LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Volume 19 | May - October 2013
Newsletter
“For A Flourishing Asia Pacific”
07 United Cities and Local Governments
Asia-Pacif ic
Mayor Chen Jianhua of Guangzhou Elected UCLG Co-President
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Colombo Welcomes You!
FOREWORD FROM THE PRESIDENT Dr Jatin V. Modi President UCLG-ASPAC
It was indeed a great pleasure to have my association with UCLG ASPAC almost since its inception and even before when it was known as IULA ASPAC. The UCLG ASPAC has undergone a long glorious journey by extending its network to disseminate the information on research and innovative ideas for the better management of the Local Government. As the time is changing fast, many issues are also faced by Local Bodies like potable water, Solid Waste Management, Environment management, impacts on Global Warming, Energy Crisis. The Local Bodies will have to use the best expertise and use new technologies that are available at global level. Ultimately we need to provide efficient effective transport administration through E-governance. We are in need to speed up this process and bring if necessary a basic transformation in the administrative system of local bodies to make it effective, efficient, responding, responsive by inducting parliamentary democracy. Policy makers will have to adopt all the training activities which may be necessary as and when required. UCLG ASPAC will have to be focused more on gender on agenda to provide safety, security and full harmony among the younger generation particularly more so in feminine cases. Another issue which is in agenda is to adopt Smart Cities, new city model, smart cities have been getting recognition among the urban policy makers and Practitioners. Several projects are under implementation in Asia, USA & Europe. The rapid development of new technologies and of innovation processes has resulted in a new city model, the “Smart City.” A kind of city that uses new technologies to make them more livable, functional, competitive and up to date through the use of new technologies, the promotion of innovation and knowledge management, bringing together 6 key fields of performance: economy mobility, the environment, citizenship, quality of life and city management. Conventionally, a Smart city has been defined as a city that uses information and communications technology to make together its necessary infrastructure, its components and utilities more interactive, competent,
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making citizens more aware of their role as wellinformed citizens. In a broader definition, a city can be considered as “smart “ when its outlay in human and social capital and in communications infrastructure activity encourage sustainable trade and industry development and a elevated quality of life, including the capable management of local governance and participatory local government. During my Presidency, I have been able to discuss with His Excellency Governor of Jakarta for giving us an office block to enhance our activities and to establish close coordination with the Government of Indonesia. It has been agreed in principal and we shall soon start operating from new office centrally located at the Jakarta city in the Government complex. Ambassador Peter woods, was also responsibility for initiating the discussions. I appreciate his idea to honor the former Presidents & Co-Presidents of UCLG ASPAC for providing excellent services during the tenure. The UCLG ASPAC ExCOM meeting is scheduled from 27th to 29th Nov.2013 at the beautiful city of Colombo SRILANKA. My term as President of UCLG ASPAC will also come to an end. I take this opportunity to thank all my colleagues and the members of the UCLG ASPAC for giving suggestions and guidelines for upgrading the activities of UCG ASPAC with the change of management staff in UCLG ASPAC and particularly the Secretary General Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi , who has taken responsibility and I am sure she should be able to utilize her expertise to make the UCLG ASPAC ‘s activities more pulsatile. Shortly we shall be entering in to the year 2014, I take this opportunity to wish all the local bodies officials, members and staff of UCLG ASPAC, a very glorious year of 2014, which I am sure will prove to be more productive and shall bring opportunities to one and all to keep the planet a very healthy, safe and make it carbon free. Dr Jatin V. Modi President – UCLG ASPAC
LOCAL GOVERNMENT Newsletter Volume 19, May - October 2013
CONTENTS 4
For A Flourishing Asia Pacific! An Interview with a new Secretary General
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Taipei to Host 5th UCLG ASPAC Congress An Interview with Mayor of Taipei
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Meet Hamamatsu’s Yuru-chara: The Daimyo of Success!
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Barisal City Combating for MDGs
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LCP Co-Hosts Asia Partners’ Forum on Local Economic Development
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The 22nd World Energy Congress
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Gubul-gil, Where Travel Never Ends
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District Periodic Plan in Nepal
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‘Heart to Heart’ in Korea
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A Walking Tour in Gusan, S.Korea, Gubul-gil, Where Travel Never Ends LOCAL GOVERNMENT Newsletter Volume 19, May - October 2013
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For A Flourishing Asia Pacific! An Interview with a new Secretary General Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi
On July 2013, UCLG ASPAC welcomed its new Secretary General, Dr.Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi. She is the first female to be appointed as Secretary General in the history of UCLG ASPAC and the regional sections of UCLG. Dr.Bernadia was not a stranger for Local Governments in Asia-Pacific. Her journey with Local Government Organization focusing on urban development has been crafted since more than two decades a go. In this edition, our Manager of Communication and Information, Ms. Nurina Savitri, spoke to her and shared Dr.Bernadia’s view on our beloved organization.
If you were a doctor and you had to analyze UCLG ASPAC as your patient, how would your diagnosis be? There are no major ailments in UCLG ASPAC as I think it is going in the right direction. Nevertheless, what I have observed since I started my duty on July 1 this year is that there are some “missing gaps.” If we address them, UCLG ASPAC will become an outstanding body of local governments in the Asia-Pacific region, which as we know is the centre of global challenges and solutions.
