Uclg aspac newsletter vol 23 april october 2015 ok by UCLG-ASPAC

Foreword Won Hee-Ryong

Secretary General

路

President

Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi

Dear readers,

To all our beloved readers,

There are no words to explain how honored I feel for the support I have been receiving from members and partners of UCLG ASPAC during my Presidency. With your valuable and constructive inputs and a strong General Secretariat, UCLG ASPAC has been growing steadily with more programs implemented.

I am really glad to greet you once again as the UCLG ASPAC Secretary General. It is in occasions like this that I would like to express my deep gratitude to all our members and partners for what we have been going through together during these years. There have been amazing moments, as well as challenges, but we have always strongly overcome every type of situation.

The participation you have showed in the latest Executive Bureau and Council Meetings and Asia-Pacific Conference in Wakatobi, was the most recent proof of the strengthening of the voice of cities and local governments, and gathering to take decisions in unity. HABITAT III on a New Urban Agenda is going to be a wonderful opportunity for local governments to show that our participation is crucial in the taking of major decisions regarding the future of our planet. The Wakatobi Declaration, being the message to be sent on behalf of local governments in Asia-Pacific for the preparations of HABITAT III, surely was a historical moment. But historical is also every single moment where local governments make accomplishments, top themselves after encountering challenges. It is for that reason that we have our newsletter. It is to look closely at how local governments are reacting to changes and what they do to keep giving the best to the community.

May-October 2015 Newsletter is out! Thank you so much for contributing to the active evolvement of our newsletter every time. In the past few months, new members have joined our family, including Jambi and Catbalogan, which are sharing their best practices in this edition. There will also be some news from UCLG ASPAC host and some highlights from the recently-held events in Wakatobi and Makassar. They both were remarkable due to our strong relations and bond with them. Wakatobi Declaration on a New Urban Agenda and Makassar Declaration on ASEAN Community brought us together, showing that transformation towards good governance is possible and doable at local level. I welcome feedback and inputs from all of you for better production of this Newsletter. Thank you and have a nice and productive reading!

Cover Photos: From the left: Culture in Gyeongsangbok-Do, Mayor of Banda Aceh and Seberang Perai with UCLG ASPAC Secretary General at the ASEAN Mayors Forum in Makassar, Festival in Surakarta, UCLG ASPAC President and Jakarta Vice Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat at a Cultural Ceremony in Wakatobi, Gunsan Time Travel Festival, New Zealand China Mayoral Forum, Women Participation in Politics in Nepal.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

Contents 4

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS Joint Global Taskforce

JAKARTA CAPITAL CITY GOVERNMENT Elders Get Attention from Jakarta City Government

TAIPEI Four Mutual Values in the 2015 TaipeiShanghai Forum

22-23

GYEONGSANGBUK-DO PROVINCE • Great Response to Globalization of Saemaul Undong • Cooperation with Samsung to Develop Tourism Products • Gyeongju: Silk Road Cultural Festival • Water Forum

24-25

DAEJEON • New Landmark of Science City • Recreation of Expo Site, Implementation Agreement of Science Complex • Expansion of Medical Support for the Disabled

6-7

WAKATOBI Executive Bureau, Council Meetings and Conference

8-9

MAKASSAR ASEAN Mayors Forum 2015 & Lorong Garden Initiative

SALATIGA The 7th Healthiest City in Indonesia

SURAKARTA Focusing on Health, Education and Housing

JAMBI Kampung Bantar’s Programme

PONTIANAK Public Participation

14-15

16 17 18-19 20

CATBALOGAN CITY • Fisherfolks to Enhance Production through a Climate Change Adaptive Technology • Merging Culture and Environment AUSTRALIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION Mayor Troy Pickard and Local Governments LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEW ZEALAND New Zealand China Mayoral Forum GUANGZHOU Guangzhou Vice Mayor Cai Chaolin in Wakatobi

26 26-27

GUNSAN Time Travel to Gunsan JEJU Report from Jeju

COUNCIL OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS JET Programme

FEDERATION OF SRI LANKAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES Partnership with Ministry of Disaster Management of Sri Lanka

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF VDCS IN NEPAL Local Governance Constitution in Nepal

ASSOCIATION OF DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEES OF NEPAL Activities of Association of Districts Development Committees

CHUNGCHEONGBUK-DO PROVINCE ISOFAR 2015 Goesan International Organic Expo

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

Local Governments Determine Post-2015 Agenda, Joint Global Taskforce Warns

OCAL and regional governments from all over the world were at UN Headquarters in New York last September 2015 to witness the adoption of the Post-2015 Development Agenda. The Global Taskforce organized a number of events to celebrate the occasion and to assess the role of cities and local leaders in the Post-2015 Agenda going forward. The Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments was set up in 2012 to bring together the major international networks of local and regional governments to work together on representing their constituents in the Post-2015 and Habitat III processes. At an event on “Cities Driving Sustainable Development: Endorsing the SDGs and Committing to Their Implementation,” UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon praised the work of the Global Taskforce over the last three years. Also, UN Habitat Executive Director Joan Clos underlined the importance of the Global Taskforce’s joint strategy in advocating for the adoption of SDG 11 in the run up to the Habitat III Conference in Quito next October 2016. Mayors from the delegation, including Istanbul Mayor cum President of UCLG Kadir Topbaş, Banda Aceh Mayor Illiza Sa’aduddin Djamal, and Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic highlighted the fact that the achievement of all of the 17 new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will depend on local governments. “We, the local and regional leaders gathered in UCLG and the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments, believe that the Sustainable Development Goals – all of them – are at the core of our work,” UCLG President Kadir Topbaş said. UCLG ASPAC Secretary General Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi was present at the event. Dakar Mayor Khalifa Sall also pointed out that the SDGs are “a true revolution” because they are global and have been developed through

wide consultation. “Until now global goals were defined without local governments, but the Post-2015 process has shown that we are able and ready to make this change,” he added. All SDGs are local A joint declaration entitled “All SDGs are Local: Toward an Action Agenda in Habitat III” was issued by the Global Taskforce to mark the summit for the adoption of the Post-2015 Agenda. Local and regional leaders expressed their commitment in playing their part in the success of the Post-2015 Agenda and called for a new global governance system within a revitalized UN system. The declaration proposes greater participation in the UN for all stakeholders and demands recognition of the unique democratic legitimacy of local governments in particular. The declaration celebrates the inclusion of SDG 11 on sustainable cities. The inclusion of Goal 11 was possible mainly thanks to the advocacy efforts of the Global Taskforce and the broader urban community over the past year. “We have tirelessly repeated in the UN and other international arenas that the risks of badly managed urbanization are underestimated,” said Celestine Ketcha Courtès, Mayor of Bagangté and UCLG Champion on Development and Cooperation. Furthermore, the declaration highlights the need for ‘localization’ of all of the 17 SDGs. Localization refers to the decentralization of powers and resources to ensure their implementation and monitoring. Localization will be essential if local governments are to live up to their potential in making the goals a reality on the ground. “Technical solutions are the easy part of sustainable development policy-making. The most difficult part is political decision-making and facing established interests. Communities need to drive the change,” said Bogota Mayor Gustavo Petro.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

Host City Elders Get Attention from Jakarta Capital City Government

N most cities, the elders are easily neglected and forgotten. The Jakarta City Government, however, is striving to ensure a better treatment of elders through a program endorsed by its Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama. One of his plans is to make bus rides free of charge to the elderly. Any elderly who has a Bank DKI account, will not be charged whenever they ride the Transjakarta bus. His statement was released during the event “Healthy Walking Fight for Senile,” the commemoration of World Alzheimer's Month in the National Monument, in September 2015.

