanied by H. E. Republic of Korean Ambassador Mr. Youngsun Kim, and UCLG ASPAC Secretary General, Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi. UCLG ASPAC’s President, Governor Won Hee-ryong also visited UCLG ASPAC’s Secretariat Office and was happily greeted by its staff.
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LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
Governor of DKI Jakarta, Basuki Tjahaja “Ahok” Purnama Inaugurated RPTRA Cililitan in October 2015
Internet and Computer Facilities
Library and Children Playroom
Lactation Room
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
DEVELOPING PUBLIC SPACE TO SERVE LOCAL COMMUNITY
Public Space used for Martial Arts by local community
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NE of the Sustainable Development Goals is to “Make Cities and Human Settlements Inclusive, Safe, Resilient and Sustainable”. With the spirit to achieve similar goal, the Governor of Jakarta, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, initiated the development of Ruang Publik Terpadu Ramah Anak (RPTRA), Child Friendly Integrated Public Space. As its name suggests, RPTRA is a public space that is child friendly and designed based on local needs. With one of the goals to provide space for people living in crowded areas, RPTRA is expected to become a meeting spot of local communities: they can gather with neighbors, find out what happen to others if any of the frequent-visitors doesn’t come and even follow up with local authorities if necessary; and because local government assign local communities to take care of RPTRA in their local area, local people can also exercise their ownership of RPTRA. Governor Regulations (Peraturan Gubernur) No.196/2015 is umbrella under which local government developed RPTRA along with its facilities, which were designed to meet 31 indicators of City Fits for Children, released by Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection of Indonesia.
RPTRA provides facilities in basic legal administration services (birth & death certificate), lactation room, integrated health service for children, early-age education center, sports center (gym and outdoor space), center for child creativity and arts, services for disaster anticipation (flood, fire), knowledge and skill development, family consultation and give training in revenue generation for family. Facilities provided in RPTRA differ and depend on land areas. Among all, RPTRA Cililitan has the most complete facilities.
“In Indonesia, there has not been any province building RPTRA. Not only public park in the city, RPTRA is integrated public space serving people from birth to death.” - Basuki Tjahaja Purnama “Ahok”, Governor of DKI Jakarta
In building RPTRA, local government cooperates with private companies. In this project, private companies acknowledge their contribution as Corporate Social Responsibility activity. Local government has targeted up to 150 RPTRAs built in 2016.
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LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
“local government has shown relentless efforts to fight discrimination in all aspects”
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN SRI LANKA & PHILIPPINES
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NE of the missions of UCLG ASPAC is to promote gender equality and combat discrimination. This is translated into activities conducted by its Standing Committee on Women in Local Government, focusing on strengthening women’s local public leadership and mainstreaming good practices for developing gender responsive programs and strategies. Living the same spirit, two members in Asia Pacific region, the Philippines and Sri Lanka put this into best practice within their local community. Quezon City, the most populated city of the Philippines archipelago and part of Metropolitan Manila, implemented the Safe City Metro Manila Program and joined the UN Women’s Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces Global Initiatives in December 2015. This initiative was taken following prevalent sexual harassment occurring in the city with more than 3 million inhabitants and largest rates of urban poverty and a high population of informal settler families. Indeed, Quezon City is not the only one joining the program, but looking back to the record, its local government has shown relentless efforts to fight the discrimination in all aspects. In 2002, local government of Quezon created a Gender and Development (GAD) Resource and Coordinating Office. Next, in 2003, the local government also established a network of gender focal point civil servant and after that signed the Quezon City Gender and Development Code in 2004. To implement the signed Code, Quezon City holds an annual “Thank GAD It’s Friday” Workshop in order to raise awareness among all departments in the city on how they can include gender mainstreaming in all aspects of work. They also created a Teachers Film Forum to integrate gender sensitive media content into high school curriculums, increased budget for its family planning center and offered free legal services to its citizens to benefit from legal protection when they need it.
Within this context, Sri Lanka also made progress in ensuring better opportunities for women to enter into the political field. In January 2016, the government of Sri Lanka passed a Bill for increasing women representation in local government bodies. The bill reserves one third of seats for women nominated by political parties on a separate list according to the proportion of the votes obtained by each party. Under the amended act, women will reserve approximately 2206 out of 8825 members. Following up the bill, the Federation of Sri Lankan Local Government Authorities (FSLGA) is, at the time of article writing, at the stage of planning a meeting scheduled in the 1st week of May 2016 to develop criteria of selection of women candidates to nominate for the women’s quota with Women Parliamentarians Caucuses (WPC). WPC was established in order to support empowerment of women and elimination of all sorts of violence and harassments against them. The scope of its activity includes advocacy through parliament; coordinating activities with the Women Provincial Councilors and Members of the Local Government Bodies as well as Government Ministries, Departments and Institutions; holding awareness programs (workshops, trainings and conferences) and outreach activities at district levels, UN agencies; partnership with local women organizations and professionals; and cooperation with other parliament women organizations and international women organizations. Pertaining to this, FSLGA recorded great enthusiasm from women to get into mainstream politics. FSLGA recognize that the implementation of this bill, like any other policy, will also face challenges. However, with lots of training conducted in the past, the goal for women to be more representative in the parliament will surely be achieved.