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We need to connect all the important dots in order to synchronize the effort we make. In terms of our staffing, I brought out the strengths each member in order to bring positive elements to our office to best serve our members. We also need to link real life situations with appropriate supporting mechanisms. It is necessary for us to understand the local environment as this region has so much diversity, which we should in fact see as a “great opportunity.” We know however that “support and dependency” is limited; therefore I think it is more important for us to create methods where cities and local governments are helped to effectively use their limited resources and at the same time explore possible assets, and think critically just like when we are in crisis. We urge our leaders and key decision makers to act quickly – as there is no much time to wait for them to perform. What have been UCLG ASPAC’s strongest strengths over these past 3 years? Since I just joined about 4 months ago, I do not think I am the right person to answer this question. However, based on my views and
LOCAL GOVERNMENT Newsletter Volume 19, May - October 2013
Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi Secretary General UCLG ASPAC
interaction with members and partners so far, I can say the strengths of UCLG ASPAC lie in “networking,” not only within Asia-Pacific, but also the whole world. We cooperate with cities and local governments that have different levels of development, dissimilar social, culture and economic level. Second, it is the meaning of “united” that is crucial as through the largest body of local governments in the world, we have been able to be seen as a single voice from them to speak up for them. Third, it is the high spirit of members who are willing to support, and at the same time to learn. Now, it is time for us to apply and execute what we have learned, what knowledge we have gained to improve the welfare and happiness of our society. It seems that in the recent days, UCLG ASPAC is more focusing its activities on environment issues. Are there any specific backgrounds regarding to this? Or you specifically have green vision? We need to address the environmental issue not to be seen as a stand-alone challenge,
but as an integrated part of our work. In the past and even in current phase, we perceive that the environment is a second priority following economic development. We should not follow cities that have paid high costs of environmental losses for the sake of economic growth. Both are found in good synergy. But our ignorance makes them both impossible. I think we are very fortunate as we live in the information age; we can easily access and interact with others all over the world. We have found examples how cities should be governed, good and bad lessons, failures that others have made in the past. My concern is that certain stakeholders have taken advantage of our ignorance, incapable local governments especially in less developed countries, improper governance in this situation by imposing certain outcomes that are not worth enough! Companies, small, medium or big enterprises should work hand-in-hand with the governments so that environment and social loses can be accounted for and green investment be prioritised. Also, aid agencies should really have genuine intention to empower the recipients. LOCAL GOVERNMENT Newsletter Volume 19, May - October 2013
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Left : Dr.Bernadia together with President Modi (second from right) in China Right: Dr. Bernadia interviewed by Indonesian Journalists
How will you bring UCLG ASPAC in the next 5 years? I see UCLG ASPAC as a “hidden gold or treasure” that has not been explored. This body has a huge potential to grow toward a prosperous and happy society. This is possible as UCLG ASPAC links more than 7,000 local governments. We should assist cities and local governments to be able to respond better to global/regional agendas and to anticipate these implications as quick as possible. For example, UCLG ASPAC has opened the doors for cooperation with ASEAN to strategically address local implications towards the ASEAN Community and ASEAN Economic Integrity 2015 to create well-prepared local governments. Free flows of good, products, and labors will certainly carry positive as well as negative impacts. Another important agenda is to prepare ourselves for post 2015. If we want to have pro-people development, as the closest administrative body to community, this is the
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important message that will shape the way our development goes. We are also aware that there are some countries in this region that do not have urban policies and visions in addressing high rapid urbanization. We are working with key partners in this region, including ESCAP, UNHABITAT and UNISDR to lead our members towards Post-2015, Habitat III and Hyogo Framework for Actions (HFA) 2. I also think we need to balance our advocacy with tangible impacts in the ground. In the end, we care more what people in streets want – they need more open/public space, clean air to breathe, enough money to eat and spend, proper education and health system, comfortable places to live and commute, a few to mention. We will explore any possibility for cities and local governments to get capacitated and to bridge them with potential partners for resource mobilisations. We have big dreams for our society! Together we will meet our dream for a flourishing AsiaPacific region!.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT Newsletter Volume 19, May - October 2013
Mayor Chen Jianhua of Guangzhou Elected UCLG Co-President
Mayor Chen, Mayor of Kazan (Ilsur Metshin), President of UCLG World (Kadir Topbas), Mayor of Victoria (Jacqueline Belle), Mayor of Quito (Augusto Barrera)
UCLG held its Fourth World Congress in Rabat, Morocco from 1-4 October, 2013. The new UCLG Presidency was elected at the congress, comprising Kadir Topbaş, Mayor of Istanbul (Turkey); Chen Jianhua, Mayor of Guangzhou (China); Jacqueline Moustache Belle, President of the Association of Districts of Victoria (Seychelles); Alain Juppé, Mayor of Bordeaux (France); Ilsur Metshin, Mayor of Kazan (Russia); Augusto Barrera, Mayor of Quito (Ecuador); and Fathallah Oualalou, Mayor of Rabat (Morocco).
After being elected UCLG Co-President, Mayor Chen Jianhua of Guangzhou delivered a speech in English, stating that over the next three years, Guangzhou will work hard with members of the Presidency and other global cities to build a better life for humanity. The strategic plenary at the Fourth World Congress of UCLG based on the theme “Shaping The Urban Future: The Future We Want”, brought together more than 1,000 delegates from around the world. Mayor Chen was invited to be a panelist to share his insights into the role of cities and governments in tackling the challenges of the era. LOCAL GOVERNMENT Newsletter Volume 19, May - October 2013
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BIOGRAPHY:
Mayor Chen Jianhua
Courtesy: South China Morning Post
Mayor Chen obtained a Bachelor’s degree from Beijing University of Science and Technology and became an engineer. Subsequently, he received a Masters degree in administration from the School of Administrative Affairs at Sun Yat-sen University. Mayor Chen has been devoted to local government and public administration for nearly 30 years. In December 2011, he became acting Mayor of Guangzhou and took up his current post in January 2012. During his tenure as Mayor of Guangzhou, he initiated the Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation to build a platform for international cities to exchange views on innovative management for urban cities. He has also actively promoted waste management and recycling for sustainable urban development.
Left to Right: Mayor of Rabat (Fatallah Oualalou), Secretary General of UCLG ASPAC (Bernadia Tjandradewi), President of UCLG World (Kadir Topbas), Mayor Chen, Ambassador of UCLG ASPAC (Peter Woods), Representative from Korean Members
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LOCAL GOVERNMENT Newsletter Volume 19, May - October 2013
Colombo Welcomes You!