Vice Governor Djarot Saiful during a visit to a nursing house in Cengkareng.

elders in need, reported The Jakarta Post in September 2015. Citizens who have trouble to get medical treatment in health centers due to transportation limitations, could get home service medical treatments. Jakarta Capital City Government's serious commitment to take care of the elders already started in 2014, when Ahok was still the Acting Jakarta Governor. He also warned the management of all nursing homes not to misconduct and not to misuse the allocated budget intended to be used for the care of the elderly. Jakarta Capital City Government has also planned to construct several nursing homes for the elders in a 90-hectare soil in Ciangir, Banten Province. "The master plan of this project will be done by the end of 2015 and the construction project will be handled by a Jakarta’s owned enterprise company," said Ika Lestari Adji, Housing and City Building Chief, as quoted by Berita Jakarta. com.

Mr. Saiful with the elders.

The elders with insufficient money are expected to open a bank account in DKI Bank so that the Jakarta City Government could give non-cash donations. Not only DKI Bank is supportive of this movement to help the elders. Ahok also requested other banks to cooperate with the Jakarta Capital City Government in giving better services to underprivileged citizens. Through corporate social responsibility (CSR), banks and other business corporations are expected to contribute through donation, possibly in the form of buses. Jakarta Capital City Government will also provide more community health centers and clinics in traditional markets for the

Mr. Saiful interacting with the elders in nursing houses.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

WAKATOBI Executive Bureau, Council Meetings and Conference

HE Second Session of 2015 UCLG ASPAC Executive Bureau, 2015 Council Meetings, and the Asia-Pacific Conference on “Local Government Voices Towards Habitat III on a New Urban Agenda” were held from 5-7 September 2015. The event started with the Conference on “Local Government Voices Towards Habitat III on a New Urban Agenda.” Mayors and other representatives from around Asia-Pacific were present on the day, including the Host, Mayor Hugua, UCLG ASPAC President and Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Mr. Won Hee-Ryong. The aim of the Conference was to discuss and align goals and agenda in the preparation for the Habitat III Conference that will approve the New Urban Agenda for the next 20 years, and including the preparatory events leading up to it. 177 participants were present at the Conference. The Executive Bureau and Council Meetings were held on 6 September. Various decisions have been taken. Mumbai will be the host of the first Executive Bureau Meeting in 2016. Around 80 participants were present at the Meetings. New members were announced during the meeting. East Kalimantan Province and Jambi City. Jambi City Mayor Syarif Fasha, present on the day, received a membership certificate together with Stephany Uy-Tan, Mayor of

Cultural ceremony in Wakatobi.

Catbalogan City, which has also recently become a member. As part of the Study Tour, the delegates were brought to see the locations where Wakatobi is operating its low carbon society projects in cooperation with UCLG ASPAC. The tour was followed by a trip to Hoga Island, Wakatobi National Park, where at the same time delegates had the chance to see the underwater beauty of Wakatobi by diving or snorkeling. On 6 September the Wakatobi Declaration was read. The document contains what local governments around Asia-Pacific believe should be a priorities to be taken into account in the preparations to HABITAT III. Points includes: - Progress in providing the enabling environment that cities and local governments need to carry out and maximize their roles. Leaders and citizens must both assume their responsibilities, while an enabling environment (legal, administrative, and financial) is the necessary background for an empowered society. - Embedding the principles of good governance, and including transparency, accountability, and people’s participation, in the various functions of cities and local governments, such as in financial management, electoral processes, or public consultations. Including educating the citizens, especially the children and youth, about sustainability and the values and practices necessary to achieve it.

Participants of the Executive Bureau and Council Meetings.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

UCLG ASPAC President in Wakatobi with Mayor Hugua, the host.

- Work in collaboration with national governments towards creating enabling environments, beginning with the creation and mobilization of a knowledge management center. Sharing knowledge and good and SMART practices, enhancing skills, training and capacity building across thematic areas.

- The integration of culture in development planning. Culture as the fourth pillar of sustainable development is essential for humanity. It is a source of people’s identity and is integral to inspiring and informing the society for long-term strategies. Culture encompasses tangible heritage such as historical buildings, as well as values, traditions, and customs that are practiced and observed in daily life. - The development of sustainable human settlements, and especially urban areas will continue to endure rapid growth. Successful models of transformation are evident in many cities and local governments. Physical infrastructure such as sports and medical facilities, schools, public spaces, efficient transportation and the use of technology in delivering different services all contribute and enrich the quality of life and the well-being of people. - The promotion of harmonizing nature, ecology, and development, particularly in urban areas. To advocate for green and low-carbon societies that promote balancing economic growth and respect for the environment and its finite resources. Mainly, to focus on water issues, solid waste management, and alternative energies. To achieve this, local governments around AsiaPacific are determined to: - Bridge the division in different levels, recognizing that the interaction of global authorities, regional and bilateral cooperation and mutual support are key to relationships that have the quality to transform communities.

- Strengthen and expand access to the different sources of funding to support common initiatives and programs. - Guarantee inclusiveness and ensure that all sectors and groups of society (particularly women and children, and persons with disabilities) effectively participate in planning and implementing activities in our local governments, utilizing their full potential. - Redefine leadership in our work, as both being at the helm of steering the development and implementation of development plans, but also as servants of the people. Towards this end, it is our priority to use the available tools and instruments to re-gain and strengthen people’s trust in local government. - Follow through and ensure that the voice of local governments is heard in all negotiations, leading up to the Habitat III Conference in Quito, Ecuador in 2016, as the new urban agenda will have to be implemented locally and will never be successful without the action of local governments and their associations. - Work together towards the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal number 11, “Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable” as well as supporting the local implementation of the new global development agenda post 2015, recently adopted by the United Nations General Agenda. - Strengthen existing local government associations to cascade and guide member local governments to achieve the priorities and commitments set in this declaration.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

ASEAN Mayors Forum 2015, Hopes and Dreams of ASEAN Mayors Mayor of Banda Aceh and Seberang Perai with UCLG ASPAC Secretary General.