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LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
BUILDING PARTNERSHIP TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
UCLG ASPAC Secretary General, Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi and SHRDC President Joon-Ho Ahn signed a Memorandum of Understanding
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N 19-21 October 2015, the Fairmont Convention Centre, Jakarta, Indonesia, was the venue of the sixth Asia-Pacific Urban Forum (APUF-6), and became the place of the “formal beginning” of cooperation between UCLG ASPAC and Seoul Human Resource Development Center (SHRDC) to develop international training programs in the field of urban sustainability. Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) indeed remarks an official start, yet it was preceded by series of actions leading to continued efforts to better serve urban area. Tracing back, it was the “Sustainable Mobility Workshop,” co-organized by UCLG ASPAC in collaboration with SHRDC, which became the good cause. Held in Seoul,
on 1 - 9 September 2015 and attended by Indonesian local government transport officials, the workshop highlighted success story of Seoul Metropolitan Government in reorganizing its public transport system, giving more benefits to passengers using public transport. First meeting was then designed to be held in Salatiga on 23rd and 24th of March 2016. Attended by more than 26 participants from Salatiga, Surakarta, Jakarta, Batam, Surabaya, Tangerang, East Kalimantan, Taipei, Guangzhou and the Ministry of Transportation of Indonesia, this first ever meeting discussed follow-up activities and updates on their Action Plans to adopt Seoul’s best practices on transportation system.
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
Among attendees are Dr. Gyeng-Chul Kim, Advisor to the Minister of Transport of the Philippines and former President of Korea Transport Institute (KOTI), Mr. Dai Wei (who also delivered presentation on transportation best practice in Guangzhou) and Mr. Hu Jinsong from the Transportation Planning and Research Institute of Guangzhou, and Mr. Oswar Mudazin Mungkasa, Jakarta’s Deputy Governor for Spatial Planning and Environment.
“Sustainable Mobility Workshop”, a good cause leading to smart practices in other cities
Resulting from “The First Local Governments Transport Officer Network’s Workshop on Sustainable Mobility” in Salatiga, UCLG ASPAC has provided recommendations for Local Government of
Study tour in Korea
Salatiga and Surakarta in addressing their traffic issue. Recommendation for Salatiga Local Government 1. Improve parking management to solve traffic issue 2. Provide public transport service 3. Repair road’s geometry 4. Improve public transport service management 5. Preserve tourism potential in agriculture Recommendation for Surakarta Local Government 1. Establish public transport official authority 2. Create policy of flexible public transport fare 3. Establish Official Authority for Public Transportation of Greater Solo
The First Local Governments Transport Officer Network Workshop in Salatiga
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LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
IMPORTANCE OF FEDERAL-LOCAL GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIP IN BUILDING A PROSPEROUS AUSTRALIA BY MAYOR TROY PICKARD PRESIDENT, AUSTRALIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION Local government has an important role to play in achieving efficiency in freight movement on local roads, but intergovernmental partnership and support are needed if we are to unlock local and regional productivity improvements and enhance connectivity between local roads and preferred state and national freight routes across the country.
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HE Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has given a relatively upbeat assessment of the Australian economy, but it also warns economic recovery is likely to be both weak and fragile. As with many other governments globally, Australian governments today are facing challenges in areas such as the impacts of an ageing population and their associated health care needs, disease and obesity, unsatisfactory public infrastructure, and climate change.
Creating jobs by stimulating local economies There is a need for strategic investment by governments to stimulate the economy and promote economic development opportunities, particularly in rural and regional communities.
Local government is uniquely positioned to work with the federal government to boost national productivity and build greater social equity by delivering national policies at the local level. A constructive partnership between federal and local government can capitalise on these opportunities by prioritising investment in infrastructure and job-creation initiatives that will support the sustainability of local communities, particularly in rural and regional areas. Enabling greater and safer freight movement on local roads One of the ways that local government in Australia can play a lead role is through improving the performance of our national road network by enabling greater and safer freight movements through higher productivity vehicles.