Nestled in the western part of Sri Lanka, Colombo had been a capital city of Sri Lanka for 200 years and was named after Portuguese arrival in 16th century. Today’s Colombo feeds almost a million people in the territory, an enormous amount yet reasonable considering the city is the central of economic activities in Sri Lanka. It is also the largest city of beautiful Beira Lake’s country. Since 2000 years a go, Colombo has been a regular route of worldwide merchants, and therefore the coastal life is unsurprisingly alive, making it the biggest spot to earn the country’s GDP. Now that the capital city moves to nearby Sri Jayawardenepura, Southeast of Colombo, this historical city is still vibrant and strategic for diverse activities. From historical sites to cultural events, this city of Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre does not only offer Buddhist heritage as its feature, but also provide modern ambiances.
Colombo has been a regular route of worldwide merchants, and therefore the coastal life is unsurprisingly alive, making it the biggest spot to earn the country’s GDP On November 27th-28th 2013, the city welcomes hundred of delegates from across Asia-Pacific as United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) holds its “Executive Bureau and Council Meetings” as well as its “International Workshop on Empowering Local Partnership for Better Sanitation and Water Services”; and “Regional Consultation with Local Governments towards a post-2015 framework for disaster risk-reduction”. Enjoy your remarkable visit in Colombo, explore the breathtaking nature and have a pleasant journey!.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT Newsletter Volume 19, May - October 2013
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The World’s First OLEV-Bus Charging Cordlessly While On The Run
We no longer need any costly electricity charging station and related infrastructure as well as no need to stop in order to feed the bus electric power. The wireless rechargeable electric bus was operated as a pilot program starting on August of this year. This novel technology conceived and developed by the Korea Agency for Infrastructure Advancement (KAIA), a government-sponsored R&D institution, is to response to the future green energy transportation system and make the city a better livable place to live. Gumi was selected by the Korean government to promote the innovative project through a bid at the national level in December 2012 to make a preemptive preparation for new public transportation system based on clean energy. The newly introduced electric bus will run in an inner city route between In-dong district and Gumi Railroad Station for a total of 24 km roundtrip.
The cordless rechargeable electric bus, duded as OLEV-type Bus, was carefully examined by both Gumi municipality and the Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST) in a bid to maximize the safety level and offer a bus-riding opportunity to the local residents. Before launching the official operation, KAIST and Gumi city started an experimental runs beginning July 1st and sought to improve and correct any possible mechanical mishaps. Embarking on experimental bus operation in August and providing a hands-on experience for local residents, the municipal administration is planning to put this state-ofthe-art electric bus into full operation in 2014. The OLEV (On-line Electric Vehicle) bus is the first of its kind of wireless rechargeable electric bus based on SMFIR (Shaped Magnetic Field in Resonance) by KAIST, which is able to run 58km at maximum on a single charge.
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OLEV technological prowess is highly recognized both at home and abroad as this wireless electric vehicle was chosen as one of 50 best inventions of 2010 by the Times as well as one of 10 best emerging technologies of 2013 by World Economic Forum. The technology enables the electric bus to receive 100kw (136 horsepower) electricity at a 75 percent maximum power transmission efficiency rate while maintaining a 20cm air gap between the underbody of the vehicle and the surface of the road, which is expected to usher in a new era of electrical vehicle earlier than expected. The contactless charging method, in particular, gets rid of the danger of electric shock, increases user's safety and convenience to a greater extent and mitigates the concern about the loss of the standby power by developing the segment technology by which the vehicle gets the power on embedded electric strips in roadbed.
Gumi is the first municipal administration that declared itself as Carbon Zero City in 2010. In order to materialize this bold and ambitious project and to further raise the public awareness about the importance of the sustainable green environment, the city launched the 10 million tree-planting campaigns across the region, established the Climate Change Experience Center, and encourages the use of bicycles. Gumi hopes that its electric vehicle will be successful to become a front-runner city of clean transportation as a practical model for preventing climate change in the future.
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Taipei to Host 5th UCLG ASPAC Congress An Interview With Mayor of Taipei, Dr. Lung-Bin Hau
Dr. Lung-Bin Hau An Interview With Mayor of Taipei
After the Capital City of Indonesia, Jakarta, UCLG ASPAC will have its 5th Regional Congress on October 2014, in Taipei City. That will be the first time for Taipei to hold our organization’s regional congress. Mayor Hau of Taipei spared his busy time to answer our editorial team’s questions on the congress’ preparation and on his view upon several urban issues. He himself has just been appointed as Executive Bureau Member of UCLG World. Congratulations for your appointment as Executive Bureau Member of UCLG World. It expresses more representatives from Asia-Pacific which is good for our region’s progress. How do you see Asia-Pacific region for these past 2 years? As one of the Asia-Pacific region members, I would like to thank everyone’s support for Taipei. I am honored to be able to represent Asia-Pacific region. At present, we are striving to enhance regional peace and cooperation, and inspired to create a future-proof solution that meets the needs of the Asian-Pacific cities and local governments. We also hope to devote more resources to the regional partnership for creating a better Asian community.