HE ASEAN Mayors Forum (AMF) 2015 has brought together 131 mayors from the 10 ASEAN member countries to the capital city of South Sulawesi Province from 8-10 September 2015 and it was concluded with hopes and dreams. As hosts, Makassar City Government and UCLG ASPAC also invited at least 100 ASEAN business people to discuss investment opportunities at the forum, particularly in anticipation to the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), which will come into effect by the end of the year. All ASEAN member nations face the same challenges ahead of the AEC, said the South Sulawesi Governor Syahrul Yasin Limpo during his opening remarks of the AMF 2015. Because of this, cities and regencies in ASEAN should develop a comprehensive network aiming to foster all countries' ability to face those challenges. The AMF 2015, added Makassar Mayor Moh. Ramdhan "Danny" Pomanto, was expected to discuss strategic issues --challenges, barriers and opportunities-- and to sign a joint declaration regarding the implementation of the AEC. Under the theme of ‘Adaptive and Intelligent Cities for an Integrated Borderless Prosperous Region,’ the AMF 2015 has successfully linked the spirit of regional relationship and cooperation through a signing ceremony on a big marble stone with the spirit of "For people, by people and with people."

Makassar Declaration A Makassar Declaration was signed on 9 September 2015 by ASEAN Mayors and partners who took part in AMF. The document carries a strong message that local governments play a significant role in shaping local communities to face all challenges and opportunities brought by the AEC. The Makassar Declaration points out that "Local government plays a central role in ASEAN, particularly in building a stronger ASEAN Community and ensuring the implementation of strategies under the three pillars of the ASEAN Community, beyond its realization on December 2015." The AMF 2015 also stresses the importance of connectivity and networking, aiming to facilitate the process of best practice knowledge sharing among ASEAN member states. "We are determined to achieve the advantages and benefits that ASEAN Community envisions and aims to bring to ASEAN people, in spite of the challenges and impacts to local governments and express our strong belief that aligning our local government strategies with the development of ASEAN will bring economic dynamism, government efficiency, and positive social, cultural, and environmental change," the Declaration says. The Declaration also recognizes that local governments' vision include four key elements: • • • •

ASEAN Mayors Forum participants 2015.

People-Empowerment Integrated and Inclusive Approach Responsive and Forward-Looking Heritage Preservation

The Makassar Declaration also urges ASEAN to involve local governments and support the necessary actions to achieve solutions to common problems of local government in the region. The statement also urges central government to provide an enabling environment to maximize their roles.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

Lorong Garden, Makassar City Government Initiative to Create Green Alley Green space prepared to welcome visitors.

ASSI-Kassi is the name of a village in the downtown part of Makassar, capital city of South Sulawesi Province. During the ASEAN Mayors Forum (AMF) 2015 held on 8-10 September 2015, Toddopuli 1 Street in Kassi-kassi unexpectedly boosted its reputation and became an international spot when all participants of the AMF 2015 came to visit the village and were entertained with a green-zone alley. After the 2-days long conference in the hotel, AMF 2015's participants were invited by Makassar City Government, co-host of the event, to visit Toddopuli 1 in Kassi-kassi, Rappocini sub-district. It was presented to them and defined as a 'green-zone' area in a populated housing compound.

The green-zone alley in Kassi-kassi is located in neighborhood (RW) 07,where the 150 local families showed their enthusiasm in making their housing compound greener than ever. They committed to make their surroundings greener. The alley of the neighborhood was transformed and filled with flowers, vegetables and special plants for home-made medicine purposes. All participants of the AMF 2015 were happy to see this green-alley zone, commonly called the Lorong Garden or Longgar. Public participation Speaking about the Lorong Garden (Longgar) program, Makassar Mayor Moh. Ramdhan "Danny" Pomanto said that the Makassar authority had long prepared Kassi-kassi as a tourist destination for the AMF 2015. Redesigning populated housing compounds and changing the alleys into a green-zone area is the objective of the program. "We have seriously prepared Kassi-kassi as AMF 2015's destination for their field study," explained Pomanto. Rappocini sub-district's chief Hamri Raya is the man behind this successful program to change the populated housing compound into a green-zone environment. According to him,

this program was successful because there had been a good teamwork among village chiefs, local prominent figures, the youth and housewives. "Since the initiative was first introduced by Makassar Mayor Moh. Ramdhan "Danny" Pomanto, months earlier before AMF 2015 took place, we worked hard hand-by-hand to execute the project. Seeds were provided by local farmers and they gave these seeds for free," explained Raya, adding that such tradition has long been a part of Kassi-kassiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local genius. As the village chief in Kassi-kassi, Hamri Raya hosted all participants from AMF 2015, which included domestic or foreign mayors and district chiefs, diplomats, foreign representatives in Indonesia and business people from ASEAN countries. Through this Lorong Garden program, Makassar Mayor Danny Pomanto strongly hoped that this initiative could change populated housing compounds into a green-zone environment to inspire all mayors across ASEAN nations to replicate this project. To see Lorong Garden in Kassi-kassi, AMF 2015's participants from Yogyakarta expressed their compliments over this initiative introduced by Makassar City Government. "The concept of an empowering alley in a populated area is not only promoting public's participation in preserving their green-zone environment, but it also develops economic capacity building among its local people," explained Budi Santoso, Yogyakarta's mission chief to AMF 2015.

Green Alley, optimizing the usage of limited space.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

Salatiga, the 7th Healthiest City in Indonesia

Various features of public spaces and Kehati Programme.

OCATED in Central Java Province and best known for its popular Christian Satya Wacana University, Salatiga City Government has been officially declared as the nation’s 7th healthiest city in Indonesia in 2014. Earlier in 2013, Salatiga was also the recipient of “Swasti Saba Wistara” - the highest appreciation given by the Indonesian Health Ministy to a healthy city. What makes Salatiga worthy of earning this prestigious title and to rank as the nation’s 7th healthiest city? Among others, one of the reasons is the city’s decision to form the Healthy Salatiga City Forum (FKSS), that was officially established based on Salatiga Mayor Decision No. 440/44/2008. The formation of the FKSS is based on the following aims: • To encourage city dwellers to actively take care and promote a healthy lifestyle across the city. • To be enthusiastically active to develop the city so that its people become more resilient, healthy and prosperous. Salatiga City Government also promotes initiatives to make the city healthier through a

variety of projects such as: • Prokasih (Program Kali Bersih or translated as ' cleansing rivers program’), held in Banyuputih River. • Traffic zero tolerance in Diponegoro Boulevard in Salatiga's downtown. • Green environment zone in the south ring road and establishment of an 'urban forest' in the downtown. • Endorsing private sector to participate in the initiative. • Establishment of an open green public space known as "Kehati" in the downtown. • Establishment of a catfish pool in Pulutan village and a self-supporting village in Tingkir sub-district. • Formation of AIDS-concerned Community and Lactation Association. Salatiga City Government also received awards, including: • National Employment Agency (BKN) Award 2015 as the nation's best local government to implement IT-based recruitment process. This BKN Award was handed by the Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla over Salatiga's commitment to perform excellent service to the people. • Computer-Assisted Test (CAT) Award was given by BKN over Salatiga city government’s action to implement CAT during recruitments to minimize the practice of corruption, collusion and nepotism. • Salatiga was highly appreciated for its commitment to practice transparency and accountability in handling its employment engagement.

Health Award - Winning City.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

Surakarta City Focusing on Health, Education and Housing

Top left and top right: Cultural Festivals.

