UCLG ASPAC Mission to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)
Landscape of North Korea
29 November – 1 December 2018, UCLG ASPAC President Mayor Tri Rismaharini of Surabaya and Secretary General Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi are currently on a mission in DPRK. Their visit aims to foster peace and promote local-to-local dialogue on the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through technical cooperation between cities and local authorities of the DPRK, UCLG and UCLG ASPAC Members. The mission also seeks to identify areas of potential cooperation, notably in the field of sustainable urban planning to ensure adequate housing and basic services, safe and accessible public transport systems, local economic development, social protection, environmental management and culture – that link urban, peri-urban and rural areas while safeguarding cultural and natural heritage, and reducing bad environmental impact of cities. The mission is part of UCLG ASPAC’s broader efforts to support cities throughout Asia-Pacific region through a broad-range of initiatives including technical capacity building for local governments, connecting cities with global experts, and enhancing policy dialogues. UCLG ASPAC’s engagement with DPRK included its support to the country’s participation in the Culture Forum held in Surakarta, Indonesia (2016). Follow the outcomes of UCLG ASPAC’s mission to DPRK in our next e-Newsletter for December 2018.