This year, you will celebrate your 7th anniversary as Taipei Mayor. One of your ongoing programs is to attract investors. How do you see good governance can really draw a huge attention from investors? Taipei City, located in the center of Asia-Pacific economic region, has set the benchmark for quality industrial, commercial and cultural services. It is also an outpost for a number of international conglomerates, including Intel, Dell, Microsoft, IBM, HP, YAHOO, Google, among others. Taipei prides itself in successful fundraising, R & D, marketing, logistics services, and catalyzing new business opportunities that can rival any competitor in Asia. To sharpen its competitive edge, Taipei City Government had unveiled Ten Major Construction Projects, including the Taipei Twin Towers, Songshan Airport Development, MRT New Construction, Fiber to the Home, the Taipei Cloud Computing Industrial Park, Taipei Information Park, Taipei Performing Art Center, Taipei Pop Music Center, Taipei Audio-Visual Industrial Parks and Taipei Green Pavilion. These assignments promise to ensure the city's sustainable growth. Many densely populated cities in AsiaPacific’s developing countries are struggling with their transportation system. What is
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system provides services in metropolitan areas not covered by mass rapid transport system. Finally, based on above two popular public transportation infrastructures, we began to promote a public bike sharing system, "YouBike", to create the pedestrian friendly environment. "YouBike" and short-distance, on-foot commuting ensure quality, first and last mile service for travelers to reach their destination at ease.
The MRT system, with its fast and high-capacity service, is the backbone of the green transportation system.
your sharing lesson as Taipei city has rapid transport system? Taipei is a densely populated city, with 9,845 persons/km2 and a total population of 2.6 million people. Fast population growth and economic development gave rise to trafficsnarled congestions. In addressing these issues, we have come up with the following solutions, which we are proud to share our peer city members: *We actively promote “public transportation” There are two kinds of main public transportations in Taipei: Mass rapid Transport (MRT) and city buses. The MRT system has a revenue track of about 116.9 kilometers, and 102 stations. The average daily ridership is measured at 1.65 million, which is expected to increase to 1.75 million with newly added MRT Xinyi line by 2013. There are also about 50.5 kilometers of approved routes currently under construction, plus another 96.7 kilometers of planned routes for future expansion. Moreover, there are 14 operators, 3,965 vehicles, and 310 routes in our city bus system network. To enhance efficiency of system and improve driving safety, there are 14 lanes (about 59.69 kilometers) exclusive bus lanes. The average daily city bus ridership is measured at 1.68 million. *Seamless transportation service is also a key strategy. A smooth travel transition within the aforesaid network ensures safety and efficiency. The MRT system, with its fast and highcapacity service, is the backbone of the green transportation system. Moreover, the city bus
*We also use “intelligent transportation system” to provide our citizens with more diverse and efficient transport alternatives. We launched an e-bus system and the mobile phone App, "Fun Travel in Taipei". With the progress of smart technology and wireless cloud computing, improved public transportation service quality could allow citizens to travel around the city breezily. Without effective regulations and a softer, awareness campaign approach, the current rate of green transportation is figured at 58%. We hope to increase green transportation service to 70% by 2020. By taking the idea of "User-first and Sustainable Transport" into consideration for every citizen, Taipei city has created a smart, safe, convenient, and comfortable travel space that is good for the environment. Before we close this interview, any final remarks regarding to the next year’s congress in Taipei? It has been about almost a decade since the 2004 UCLG ASPAC Founding Congress was held in Taipei. Over the past 10 years, Taipei has never stopped reinventing itself and has developed and transformed. 2014 is a special year for Taipei because we will celebrate 130 years of the city’s founding. Your presence will be the best gift for Taipei’s 130th anniversary! Therefore, I would like to once again invite all the new and old friends of UCLG ASPAC to visit Taipei.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT Newsletter Volume 19, May - October 2013
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Meet Hamamatsu’s Yuru-chara:
the Daimyo of Success! What is a Yuru-chara®?
The Yuru-chara® Warring States Period
The word Yuru-chara® comes from the Japanese word yurui, meaning relaxed, and the phrase “mascot character.” The word yurui does not only mean relaxed; it also represents cuteness, friendliness and tranquility. One of the characteristics of Yuru-chara® is its regional nature. Each prefecture, municipality, etc., is taken as a unit, and each character is strongly implied to be the mascot character to represent that region.
Currently in Japan, there is a huge Yuru-chara® boom. Yuru-chara® frequently presents in public events in various places across the country. Yuru-chara® merchandises go on sale as well. Some people even travel just to see different kinds of Yuru-chara®.
The word Yuru-chara® is the work of Mr. Jun Miura, and is a registered trademark of both Mr. Jun Miura and Fusosha Publishing Incorporated.
One interesting fact is that, in 2012, the sales of Kumamon (Kumamoto Prefecture’s Yuruchara®)-the winner of the 2011 Yuru-chara® Grand Prix- were around 300 million US dollars, and when the numbers of people who traveled and the city’s promotional efforts are counted, the economic impact is upsized to approximately 1 billion US dollars. Therefore, it is no wonder to see how each region has been working their best on their Yuru-chara® promotion.
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Hamamatsu Castle, known as the Castle of Success, and the Daimyo of Success, Ieyasu-kun LOCAL GOVERNMENT Newsletter Volume 19, May - October 2013
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Daimyo of Success, Ieyasu-kun appearing with other Yuru-chara® on an NHK TV show
What is the Yuru-chara® Grand Prix (http://www.yurugp.jp)? The Yuru-chara® Grand Prix is a competition where you vote for your favorite Yuru-chara® that has been registered to the Grand Prix. Voting is done by several steps: (1) visiting Yuruchara® Grand Prix’s website and registering your email address; (2) and then to do online voting. You can submit one vote per day using one email address, but, interestingly, you cannot register any email addresses from free services such as Gmail and Yahoo Mail. The Yuru-chara® Grand Prix 2013 was organized in 53 days, from September 17th to November 8th. There were 1,580 Yuru-chara® participated in this competition. Hamamatsu’s Yuru-chara®, Daimyo of Success, Ieyasu-kun, also joined this championship. Winning or securing runner-up position in the Grand Prix increases the Yuru-chara®‘s possibility to be invited to any event or to create a business-deal. It also expands the market for that character’s merchandises.
You can submit one vote per day using one email address, but, interestingly, you cannot register any email addresses from free services such as Gmail and Yahoo Mail.