URAKARTA City is implementing a program called Surakarta Society’s Heath Service or locally known as PKMS. This program started in 2008, focusing on marginalized people without health insurance. There are two PKMS packages, the Gold and the Silver. The first is for people declared as ”poor.” All their financial expenses for health service are fully covered by the city government. The second package aims to deliver a financial aid worth IDR 2 million to particular patients. Every PKMS card holder may visit any local health clinic center for health treatment with professional medical practitioners and medical specialists. There are six local health clinics providing facilities to take care of patients and ambulance service is also made avalailable in the five sub districts to facilitate local people to see doctors in the hospital. To maintain the quality of their health service, Surakarta City Government adopts survey to check the level of satisfaction of patients. The survey is performed by a local university to avoid data fraud.

Housing Revitalization.

Another benefit that the society could enjoy is the so-called BPMKS, a financial package for educational purposes. This program has been implemented since 2010 and it focuses in helping students to enjoy their civil rights to education until high school level. This program has three different packages: silver, gold, and platinum. Housing program is performed by constructing the so-called ’deret’ housing in Keprabon and Ketelan areas, both in Banjarsari sub district. Surakarta City Goverment encourages people in need to stay in these housing compounds and they need to pay a only a cheap amount of money for the rental fee. The ’deret’ housing compound has been successfully established in October 2014.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

Kampung Bantar’s Programme Jambi’s Best Practice on Clean, Safe and Smart Village Feautures of public spaces and Mayor of Jambi’s visit to village.

he program is called ‘Kampung BANTAR’ which is roughly translated into BANTAR village. And the word ‘Bantar’ reads as Bersih (Clean), Aman (Safe), and Pintar (Smart). Thus, when you are in Jambi city and hear local people speaking of ‘Kampung BANTAR,’ it refers to Jambi city’s initiative to promote a clean, safe and smart village. This program aims to accelerate development projects in villages in Jambi city. This includes among others the construction of security post, refuse dump, trash recycling to different material, fish pool, to cultivate soil to become more productive with certain crops and vegetables. First initiated by Jambi Mayor Fasha following his unprecedented visits to villages, this program was then enthusiastically adopted by Jambi’s People Development Agency as its leading sector to implement the initiative. Under the legislation of Jambi Mayor’s regulation No 47 dated 17 September 2014, the ‘Kampung BANTAR’ program was then officially released and practiced. Jambi Mayor’s Instruction regulation, dated on 31 December 2014, reinforced the movement. At least three indicators are used to measure this program: 1. The cleanliness of the village, which requires clean and proper housing compound with green environment, low pollution, open public space, good sanitation and the reutilization of abandoned land. 2. The safety of the village, which requires zero tolerance against drug use, crimes, prostitution and adultery, domestic violence, discrimination and child abuse. A safe village also requires that all parties are actively engaged in any safety and law-and-order matters and secure the local values and more.

unemployment, illiteracy, and drop-outs. A Smart village also aims to keep population growth in check. When ‘Kampung BANTAR’ was launched for the first time, public response was outstanding. Now, after one year since its implementation, this fruitful program has effectively mustered the spirit of Jambi’s city-dwellers to make their living compound healthy, safe and smart. Under their own initiative and with the guidance of local NGOs, the move remains active and well executed. Now, there are many ‘Kampung BANTAR’ around Jambi city. Jambi city-dwellers are now enthusiastic and active in cultivating their abandoned soil with vegetables, plants, and fruit trees. Five principles to be implemented during ‘Kampung BANTAR’ program are as follows: participation, benefit, integration, sustainability, partnership, and justice. This program involves all stakeholders in Jambi city, namely, the local government, people and private sectors. While the initiative was started by the Jambi mayor, this program has now become a genuine project practiced by local people under the guidance of local government and with the participation of other parties including NGOs and private sectors. When it was first introduced and practiced in 2014, there were only three sub-villages that took up the program as their pilot project. Now, in 2015, there are at least 120 subvillages involved and actively practicing the ‘Kampung BANTAR’ program.

3. The village is smart when there are social community groups among the youth, religious leaders, and economic development programs for the reduction of Mayor of Jambi City, Syarif Fasha during an inspection.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

Slums Reduced through Public Participation Programme in Pontianak

lums are everywhere in cities, including Pontianak -the capital of West Kalimantan Province. To reduce slum areas, the city government of Pontianak turned to public participation and gained local people’s commitment to give wider access to reach the slum areas.

These graphs below show the decreasing number of inefficient roads in slum areas between 2009-2014.

As the provincial capital of West Kalimantan Province, the city of Pontianak has become a place of great interest for most people. More and more people from neighboring cities and suburban areas come to the city to make their living. As the city becomes more and more populated, the problem of housing also comes into light. Slums appear when certain areas are over-populated without proper public facilities such as road access, schools, health service post, etc. As in big cities crimes commonly emerge due to a poor quality of life, the city government of Pontianak launched an initiative to improve the living conditions of the citizens. Among the initiatives, there is the provision of accessible roads to reach slum areas, so that economic empowerment in the local society may arise. The aesthetics of the area is then also improved. A recent data published in 2014 showed that at least 4,627 families lived in slum areas across the city of Pontianak. Roads with the possibility of providing optional access during traffic congestion and linked to public facilities, are being developed. Through this initiative, which began in 2005, at least 3,545 roads in slum areas have been successfully renewed. Lessons learnt from this initiative is the fact that the program has successfully promoted self-help and matched it to a fund project initiated by local government, by boosting local people’s participation. Local people are also encouraged to boost their sense of belonging toward their nearby environment. Their strong enthusiasm in participating in this project has also brought a sense of partnership between local government and their people in achieving the goal, namely to give wider access to reach the slum areas.

Good impacts that local people could experience due to this program are as following: • Number of slum areas are sharply reduced. • Reciprocity or mutual aid is boosted among local people. • Capacity building. As this program has been successful and generated lots of benefits to the people, the city government of Pontianak maintains its strong commitment to continue this initiative. Local government in Pontianak made this initiative possible through a model of participation and partnership with local people in financing the project.

Implementation of Public Participation Project.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

Catbalogan City Fisherfolks to Enhance Production through a Climate Change Adaptive Technology By Myra M. Tambor - Catbalogan City

he City Government of Catbalogan will soon venture to a partnership with the civil society organizations and the academe for a significant program addressing the need of the city’s fisherfolks sector in increasing their daily income and stepping up to a climate change resilient fisher folks. Projected to respond to the advancement of community‘s economic situation, the project, titled “A Resilient and Resilience Fish (Danggit) Farming” came about because of the current situation where the productivity of the city’s fishery is actually declining and the cause is partly attributed to overfishing. The project recognizes that the City has a sizable fisher folks population but has no significant aquaculture industry. Thus they tend to intensify their fishing efforts to compensate for their declining catch, aggravating overfishing and the degradation of the environment and biodiversity.

Resilient Fishing.

According to the City Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan, her administration should find a way to stop them from doing further harm and to improve their economic conditions, by facilitating the need of alternative sources of additional income for this sector.