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has identified an opportunity that would provide economic stimulus and job creation in local communities. Properly-maintained community infrastructure goes a long way in providing the social and economic backbone for many communities throughout Australia. This type of program has a successful precedent in the Australian Government’s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program in 2008-10. A similar partnership would provide the Australian Government with a similar mechanism to stimulate the economy, create an estimated 5,000 jobs, greatly assist communities to attract and retain key workers and ensure equitable access and fairness for all communities.
Population (as of March 2014)
Rates Collected (in 2012 – 2013)
Expenditure (in 2012 – 2013)
Road Length (km)
Values of Infrastructure (as of 2014)
23,425,700
$14 Billion
$32.2 Billion
670,000
$165 Billion
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
SECOND UCLG RETREAT & CAMPUS: FOR A BETTER URBAN COMMUNITY
Discussion Sessions in 2nd UCLG Retreat & Campus
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EBRUARY 15 – 19, 2016, Barcelona once again hosted a World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders: 2nd UCLG Retreat & Campus. This year’s attendees, consisting of 80 representatives of 23 country members from all regions, effectively used this forum to prepare matters at hand and devise steps for creating better urban communities. The UCLG World Congress and United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development, or Habitat III, were the subjects of the first day’s discussion. Preparations for those two events which will be held in Latin America this year, took over the session. Having the same spirit to build better communities, participants also discussed challenges and opportunities for the coming year. Participants of the Congress also came to a mutual agreement that they should innovate in order to avoid falling back into old routine and habits. Participants attended sessions wherein they were given opportunities for dialogue and direct collaboration between committees or regional sections to strengthen synergies between them and present an update on
their work and priorities for the global agenda. In this occasion, a representative from the ASPAC Secretariat also had the opportunity to join a meeting discussing a toolkit for facilitating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at local level. Compared to the first forum, this year’s event was attended by 80 representatives. This shows improvement, not only in the number of participants (60 last year), but also considering the attendees who include UCLG members (all sections represented) and associated networks. For future improvement, a survey was also conducted. With acknowledgement of missing points in some areas, participants disclosed the benefits that they got during the event. Improved communication among members, which is the goal of this annual forum, good values to take home, a clear understanding of ongoing parallel processes, and overview of the whole network’s activity are only some of many others.
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LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
ASIA-PACIFIC IN COOPERATION Ensuring No One is Left Behind APFSD
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HE third session of Asia Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) was held in Bangkok on 3-5 April 2016. It produced not only fruitful dialogue of member states, but also major achievements as well as recommendations. Recommendation of APFSD • Support countries in implementing the 2030 Agenda, particularly developing countries and countries with special needs, including through capacity development. • Provide regional perspective on sustainable development agenda implementation, consolidate and share best practices and lessons learned • Support follow-up and review of progress on the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs at regional level
They also initiated development of a regional road map for sustainable development to support developing countries in implementing the 2030 Agenda. Achieving these decisions, AsiaPacific has become the first region to give a clear and substantive role to its forum on sustainable development.
APUF The 6th Asia-Pacific Urban Forum (APUF) was held in the Fairmont Hotel, Jakarta, Indonesia, 19 – 21 October 2015. Under the theme of “Sustainable Urban Development in Asia-Pacific: Towards a New Urban Agenda”, APUF addressed regional problems and priorities and provided recommendations as input towards Habitat III.
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
The 6th Asia Pacific Urban Forum
Putting Local and Regional Governments in the Driver’s Seat for Financing Sustainable Urban Development
Institutionalizing Inclusive Local Economic Development
Recommendations:
Create business enabling environment
Increasing subnational governments capacities in finance
Invest in urban infrastructure, skills, and partnership development programs, market and credit access for small and medium enterprises, and promote local products.
Improving regulatory and legal frameworks
Recommendations:
The institutional financing framework must be transparent
Safer Cities and Public Spaces for Women’s Empowerment Recommendations: Mainstreaming women’s safety in city planning and management
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LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
WOMEN ON THE MOVE IN PARIS
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N 4-7 December 2015, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo welcomed approximately 600 participants from around 60 countries in the World Council Meeting. Held in conjunction with COP21, the agenda of this meeting was broader in scope than the climate agenda and reflects variety and reach of its membership. Resulting Policy Decisions • Adoption of Work Plan and implementation of the Strategic Partnership with the European Union. • Activities in 2016 will focus on two key processes that will impact the work of the whole network; namely, Habitat III and the UCLG World Congress in Bogotá. • UCLG will need to ensure enhanced facilitation of the Global Taskforce and the implementation of the process of the Second World Assembly of Local and Regional Governments. Call for the next UCLG Congress The UCLG World Congress – the World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders – is organized every three years. It traditionally brings together over 3,000 local and regional elected representatives and practitioners from around the world. The venue of the 6th UCLG World Congress will be announced at the 5th World Congress, taking place from 12-15 October 2016 in Bogotá. The deadline for the submission of candidatures is 20 June 2016.