Who is Hamamatsu’s Yuru-chara®, Daimyo of Success, Ieyasu-kun? Hamamatsu’s Yuru-chara®, Daimyo of Success, Ieyasu-kun was created in 2011. It reflects the reincarnation of the late Ieyasu Tokugawa (after his death, he was enshrined as a God at Nikko, which is a World Heritage Site), who became shogun (leader of Japan’s warriors), and created the Edo Bakufu (Edo is now Tokyo), which is also known as the Tokugawa Shogunate. Tokugawa made Hamamatsu his headquarters for 17 years, starting when he was 29 until he was 45 years old.
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A “daimyo” is someone who rules over the land as its Lord. “Success” represents attaining a high-status position and getting your fame throughout the world, experiencing success and so on. Tokugawa, who was a regional Lord, eventually became the shogun, making him the representative example of a “Daimyo of Success.”
Further Developments of the Daimyo of Success, Ieyasu-kun In addition to Ieyasu Tokugawa’s success, during the Edo Period, the daimyo that were dispatched to Hamamatsu from the shogunate were promoted when they returned back to
the shogunate’s central offices. Accordingly, Hamamatsu Castle began to be called the Castle of Success. Currently, Hamamatsu City is promoting the city using “Castle of Success” as a theme. Hamamatsu is home to the headquarters of world-class companies such as Suzuki, Yamaha and Hamamatsu Photonics. It is also the birthplace of Honda. Perhaps in Hamamatsu, they are able to obtain the good luck from “Success.” Please come to Hamamatsu and meet our mascot, the Daimyo of Success, Ieyasu-kun!
The Hamamatsu City Mayor presents a doll of the Daimyo of Success, Ieyasu-kun, to the Secretary General of the UCLG ASPAC
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Barisal City Combating for MDGs Barisal city is situated on the bank of Kirtankhola River. It stands 180 Km to the south of capital city Dhaka and 95 Km to the north of the sea Bay of Bengal. It is one of the divisional headquarters of Bangladesh. Barisal City Corporation consists of 30 Wards. The Barisal Municipality was established in 1957 and was turned into a City Corporation in 2000. Total population of Barisal City is approximately 0.5 million in a 58 Square Km area. It is one of the biggest river ports in Bangladesh. Mr. Md. Ahsan Habib Kamal the Honorable Mayor of Barisal City Corporation stated his vision in the year 2013, that Barisal City will be a clean and green city where all citizens will enjoy healthy lives. In Bangladesh all City Corporations are controlled by the Central Government through the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives. Mayor and Councilors are elected by the direct votes of citizen for a five years term. City Corporation functions in accordance with the City Corporation Act of the country. These functions
By establishing house-to-house solid waste collection, the city authority successfully removed more than 120 dustbins from the streets and accordingly, the city’s environment became healthier
are divided into two categories, obligatory or discretionary. Obligatory functions include: supply of pure and wholesome water; construction and maintains of public streets; street lighting; cleaning of public streets, places and drainages; registration of birth and death; naming streets and numbering houses; mosquito control; providing of primary health care services etc. Discretionary functions include: regulation of offensive dangerous trades; removing obstructions
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1. Polio Campaign Inauguration. 2. Patient in City Maternity Hospital 3. City Health Center 4. Riverside Embankment
and projections in public places; securing or removing of dangerous building; construction and maintenance of public parks, plantings and maintenance of roadside and other trees; organizing public entertainments etc. Barisal City Corporation has applied e-governance for property tax collection, water tax billing, trade license system and online birth registration. Barisal City Corporation has successful experience with house-to-house solid waste collection, of which the community plays a vital role. Through community participation, household waste management has improved significantly. By establishing house-to-house solid waste collection, the city authority successfully removed more than 120 dustbins from the streets and accordingly, the city’s environment became healthier.
Additionally, the city corporation plans to construct a sanitary landfill under the urban public and environmental health development project, which will reduce green house gas emissions. The project implementation period is 2010 to 2015.The City Corporation has also constructed footpaths on both sides of main roads, allowing citizens to walk within city limits, leading to healthier lifestyles. City authorities have halted permissions for the installation of environmentally damaging factories or small industries in residential areas. Buildings in this city are smoking free. The city authority has constructed a 2Km embankment on the sides of the Kirtankhola River, where it has also planted trees and shrubbery. This has created a green belt where the river runs by the city. Barisal City Corporation is implementing Urban Primary Health Care Project, Urban Partnership for Poverty Reduction Project, Urban Public and Environmental Health Sector Development Project for achieving MDGs. Asian Development
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Bank is supporting these projects. Urban Primary Health Care Project is absolutely working for health MDGs. Main objective of the project is to improve health status of the urban poor, especially women and children. Main components of the Urban Primary Health Care Project are; provision of primary health care and behavior change communication and marketing, urban primary health care infrastructure and environmental health, building capacity and policy support for urban primary health care, project implementation and operational research. Main service of the Urban Primary Health Care Project are immunization, vitamin supplementation, family planning, antenatal, obstetrical and postnatal care, symptomatic case management of pneumonia and diarrhoea in children, case identification and management for tuberculosis, reproductive tract infection, HIV/ AIDS counseling and testing, These services are directly contributing to achieving health MDGs. The project is implemented by public private partnership (PPP) approach. It has also been operating four primary health care centers and one maternity center. The project has provided health care services to 684349 clients,
among them 379831 clients were served free of charge as they are poor. In the year 1991 under five-child mortality rate was 146 and maternal mortality ration was 574. Now under five-child mortality rate is 44 and maternal mortality ration is 194. This is a significant achievement for the MDGs. The project strengthened city health department and makes significant changes in the health seeking behavior of urban poor. Outreach workers are the main players to raise health care awareness in the community through household visits. Barisal City joined UCLG ASPAC in 2013 and is very interested in city- to-city cooperation on human resource development and sustainable environmental conservation. Other areas of interest are sharing experiences in urban health care and poverty reduction of urban slums. City officials would welcome opportunities to learn about environmental health and Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM) projects. They look forward to working together for city-to-city networking for green, clean and healthy cities! As Barisal hosts some of the greatest natural beauty in Southern Bangladesh everyone is invited to enjoy it! Author: Dr.Md.Matiur Rahman, Chief Health Officer, Barisal City Corporation, Barisal Bangladesh Email: drrahmanchobcc@yahoo.com
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LCP Co-Hosts Asia Partners’ Forum on Local Economic Development
The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) co-organized the Third Asia Partners’ Forum on Local Economic Development (LED) from October 16-18, 2013 at the Movenpick Hotel on Mactan Island, Cebu. The event discussed the strategic agenda of local government leaders in pursuing local economic development in their communities. More than 70 delegates through their respective local government associations - LCP, the National League of Communes and Sangkats (NLC/S) and the Association of Cities in Vietnam (ACVN) – participated in the three-day event.