Fish Market in Catbalogan.

of two seemingly insurmountable issues, the aquaculture’s track record of causing pollution, and its big capital requirements. Also, projects introducing livelihoods that are new in the area have had feasibility and sustainability issues due to their high dropout rates, and low repayment rates in case of lending them some capital. That’s why there is a need to a committed partnership between experts in this kind of project, aimed to uplift the present condition of the fisher folks. The Mayor is grateful for the passion of the city’s civil society organizations, along with the local government of the city under her administration to continuously find innovative ways to further improve the current plight of the fisher folks. The Mayor also fully appreciates the academic part of the project, which is the only university of the city, the Samar State University, which task is to ensure effective project implementation. She further said that this kind of partnership is important in ensuring that the government programs will be felt and accessible by the communities themselves.

The Mayor believes that getting the fisher folks to engage in aquaculture for additional income seems logical. However, the development community has traditionally shifted away from promoting aquaculture, particularly fish farming, as livelihood for fisherfolks, because

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

Catbalogan City Merging Culture and Environment By Ador Leanda Hurtado

Catbalogan Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan (third from the right) at a local beauty pageant.

HE City of Catbalogan, the provincial seat of the Province of Samar, Republic of the Philippines, celebrates the month of August with cheerful thanksgiving and positive spirits. Its annual month-‐long celebration has always been largely inspired by the life at sea, thus this annual celebration has been named “Manaragat Festival.”

This has always been a perfect opportunity to highlight the important role played by Maqueda Bay in shaping history, culture and economy. The Catbalogan City Fiesta falls on the 24th of August, in honour of Señor San Bartolome, the Patron Saint of fishermen. Karisyo Katbalogan Every year, celebrations have been defined by a theme that usually reflects the prevailing sentiment among Catbaloganons. With the aim to continue the momentum of progress and development, the theme “Karisyo Katbalogan: Commemorating our Trials, Celebrating our Triumphs”was founded.

Partnering with the St. Bartholomew Parish and facilitated by the Local Culture and Arts Council, several activities are lined-‐up covering socio-cultural, tourism, academic as well as economic aspects aimed at ensuring a multi-‐ cultural appreciation and promotion of this milestone. These cultural celebrations reflect the awareness of the population on the importance of history and traditions towards its preservation and promotion. In order to move forward, one must be aware of its past as well as be involved in making better our present.

Being a coastal and trading city, this geographic and economic aspect of Catbalogan was highlighted in this year’s month-‐long celebrations through various activities to highlight what makes Catbalogan unique Manaragat Festival.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) The Challenges that Lay Ahead for Local Government By Mayor Troy Pickard - President of the Australian Local Government Association

HIS year marks the 175th anniversary of local government in Australia and has served as a good reminder of the important role of councils and local government in our Federation in responding to the needs of local communities. In its 175 years, starting with the formation of the City of Adelaide in 1840 which precedes the formation of the Australian Federation in 1901, local government has evolved to become a well-developed national network of 562 councils Australia-wide providing a range of more than 150 community services, employing 190,000 people and managing more than $350 billion in assets, including local roads infrastructure valued at $165 billion. While the achievements over the past 175 years are significant, there are still some huge challenges ahead for local government, particularly around the current reform processes in Australia addressing the Federation structure and taxation system. In general terms, many agree that the current arrangements between the three spheres of government require modernisation. All governments are under financial pressure to meet service expectations, but from a local government perspective it is especially important to ensure that our role within the Federation in delivering governance, services and infrastructure at the local level is understood and the implications of any reform for local communities are carefully examined prior to implementation. We want to ensure any change to the Federation strengthens local government, not weakens it, and that the relationship between the Commonwealth and local government remains strong for the benefit of all communities. The Federal support The Financial Assistance Grants provided to local government by the Commonwealth are a good example of Federal support that is critical to ensuring local government can build and maintain roads and provide local services. It is this untied funding that gives local councils the flexibility to fund projects and address the pressures and commitments that are unique to their communities. Unfortunately the Commonwealth’s decision in the 2014-15 Budget to freeze the indexation of the grants for three years has left local

government facing tough decisions of cutting back on community services to adjust to the reduced revenue levels. We’ve heard from councils that have had to make operational adjustments, consolidate services, reduce services, reduce community grants programs and some are even considering the need to increase rates to a higher level than would otherwise be the case. For this reason, ALGA has called on the Government to restore indexation of the Financial Assistance Grants as soon as possible so that local government gets the funding it needs to meet the communities’ growing demand for local services. To date, the restoration of indexation has not been achieved, however the campaign and activity on the issue greatly contributed to a recent decision by the Government to direct revenue to local roads from the reintroduction of indexation of our fuel excise tax. This decision will see $1.1 billion in additional revenue for local government, and shows that, when united, local government has a strong and influential voice. On a different note, ALGA will be holding its 2015 National Local Roads and Transport Congress on 17 to 19 November in Ballarat, Victoria. This Congress will be local government’s opportunity to bring together practitioners and elected members from across the country to discuss and explore issues that are core to the business of councils. The program will explore the vast range of local government responsibilities as well as opportunities for local government in the infrastructure and transport area, in both rural and urban settings. The Congress will also likely be the last opportunity that councils will have to influence the national agenda on transport and infrastructure before the expected 2016 Federal Election. This event has been central to the successful implementation and continuity of programs such as Roads to Recovery and the Bridges Renewal Program. With a reputation for influencing significant change, the Congress will provide councils with an influential platform to engage with the Federal Government and Opposition on road and infrastructure policies and initiatives as they develop the policies that they will take to the next election. More information about the Congress can be found on ALGA’s website at www.alga.asn.au.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) First New Zealand China Mayoral Forum, a Great Success

HE ground-breaking New Zealand China Mayoral Forum held in Xiamen City, China on 6-7 September has been deemed a great success, with significant outcomes resulting from the event in just a matter of weeks. Paving the way as the first of its kind, the Forum led by Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) President Lawrence Yule and hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries focused on trade and investment opportunities, in particular development prospects within New Zealand's tourism, education and primary industries. Outcomes so far include: • The signing of the Xiamen declaration, signed by New Zealand and Chinese mayors, detailing the Forum’s intent to improve relations and work towards the advancement of economic development outcomes for the people of both countries. The declaration will help to build New Zealand’s sub-national trade and investment strategy, supporting LGNZ’s regional development policy. •

Auckland’s economic development agency ATEED (Auckland Events, Tourism and Economic Development) signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Chinese innovation incubator InnoHub, creating opportunities for a NZD$20 million investment in Auckland companies and greater exposure for Auckland businesses to the Asia-Pacific rim market.

•

Investment meetings held between New Zealand delegations and Chinese investors as a result of the Forum.

•

The sharing of best practice amongst New Zealand delegates during the programme.

•

Launch of a New Zealand corner at the Seashine Group supermarket promoting New Zealand wine and food products.

•

A photo exhibition that will be displayed in the Xiamen Art Gallery for three months showcasing New Zealand cities and towns.