UCLG ASPAC Standing Committee aims at reaching a 25% representation of women in the UCLG ASPAC Council, which will hold elections in Jeollabukdo and in the UCLG Congress in Bogota.
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
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The Power of Women in the World Council Meeting, Paris
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LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
NEW WORLD-CLASS PUBLIC SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS IN PYONGYANG
New World-Class Public Service in Pyongyang
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HE Munsu area along the bank of the Taedong River in Pyongyang, capital of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is thrust into the limelight of the world community for its world-class public service establishments that have recently sprung up. Munsu Water Park is the typical example. Covering an area of 109 000 m2, the park consists of indoor and outdoor wading pools equipped with the latest recreation facilities, gymnasium and Munsu Rehabilitation House. It is a world-class comprehensive park in terms of scale, style and content. The outdoor wading pool with a variety of water slides and pools, artificial waterfalls, mysteriously-shaped rocks and caves reminiscent of those found in famous mountains of Korea and lifelike animal sculptures, gives visitors the impression that they are either in a wonderland of amusement or in green nature. The indoor wading pool roofed in a distinctive truss design and furnished in Eldorado style is as good as a world-class bathing resort. It is full of bathers enjoying the benefits of modern civilization to their heart’s content
in the water pools of various types such as wave, seawater and massage pools. “I have lived in China and France, and visited several countries in the world. But I have never seen such a giant and modern water park as this one,” said in admiration by Albane Hung, Head of a French delegation that visited the DPRK. Huanqiu Times of China also introduced the Munsu Water Park of the DPRK as the best one in the world. Not only the water park but also the Okryu Children’s Hospital and Ryugyong Dental Hospital newly built in this area, boasting of their modern architectural beauty, are attractions of the world. Okryu Children’s Hospital is a medical service centre for children that is equipped with the latest medical appliances. It has rooms for treatment and operation, sick wards, classrooms for in-patients, indoor playing halls and a heliport. It is also called a fine art museum in the hospital because there are many fine art works as befits the juvenile mind and treating environment.
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
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New World-Class Public Service in Pyongyang
New World-Class Public Service in Pyongyang
Ryugyong Dental Hospital is another medical institution provided with high-end facilities including the latest multi-purpose dental camera. These new hospitals have promoted the Munsu area to a comprehensive hospital village with the Pyongyang Maternity Hospital, Kim Man Yu Hospital and Academy of Koryo Medicine which are already there. Ryugyong Health Complex, People’s Openair Ice Rink and Haedanghwa Service Complex are also drawing the attention.
“I have lived in China and France, and visited several countries in the world. But I have never seen such a giant and modern water park as this one.” - Albane Hung, Head of a French delegation when visiting DPRK
Wavelike-roofed Ryugyong Health Complex erected on the picturesque Taedong riverside is an all-round public service
establishment for the promotion of people’s health. At the People’s Open-air Ice Rink and roller rink under the same roof with the health complex people enjoy skating in hot summer and children are seen absorbed in roller-blading all the year round. The Haedanghwa Service Complex consists of restaurants, wading pool, physical fitness room, coffee shop, shop and other catering amenities as befits multi-purpose service centre in the worldwide fashion. Pyongyang Kim Won Gyun Conservatory, a prestigious institution for training talents in music, is also located in the Munsu area. Recently Pyongyang has undergone a complete change with many parks renovated across the city and many structures newly built, including Kaeson Youth Park, Rungna People’s Recreation Ground, Ryugyong Health Complex, People’s Open-air Ice Rink, Thongilgori Fitness Centre, Mansudae Street, Changjon Street, Unha Scientists Street, apartment buildings for educationists at Kim Il Sung University and sportspersons. Pyongyang citizens are enjoying to their heart’s content in the Munsu Water Park and other modern cultural establishments in the Munsu area.