The Forum was the culmination of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ (FCM) 18-month project with the three local government associations LCP, NLC/S, and ACVN to conduct research aimed at understanding the needs, opportunities and challenges faced by local governments in enabling an environment conducive to local economic development. From LCP, several lessons were drawn: (1) the performance of the local economy is largely due to local efforts; (2) a wellthought out development plan is needed; LOCAL GOVERNMENT Newsletter Volume 19, May - October 2013
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(3) adequate funding is necessary; (4) effective partnerships seal the deal; and (5) local economic development practices should not only be good practices but also innovative. Of the 143 member-cities, more than half participated and validated the findings of the survey. The Forum also featured the sharing of good and innovative practices on local economic development (LED). From the Philippines, Marikina and Escalante (Negros Occidental) cities presented their successful LED practices. In the case of Marikina City, Vice Mayor Fabian Cadiz explained how the city tripled its local income by revitalizing its famous shoe industry after a major disaster severely interrupted the production of its shoe and leather manufacturing sector. Meanwhile, Escalante City Engineer Fred Reiteracion
emphasized the benefits of long-standing partnerships with other cities like the City of Amherst in Nova Scotia to help develop new LED strategies and promote knowledge exchanges. FCM member and Councillor for the City of Prince George, B.C. Garth Frizell, said that FCM’s success depends on the cooperation of local governments, "Without strong leadership by local governments, it would be impossible to achieve results. Thanks to the excellent work of these three partners, we are able to make a very real difference to the lives of the residents of those countries," he added. UCLG ASPAC in cooperation with FCM has been promoting the LED programme. The plan for strengthening the network of cities, local governments and their associations on LED is being carried out.
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The 22 World Energy Congress nd
in Daegu Metropolitan City
Securing Tomorrow’s Energy Today Initiated in 1924 and hosted by the World Energy Council, World Energy Congress (WEC) is a triennial biggest international event in the energy sector that offers a unique opportunity for all stakeholder groups in the industry to meet and exchange visions, strategies and practices. The Securing Tomorrow’s Energy Today held on October 13th-17th 2013 and was the third WEC session to be hosted in Asia, which becoming more and more significant in the world energy innovation forum, following the previous ones held in India and Japan in 1983 and 1995, respectively. The world economy needs increasing amounts of energy to sustain economic growth, raise living standards and reduce poverty. During five days of intensive sessions, roundtables and exhibitions, energy leaders dealt with imminent global
energy issues such as the impact of the shale gas revolution on the energy supply, the future of nuclear power after the Fukushima tsunami and earthquakes and the resulting radiation leak in 2011 and how to balance the use of fossil fuels with concerns about climate change.
WEC Debunks Energy Myths Driven by economic growth in non-OECD countries, the energy demand will continue to increase significantly and by 2050 should double. On the other hand, there is common speculation that the demand for fossil fuels will decrease as countries are seeking to raise the share of clean energy in their energy mix. Unfortunately, despite continued growth of renewable energy sources, fossil fuels are expected to remain the dominant global energy sources even in the future. Analysis shows that the contribution of clean energy sources, including solar and wind power, will increase slightly from 15% today to a figure LOCAL GOVERNMENT Newsletter Volume 19, May - October 2013
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between 20% and 30% in 2050. However, at the same time, even in the best scenario, we will see a near doubling of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
consumption by 2050 at 48% under the market-driven scenario and at 45% under the other scenario. This compares to around 30% in both scenarios for Europe and North America.
The WEC’s World Energy Scenarios
Asia – A Perfect Hub for Investments in Energy
The Daegu WEC also released important global surveys and reports, including The World Energy Scenarios Report. Document provided by the Paul Scherrer Institute, is based on a three-year study of about 30 countries. It comprises two scenarios for the future of the World’s energy, striking the balance between market initiative and government. Jazz scenario occurs under a market-driven policy where there is a focus on achieving growth through low cost energy. Scenario under a governmentled policy is called Symphony and it mainly focuses on energy security and measures to increase share of renewables in energy mix. According to the report, Asia will account for the largest percentage of total primary energy
There is no doubt that the center of gravity of global energy demand has been shifting toward Asia for some time now. Full of energy challenges and rewarding opportunities, the continent is one of the most world’s dynamic energy markets today with an essential force in both energy production and consumption. It is also one of the foremost centers of energy innovation. Asia is expected to become the world’s second-largest gas market by 2015 and the Asia-Pacific region as a whole represents 40 % of global gas demand growth. Natural
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resource-deficient Korea has no choice but to secure energy sources aboard. It is one of the world’s top importers of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), as natural gas provides about a sixth of the country’s total primary energy supply. Moreover, Korea is currently the world’s eighth-largest oil consumer, as well as the fifth-largest oil importer. The country urged to reduce dependency on imported oil through improved energy efficiency and use of renewables.