New Zealand China Mayoral Forum.

With 70 New Zealand delegates attending, including 12 mayors, the New Zealand Ambassador to China John McKinnon, and business and education leaders from across the country; the Forum represents the largest delegation of New Zealand civic leaders to have ever visited China. Of special note is the significance of the mayors from China that also attended. There were five large cities represented, including Ningbo (7.6million), Qingdao (9million), Wuhan (10.3million), Guangzhou (16million) and Shenzhen (10.7million). Mr McKinnon said having this number of influential Chinese mayors at such a Forum was a significant endorsement of both the Forum itself and the New ZealandChina relationship. Mr Yule also commended the event’s success, saying the visit shows commitment from New Zealand’s local government to developing strong regional economies nationwide. “China is our biggest trading partner and as such our relationship with them is extremely important to our economy. Current projections show China’s outbound investment is estimated to exceed US$1.25 trillion over the next 10 years and we want to ensure that New Zealand, and most importantly our regions, attract some of this investment,” says Mr Yule. “Since the 2008 signing of the free trade agreement with China, New Zealand exports have risen from NZ$2.2 billion to NZ$8.3 billion. The deepening of this relationship at a subnational level opens the door for further trade and investment.” Planning is already underway for the next Forum to be held in New Zealand in 2017.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

Guangzhou City,

Where Dreams are Created and Actualized Guangzhou Vice Mayor Cai Chaolin’s Speech at Local Leaders Dialogue in Wakatobi

ITY is where dreams are created and actualized. In the future, more colorful dreams will come true in cities. The future of the city is, so to speak, the future of the world. The formulation of the New Urban Agenda will be an important guide for future local governance worldwide.

This inspiring message was delivered by Guangzhou Vice Mayor Cai Chaolin when he addressed the Local Leaders Dialogue in Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, on 5 September 2015. His presence in Wakatobi was part of UCLG ASPAC’s Council and Executive Bureau Meetings, and the AsiaPacific Conference on Local Government Voice towards Habitat III on a New Urban Agenda. The three events were co-hosted by UCLG ASPAC and Wakatobi local government. He shared with other participants measures that Guangzhou has taken to promote sustainable urban development, especially

in improving atmospheric and water environment, in dealing with traffic congestion, as well as implementing waste classification and disposal. As urbanization proceeds, population will concentrate in cities. With rapid economic development, Guangzhou is facing daunting challenges in terms of the city’s carrying capacity, resources and environment, public service, etc. For the past few years, while realizing economic development, Guangzhou has attached great importance to environmental protection in order to meet people’s desire for a better environment. Measures for pollution prevention have been fully implemented. As a result, the atmospheric environment, water environment, traffic environment and people’s living environment have been constantly improved, people’s awareness of environmental protection has increased, and the quality of environment has continued to get better, which have contributed to the comprehensive, coordinated, and sustainable development of economy and the society.

“The future of the city is the future of the world...” Guangzhou Vice Mayor Cai Chaolin during his presentation in Wakatobi.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

Atmospheric environment improvement The sources of atmospheric pollution are various and different. Taking Guangzhou as an example, there are seven kinds of main pollution sources: industrial emission (discharge of industrial boiler and industrial waste gas), automobile exhaust, cooking fume emission, raising dust on the road and construction site respectively, exhaust emission of port, emission of volatile substance from oil station. Water environment improvement In recent years, with the goal of improving water environment quality, Guangzhou has given priority to protecting the source of drinking water, and actively engaged in promoting the prevention and control of water pollution by strengthening the comprehensive improvement of water environment of the Pearl River basin and river branches. It has also committed itself to improving the construction of flood control and drainage system as well as urban and rural sewage treatment facilities, so as to provide safe water supply of high quality and better water ecological environment for people to live a prosperous and contented life. Main measures are the following:. •

To control the source, protect the source of drinking water, and punish illegal or sub-standard enterprise in water source area and Liuxi River area through strict law enforcement.

•

To accelerate the construction of sewage treatment plant.

•

To synchronize sewage interception with pipeline construction, and upgrade standards for construction. Sewage interception should be applied no matter if it is domestic sewage or industrial waste.

•

To do a better job in dredging. Dredging should be followed by sewage interception. The process of dredging should be regulated so as to be supportive and coordinated.

•

Water diversion should be combined with water replenishing. Facilities such as water gate, water pump, and water diversion pond should be planned and constructed.

The improvement of transport Currently, above 17 million citizens per day travel via public transport system including bus, underground, taxi, water shuttle and

light rail in Guangzhou. Besides, “Low Speed System” like bicycling and walking will be gradually advocated in Guangzhou. Through developing the “Low Speed System,” a growing number of people will be encouraged to purchase or rent a residence which is 30-minutes away from work on foot or by bicycle. And it in consequence could relieve the stress of transport. Guangzhou authority has put the construction of “Public Transport Metropolitan” in the priority. Accordingly, we put forward a 4-word policy named “Constructing,” “Adding,” “Managing” and “Limiting.” “Constructing” means that the authority is planning to put great effort in basic traffic facilities covering airports, seaports, underground and ground transportation. “Adding” is to increase public transport services. Rail transport like underground, ground transportation like bus and light rail, water shuttle and taxi will be improved mainly. “Managing” is to strengthen the management, hence improve the level of public transport and make the transport conditions better. “Limiting” is to regulate the demands, including vehicle restrictions and vehicle ownership. Waste classification and disposal The city of Guangzhou produces as many as 18,000 tons of domestic waste on a daily basis, 90% of which is disposed in the way of landfilling. Waste classification is a waste management method that is able to rally the greatest extent of governmental and public support and recognition. Guangzhou has developed a set of waste disposal methods with its distinctive characteristics, which are focused on reducing waste amounts, turning waste into resources and disposing waste in a harmless way. Currently, a full-fledged waste management system is gradually taking shape in Guangzhou, which indicates that Guangzhou has made headways towards winning a victory in the battle against “waste siege”. After several years of practice, Guangzhou has initially developed a waste classification and disposal model, one that exhibits distinctive local features and suits mega cities like Guangzhou. In April of 2015, Guangzhou was verified as one of the first group of national model cities in waste classification.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

ISOFAR 2015.

Visitors at the Organic Farm.

US First Lady Organic Kitchen Garden.