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LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
GLOBAL AWARD Recognizing Cities’ Innovations
Guangzhou Award Celebration in 2014
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N 2012, the Guangzhou Award was co-sponsored by the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), the World Association of the Major Metropolises (Metropolis), and the City of Guangzhou. The Award aims to recognize innovation in improving social, economic and environmental sustainability in cities and regions and, in so doing, to advance the prosperity and life quality of their citizens. The Guangzhou Award will be conferred to 5 cities for each award cycle. Each of the winning cities will receive a USD 20,000 cash prize, a trophy and a commemorative certificate. Besides the 5 awards, the Organizing Committee of the Guangzhou Award also intends to recognize one of the short-listed initiatives for its popularity with the public. Presented biennially, this award invites all cities and local governments, including members of Metropolis and UCLG as well as other cities. Innovativeness, Effectiveness, Replicability/Transferability and Significance are the 5 criteria used to assess. Prize 5 winners @USD20,000, Trophy, Certificate Deadline for Submission before 31 July 2016 More Information www.guangzhouaward.org
TESTIMONIAL
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
WEN JUN
Superintend Division, Guangzhou Port Authority
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ELLO, My name is Wen Jun. I am the secondee from Guangzhou Municipal Government, People’s Republic of China. My secondment in UCLG ASPAC started from 1st March and will finish on 28th May, 2016.
amazing that I found so many Indonesians who like Chinese songs and Chinese food. They try to learn Chinese language as well. I also got a chance to meet an Indonesian representative on “Chinese Bridge 2014” in my office.
I like Indonesians and I have so many Chinese-Indonesia relatives here in Jakarta. Working in UCLG ASPAC is a unique experience for me. I can join so many programs and events which enhance multilateral exchanges and communication between the city of Guangzhou and other UCLG ASPAC member cities. UCLG ASPAC did a good contribution to promote Guangzhou International Urban Innovative Award to all the Asia Pacific countries.
In China, I work for Guangzhou Port Authority. I want to explore more cooperation between Guangzhou and Indonesia in the port industry during my work in UCLG ASPAC. I will try my best to introduce more Indonesians and Chinese people to get to know each other and found cooperative opportunities in business and culture or other different fields as well.
China is a historical country. Oriental culture is always attracting people all over the world. During my stay in Jakarta, it is
Thank you for all the kindness and care from Secretary General and all my colleagues in UCLG ASPAC.
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LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
Inspire and Get Inspired!
U
CLG ASPAC is a network to share and inspire each other. Send innovation stories from your region, get published in our communication channels and inspire others. Visit us, Stay updated & Get inspired!
Bi-annual Newsletter Annual Report Facebook: UCLG ASPAC Twitter @uclgaspac E-Newsletter Website
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 24 | November 2015 - April 2016
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THANK YOU!
Our Newsletter is produced because of your contributions! We sincerely hope that the information can inspire, and develop new ideas as well as innovations all around our Asia Pacific region. See you all soon in the next events!
MAY 5 – 7
: First Session of UCLG-ASPAC Executive Bureau 2016, New Delhi, India
9 – 11
: Changwon UNESCO Asia Pacific Regional Education Conference, Phuket, Thailand
13 – 15
: Second World Assembly, New York, USA
16 – 17 : DELGOSEA Workshop, “A DELGOSEA Vision: Decentralization and Good Local Governance in ASEAN,” Bangkok, Thailand 19 – 20
: Capacity and Institution Building (CIB) Meeting, Istanbul, Turkey
24 – 27 : Training on “Sustainable Tourism: Policies for Delivering Social, Environmental and Economic Benefits in the Asia-Pacific Region,” Jeju, South Korea 25 – 28
: Executive Bureau UCLG, Kazan, Russia
JUNE 8 – 10
: International Forum on Urban Policy for SDG, Seoul, South Korea
8 – 10 : International Conference of the Coalition of Cities against Discrimination in ASPAC, Bangkok, Thailand 16 – 17 : High Level Forum on Implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction at Local Level, Florence, Italy 28 – 1 July : Training on “Cultural Tourism Development,” Jeju, South Korea
JULY 6 – 8 : Resilient Cities 2016 – 7th Annual Global Forum on Urban Resilience and Adaptation, Bonn, Germany 12
: World City Summit, “Cities as Agents of Migrants’ Integration,” Singapore
11-20
: High-level Political Forum 2016 on Sustainable Development, New York, USA
25 – 27
: PrepCom III for Habitat III, Surabaya, Indonesia
SEPTEMBER 7 – 10
: 6th UCLG ASPAC Congress, Jeollabuk Province, South Korea
26-28
: World Summit of Climate Action, Nantes, France
OCTOBER 12-15
: World Summit of Local and Regional governments- UCLG Congress, Bogotá, Colombia
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: 2nd World Assembly of Local and Regional Governments (Third session), Quito, Ecuador
Executive Editor: Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi
Editor: Fulvia Photo Credits: Local Governments of Asia Pacific, Members of UCLG ASPAC