Energy Intensity Energy demand continues to grow. However, the rate of decline in energy intensity has reduced significantly. Studies show that most
countries have reduced total energy use per unit of GDP over the last three decades. The improvements are largely attributable to more efficient key end-uses such as vehicles, space heating and industrial processes. Additionally, new standards, educational campaigns and regulatory requirements have helped to improve energy efficiency. Nevertheless, it is the responsibility of the global community to improve the current energy supply-demand management system, promote the use of eco-friendly energy and reinforce the security level, especially for nuclear energy. Failure to do so could put aspirations on energy security, energy equity and environmental sustainability at serious risk.
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A Walking Tour in Gusan, S.Korea
Gubul-gil, Where Travel Never Ends As a meandering trail surrounded by lush forests, Gubul-gil is a major walking area in Korea, offering eight separate trails. The trail in Gunsan intersects with the sea, rivers, plains and hills, offering outstanding landscapes and leisure for visitors. Historic sites in Gunsan and the stories around them will certainly stimulate the imagination of travellers and make them want to visit the trail again. The trail was opened in July 2009 when its eight routes—Bidangang-gil, Haetbit-gil, Keundeul-gil, Guseulmoe-gil, Mulbit-gil, Dalbalgeum-gil, Tangnyu-gil, and Saemangeumgil—were completed. Each route stretches up to 18km and takes approximately six hours for an adult to walk. Along each one are renowned restaurants and historic sites, attracting many visitors all year-round. Below, we will introduce four walking tours.
1. Gubul 1-gil (Bidangang-gil): 17.2km; 308 minutes
2. Gubul 5-gil (Mulbit-gil): 18km; 335 minutes
At the heart of this tour is the Geumgang River. Visitors are introduced to Chae Man-sik Literary House, Geumgang Migratory Bird Observatory, Geumgangho Tourist Site, and Oseongsan Mountain overlooking the Geumgang River and can enjoy the added pleasure of the literature, history, nature, and ecology of Gunsan.
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This route introduces visitors to the Gunsan Reservoir and Baekseokje. Visitors can also walk as far as Okgutoseong Fortress. The tour ends at Eunpa Lake Park, named because of the silvery colour it takes on in the sunlight. Visitors will enjoy the splendid view over the water.
3. Gubul 7-gil (Saemangeum-gil): 18km; 335 minutes You can walk from Biung port to Garyeokdo, along the Saemangeum seawall which at 33.9km is the longest in the world. This route is a masterpiece as it is composed of a trail and beach together.
4. Gubul 8-gil (Gogunsan-gil): 21.2km; 497 minutes This walking tour showcases a breathtaking view of the beautiful Gogunsan Islands including Seonyudo Island, Daejangdo Island, and Munyeodo Island. Along the route are beautiful beaches and mud flats. The view of the sunset on the West Coast can be best appreciated from here.
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District Periodic Plan in Nepal Recently, Association of District Development Committees of Nepal (ADDCN) has undertaken responsibility of facilitation of District Periodic Plan (DPP) formulation processes in Saptari and Humla districts. DPP is a document that identifies and defines apposite policy, strategy, principles and priorities for a particular period. It determines the goals and objectives to achieve integrated social and economic development of the district. It has link with sectoral plans and other plans of the district and is guided by national plans/policies and the commitments made by the country in the international forum. It answers the questions such as how to increase the access of the people in the district to the basic economic opportunities and social services; how to encourage and direct the resources available from government, non-government and private sector; how to protect and promote the environment of the district and reduce the disaster risk; how to lead socio-economic development, population
distribution and settlement development to the right direction; how to maintain the balanced of development considering the spatial structure of the district; how to improve the situation of the disadvantaged groups specially women and children. The DPP is initiated by National Planning Commission (NPC) and the Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development (MoFALD).
Saptari District A pre-planning workshop was conducted as the first step of DPP formulation process. There were more than 150 participants from different organizations (district line agencies, NGOs, security forces, representatives of political parties). A steering committee comprising of the representatives from different political parties, private sector, NGOs, line agencies, child
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network, women network etc. was formed. Likewise, five separate sectoral committees: Economic, Infrastructure, Social, Environment and Institutional Resource and Capacity were also formed under the leadership of the heads of district line agencies.
Development Order; (4) Formation of five committees formed under the chairpersonship of line agency heads; (5) Finalization of the members of a local technical group comprising; (6) Formation of a budget estimation and management committee comprising of various organizations for DPP.
Humla District The pre-planning workshop in Humla attended by 114 participants from various organizations including district line agencies, political parties, NGOs, and security forces (police etc.). Subject of workshops mainly highlights the objectives of DPP and the role of stakeholders in formulation of DPP processes. Several recommendations were delivered: (1) Commitments of the participants to complete the DPP process in the stipulated time frame; (2) Forming an advisory committee comprising of all 11 political parties; (3) Forming a steering committee under the chairpersonship of Local
Prepared by: Hem Raj Lamichane-Executive Secretary General of ADDCN & Bishnu Prasad NepalResource Person of ADDCN
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Sustainable Green City Incheon Sister & Friendly Cities Summit 2013
Incheon Metropolitan City and the United Nations Office for Sustainable Development (UNOSD) co-hosted the 2013 Incheon Sister & Friendly Cities Summit for 3 days from September 27 in Songdo Convensia. It was the fourth biennial sister and friendly cities summit Incheon has hosted since 2007. About 150 participants joined this year’s event, including 41delegates from Burbank, Kitakyushu, Ulan Bator (Ulaanbaatar), Tianjin, Haiphong, and 9 other sister and friendly cities of Incheon. Other attendees included 70 UNOSD officials and 30 local figures. The slogan adopted for the summit was ‘Sustainable Green City’. The summit program included a medical tour which allowed participants to experience the advanced medical services available in Incheon. The program additionally included
“The declaration represents a renewal of the commitment made by the cities to realize the sustainable green city.”
a city tour to Wolmi Park and Songdo International City to help the participants understand the past, present and future of Incheon. A variety of cultural events were also included for the enjoyment of the participants, including a performance by children from multicultural families. These and other programs were highly praised by the summit’s participants.