Chungcheongbuk-do ISOFAR 2015 Goesan International Organic Expo: Great Success for Chungcheongbuk-do Province

HE ISOFAR 2015 Goesan International Organic Expo was successfully hosted in Chungcheongbuk-do Province, the center of Korea from 18 September to 24 October. It was the world’s “First Organic Olympic Games.” This international expo was jointly hosted by Chungcheongbuk-do Province, Goesangun County and the International Society of Organic Agriculture Research (ISOFAR). It was sponsored by the International Federation for Organic Agriculture (IFOAM), comprised of approximately 850 organic agricultural organizations from 116 countries. The theme of the expo was “Organic LifeScience Meets the Public.” It featured 10 organic thematic exhibitions, seven outdoor exhibitions, the Organic Industry Center, an Expo farm, a special exhibition, a direct trading market and other diverse events. Furthermore, an international symposium participated by over 250 domestic and foreign enterprises was held. Of particular note, First Lady Michelle Obama’s organic kitchen garden was re-created at the Expo, attracting many visitors’ attention and interest. Prominent figures Two key figures leading the world organic industry spoke in the opening ceremony. President Gerold Rahmann of ISOFAR delivered the opening remarks while President Andre Leu of IFOAM delivered the congratulatory remarks to praise the great success of the Expo. Notably, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon wished for the success of this expo through a video message. Governor Lee Si-jong, the joint chairman of the Expo Organizing Committee described the background of the expo by stating that “Our common vision and belief is that organic agriculture is the surest and the best way to

revive the ailing earth and by exporting the agricultural products, it would bring hope to the farmers. In order to export agricultural products, going organic is compulsory.” He also unfolded his ambition of “Increasing the organic and non-pesticide agricultural land in Chungcheongbuk-do Province from 4% to 20% and increasing the organic and zero antibiotic livestock products from 6% to 20% by 2020.” In addition, by inviting 102 foreign buyers from 13 countries, one-on-one export consultations were held three times. These paired the foreign buyers with 264 enterprises in the Organic Industry Center. As a result, about 600 business transactions took place, totaling over 100 million dollars. This contributed greatly to opening new foreign markets for organic agricultural products. During the expo, the Organic 3.0 International Symposium was held from 9-11 October. As an output of the symposium, “The World Organic Goesan Declaration” was adopted at the closing ceremony of the expo. The declaration will be reported to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). “The World Organic Goesan Declaration, adopted after long and profound discussion with the world scientists, organic farmers, and scholars will be the international standard of organic farming,” President Andre Leu of International Foundation for Organic Agriculture (IFOAM) said. Based on the successful hosting of the ISOFAR 2015 Goesan International Organic Expo, Chungcheongbuk-do will invest 435 million dollars in the organic industry, transforming Chungcheongbuk-do into a hub for the organic industry, ultimately creating another Korean Wave culture under the name of “K-organic.”

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

Taipei Four Mutual Values in the 2015 Taipei-Shanghai Forum

R. Wen-Je Ko, Mayor of Taipei City, led a delegation of Taipei City officials, experts, and representatives from industries to Shanghai on 18 August 2015 to participate in the 2015 Taipei-Shanghai Forum. This was Mayor Ko’s first trip to the Mainland city since he assumed office. Mayor Ko delivered a speech in the opening ceremony of 2015 Taipei-Shanghai Forum to reassure the long lasting friendship between Taipei and Shanghai in the changing world. This forum will continue to play an important role as a channel for bilateral exchanges between two cities. Mayor Ko also emphasized that this year the forum will set a new model for collaboration between public and private sectors through four symposiums. Attendees were mostly from non-governmental organizations. In addition to the official agenda, topics on community medical services, smart city, youth entrepreneurship, were featured. On the other hand, he believes that developing closer ties between the private sectors on the two sides of the strait will help create a win-win situation for all.

Taipei - Shanghai Forum.

After the opening remarks by two mayors, four memorandums were signed between Taipei and Shanghai; there was an experience-sharing on public affairs, electronic ticket system, and administrative exchanges. During the site visits, Mayor Ko expressed his interest in some of the iconic historical sites. He also stressed that Taipei will continue to engage with Shanghai, a first-tier city in one of the world’s biggest economies, based on cultural affinity and “four mutual values”: mutual recognition, mutual understanding, mutual respect, and mutual cooperation. He hopes that the people on the two sides of the straits will have a better understanding and strengthen mutual trust through different activities, including the forum.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

People participation in the “New Community Movement.”

Gyeongsangbuk-do

Cooperation with Samsung to Develop Tourism Products

HE dissemination of Saemaul Undong (New Community Movement) in various parts of the globe, a project operated by the Province of Gyeongsangbuk-do with the aim of transferring Korea’s economic development experiences, is meeting great success. The main objective of the province’s globalization initiative is to share the practices of the Saemaul Undong to developing countries in Africa and Southeast Asia. Some of the key projects include dispatching volunteers as Saemaul Leaders, forming Saemaul pilot villages and inviting foreign trainees to the provincial Saemaul institutions. The dispatch of Saemaul Leaders and formation of Saemaul pilot villages are currently underway in 24 villages, located in four African

countries (Ethiopia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Senegal) and in four Asian countries (Philippines, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Sri Lanka). Local residents are collaborating on projects to improve health, education, environmental facilities, and income, leveraging the successful experience and accumulated technology of Saemaul Undong. This year, the provincial government plans to dispatch about 100 Saemaul Leaders to 27 villages in nine countries. Saemaul Undong training is delivered to foreigners in a way that promotes sustainable development, applying the adage of teaching how to catch fish. Training has been administered so far to 3,466 foreigners from 67 countries. This year, about 950 leaders from developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America are expected to receive training.

Great Response to Globalization of Saemaul Undong

HE recently launched Gyeongsangbuk-do Creative Economy Innovation Center is undertaking a project to promote some of the province’s finest gotaek (old dwellings) through Samsung’s service know-how and world-class branding. The project will target about 20-30 traditional Korean dwellings that are at least 70 years old, considered as cultural assets possessing distinctive cultural value. To operate the accommodations, Samsung’s management know-how will be deployed, with Samsung subsidiary, Hotel Shilla, taking a leading role. The Province of Gyeongsangbuk-do is home to 45 percent of Korea’s gotaek cultural assets charming old houses possessing tales and history.

Gotaek, Korean culture’s asset.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

Gyeongju: Silk Road Cultural Festival 21 August-18 October 2015

HE Province of Gyeongsangbuk-do and the Gyeongju World Culture Expo organization holds the ‘Silk Road Cultural Festival in Gyeongju 2015’ over a 59-day period, from August 21 to October 18. Around 40 countries are expected to be represented at the festival at Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park and other sites around Gyeongju City, Gyeongsangbuk-do. With the theme of ‘Eurasia Culture Express,’ the diverse festival features four categories encompassing about 25 programs, including 'Arts of Silla,' illuminating the cultural splendor of Korea’s millennium kingdom, ‘Harmony Arena for Silk Road Cultures,’ and a variety of linked events. The event is enlivened by performing artists from some 25 countries, including countries along the Silk Road. World Culture Expo.

Successful Water Forum, a Springboard for Region’s Rising Global Status

HE 7th World Water Forum (WWF7) was held April 12-17 in Daegu and the Province of Gyeongsangbuk-do, welcoming attendees from 200 countries. Ushering in significant changes to water culture as a whole, it presented a fullscale opportunity to boost public awareness on water issues, advance government policies affecting the water industry, and strengthen the global competitiveness of water enterprises.

Particular efforts were made, as appropriate, to expose high-level guests, international organization heads, and global CEOs to three topics of local significance: globalization of the Saemaul Undong community development model, the Silk Road cultural exchange project, and the region’s attractiveness for water enterprises.