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announcement of the ‘Incheon Accord’ on joint actions by the participating cities to pursue green growth and respond to climate change. The declaration represents a renewal of the commitment made by the cities to realize the sustainable green city. In his announcement of the Incheon Accord, Mayor Song, Young-gil emphasized the importance of the participating cities recognizing the need to respond to climate change, develop clean energy, and establish cooperative systems between cities.
The Forum opened on September 28 with welcoming remarks from the Mayor of Incheon Song, Young-gil. The invited speakers presented inspiring speeches about ways to resolve environmental issues and respond to climate change, and in particular the role of local governments. The attending local government leaders and UN experts were then introduced to the best practices of Kitakyushu, Burbank, Tianjin, Frankfurt and Incheon via presentations from each of those cities. In the afternoon session, the UNOSD and UNESCAP presided over session debates on the themes of Urban Development and the Low-Carbon City. Presentations and lively debates focused on the successful cases of Haiphong, Phnom Penh, Kobe, Ulan Bator, and Philadelphia. The Forum offered further expert discussion organized by the UNOSD and saw the
An Incheon official commented that the 2013 summit had been upgraded from the previous events due to it having been jointly held with the UN organizations under the theme of ‘Sustainable Green City’. The official commended the 2013 summit for having enhanced the profile of the city’s biennial sister and friendly cities summit, and in particular drew attention to role played by the UN organizations in engaging and providing local students with the chance to observe the conference. By doing so, the event has undoubtedly increased public participation in international conferences. Through the summit, Incheon city successfully promoted its role as a bridge between developing and developed nations as the host city of the UN Green Climate Fund headquarters. Furthermore, the summit highlighted Incheon’s leading role in efforts to respond to climate change and ensure co-prosperity through sustainable development. To continue this momentum, the city plans to establish a practical cooperative system between its sister and friendly cities and the UN organizations.
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‘Heart to Heart’ in Korea The Governor’s Association of Korea (GAOK) is proud to welcome public officials of the world to experience and learn about Korea through its K2H (Korea Heart to Heart) Fellowship Programme.
The K2H Fellowship Programme is a six-month (April-October) professional-level exchange programme that fosters international cooperation among Korean and foreign local governments
The K2H Fellowship Programme is a sixmonth (April-October) professional-level exchange programme that fosters international cooperation among Korean and foreign local governments. This annual programme has seen more than 510 public officials from 22 different countries participating since 1999. For 2013, GAOK has invited 51 local officials from 12 different countries: Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Russia, South Africa and Vietnam. The K2H Fellowship Program begins with a 10-day induction where K2H participants are introduced to Korean administration, history, culture, and other subjects including
an intensive language course that prepares them for their six-month stay with each host local government in Korea. Towards the end of the programme, there is a final certification ceremony in Jeju Island, where participants give final presentations, receive their certificates of completion and get a chance to enjoy the beauty of Jeju Island.
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Upon completion of the programme, participants have a better understanding of Korea and Korean administration, which will enable them to further contribute to international exchanges between Korean local governments and their hometowns.
knowledge of the Korean language and/or proficiency in English.
Eligible candidates must be a local public official with a college degree or higher education equivalent and they must have
For further inquiries and to participate in the K2H Fellowship Programme, please contact ymkmaria@gmail.com
The programme includes a monthly allowance, accommodation and insurance. The related travel cost is not included.
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UCLG ASPAC at A Glance‌ I. Urban Mobility & Development Workshop and Coordination Meeting of UCLG ASPAC Indonesian Members On July 29th 2013, UCLG ASPAC together with Provincial Government of Jakarta and supported by Korea Transportation Institute (KOTI) organized a workshop on urban mobility and development, in Jakarta.Dr.GyengChul Kim, one of the speakers, shared the essential of leadership and innovation to deal with the challenges of transportation with the examples of Bogota, Curitiba, London and Seoul Experiences. He further suggested that, in the case of Jakarta, customized policy that fits with the condition of Indonesia is needed. To implement the policy, good leadership with a clear vision and strong willingness is also required. Following the Workshop, Coordination Meeting of UCLG ASPAC Indonesian members was also held. Some suggestions were obtained during the coordination meeting including the broadening scope of work of UCLG ASPAC, managing the collection of fees to UCLG ASPAC’s members as well as the schedule of program and improving networking especially with the media/press.
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UCLG ASPAC at A Glance… II. Regional Workshop on Building Cooperation Between DELGOSEA and ASEAN
OUR UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
January 2014 yy DELGOSEA Conference “5 Years ASEAN Charter” February 2014 yy 5th HLS ESC ASEAN+3 in conjunction with Regional Consultation: “Localizing Global Agenda-Post 2014” yy City Infrastructure Meeting On Nov 12th-13th 2013, the DELGOSEA network held its "Regional Workshop on Building Cooperation between DELGOSEA and ASEAN" in Jakarta. This workshop accommodated all possible best efforts that UCLG ASPAC through DELGOSEA, and ASEAN may bring to the region’s future. Several results were concluded e.g. the expansion of DELGOSEA Standing Committee membership as well as DELGOSEA network and the launch of Standing Committee Logical Framework in the near future.
March 2014 yy 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) Forum April 2014 yy DELGOSEA Training
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Published by the United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) 2013
United Cities and Local Governments
Asia-Pacif ic
Executive Editor : Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi Editors : Richard Forster (Cities-Today), Nurina Asri Savitri Correspondence: UCLG ASPAC Secretariat Jakarta Capital City Government Office (City Hall of Jakarta) Building B, 3rd Floor Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan No.8-9, Central Jakarta 10110, Indonesia Email: info@uclg-aspac.org Website: www.uclg-aspac.org
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