As the World Water Forum opened up new horizons in regional diplomacy, Gyeongsangbuk-do showed the limitless potential of this brand of international relations.

High dignitaries at the World Water Forum.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

DAEJEON New Landmark of Science City Daejeon, Emphasis of Public and Scientific Utilities

HINSEGYE Consortium Inc. was chosen as the priority business partner at the Science Complex Private funding for the Science Complex public subscription.

Shinsegye Consortium Inc. in this public subscription showed various science programs and spaces for citizens in accordance with the policies of the 6th Mayor elected by the citizens. They promised to give priorities toward employing local citizens and local SMEs as well as returning the profits back to the community. Product stimulation of $2.6 billion, expectation of 18,000 Jobs

Daejeon is expected to get $336 million in rent and a sum of $2.6 billion for product simulation through the Science Complex project over the course of 30 years (4-year-development and 26-year operation). Also, it will play an important role in creating 18,000 high-qualified jobs. It is also expected to stimulate the local economic situation through a $2 billion value-added generated effect. Most of all, Expo Science Park is expected to be a landmark as well as the convergence of science, culture, and entertainment in Daejeon and around the country.

Recreation of Expo Site, Implementation Agreement of Science Complex

HE core of Expo Park rehabilitation, “Science Complex,” is set to move in the right direction. The Daejeon city government, the Shinsegye Consortium Inc., and Daejeon International Marketing Enterprise (DIME) have signed the “Science Complex Implementation Agreement.” According to the contract, both organizations --Shinsegye Consortium Inc. and DIME-- will build a Science Complex that has a total area of 290k within the span of 7,500 on the ground for $500 million by 2018. “The glory of the 1993 Daejeon World Exposition will be honored to our citizens again through this re-creation of the original Expo Site. Daejeon World Exposition has long been the torch to guide Daejeon into the world, and now it will be recreated as a creative space that combines science and culture," Mayor Kwon Sun-taik said.

Implementation Agreement of Science Complex.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

Expansion of Medical Support for the Disabled

VERY citizen in Daejeon has the right to pursue his/her own happiness. It is not fair for the handicapped or disabled to be out of the boundary of happiness just because of their physical or psychological impairments.

2. Daycare sectors for severely handicapped children at hospital

Severely handicapped children in Daejeon will be taken care of at Chungnam, Geonyang, and Boram hospitals during the day. Severely handicapped children will be hospitalized in the morning, get six hours of special care and rehabilitation training, and leave in the afternoon. This program is designed to reduce the economic burden of parents, so severely handicapped children can receive the benefits of hospitalization and outpatient treatment.

Specialized medical doctors, nurses, physical therapists, language therapists, and social therapists comprise the teams at the various children’s day care sectors, and they will treat the patients twice with physical therapy, two related medical treatments, and one social activity. This is a program which has a duration of six months.

Currently, there are 15 prepared beds for patients at Chungam, as well as ten at Geonyang and 15 at Boram, with a total of approximately 40 beds for severely handicapped child patients. They will add 10 more beds to help the people in need for this service.

Daejeon, in an effort toward pursuing the happiness of all citizens, is enlarging its medical service in order to support childbirth among the disabled and handicapped by opening children’s day care clinic sectors. 1. Enlarged disabled female’s childbirth expense support

Disabled female childbirth expense support is a system of money specifically for a handicapped female spouse’s pregnancy and childbirth, regardless of their income level from within the same year. A $1,000 stipend will be paid when a disabled female, rated one through six in a ratings system for this program, has a baby.

Handicapped females only rated one on a scale of three were given a stipend for childbirth expense until 2014, and this year other categories are receiving the support.

To apply for the childbirth expense stipend, a birth certificate, a certified document of miscarriage and a related application should be submitted. Application documents are available at the community service center. Classification

Location

Size (M2)

Beds (Patients No.)

Total

3 hospitals

Boram Hospital

# 35, Inchangro Joongu

998.48

Geonyang Hospital

#158, Gwanjeodongro Seogu

121.0

Chungnam Hospital

#266 Moonhwaro Joonggu

34.74

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

Time Travel Festival.

Gunsan Time Travel

competitive, creative cultural festival based on modern cultural heritage. Citizens and tourists become an integral part of the festival. Gunsan City held the Gunsan Time Travel Festival (GTTF) in the Gunsan Modern History Museum and at the old downtown area for 3 days from 9-11 October 2015. The GTTF has gained recognition as a creative festival based on modern cultural heritage. Cultural heritage Gunsan is famous for having much modern cultural heritage. The GTTF is designed to incorporate cultural property and the patriotism that ancestors developed against Japanese colonialism in a creative and pleasant way. Gunsan city aims to develop the festival as a landmark event presenting its local and historical characteristics and spreading joy as well. Also, citizens and visitors are encouraged to enjoy the festival in a friendly mood and take

time to think about the historical factors such as the deprivation experienced during the colonial period and the civil fight for independence from Japanese rule. This year, a parade of 1,000 people donning outfits from the late modern period and children acting as colonial fighters was added as a new program in the festival. There were various games using rice and rice sacks to replicate the poverty experienced by the Korean people under Japanese colonial rule and to inspire patriotism. There were many other programs at every corner of the festival venue. The festival has been refined in line with its cultural theme to sustain its reputation as one of the most competitive tourist attractions. The GTTF will continue its success by providing a venue where visitors find the past, present and prospects of the historical city of Gunsan.

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province April-October 2015 20-22 May 2015: Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity

ARKING its 10th anniversary, Jeju Forum hosted 4,000 people including former and current national leaders, prominent scholars, and diplomatic corps from 50 countries. Under the theme â&#x20AC;&#x153;Towards a New Asia of Trust and Harmony,â&#x20AC;? there was unanimous agreement that peace must be achieved in order to create a new Asia. The concept of peace can be interpreted broadly to include healing, tolerance, and energy.

Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

Culture was considered to be an efficient tool to build and promote a new and extended global model of peace. Jeju Culture Declaration was announced during the session to establish a cultural platform to strengthen national exchange in the region through cultural activities. 18-22 May: ASPAC Capacity Building Workshop Following the election of Governor Won Hee-ryong as UCLG ASPAC President, Jeju organized the first workshop for ASPAC members held at UNITAR Cifal Jeju (Jeju International Training Center). The subject was “Developing Capacities on Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in the Asia-Pacific Region.” Under the support of UNISDR ONEA/ GETI, 27 participants from 10 countries, shared their experiences and discussed preventive and adaptive measures.

Governor Won Hee-ryong of Jeju province highlighted Jeju as the one and only place holding four international recognitions of biodiversity: World Natural Heritage Site, Biosphere Reserve, Ramsar Site, and one of the Global Geoparks Network. As such, the island is becoming globally recognized as “Clean Jeju, Coexistence of People and Nature.” 26-28 August: Asia Cruise Forum Jeju In the Asia Cruise Forum Jeju, there has an exploration on the Asia cruise tourism and common prosperity. As the cruise market grows in Northeast Asia, more exchange has occurred, which has led to increasing cruisebased tourism and expand in harbour facilities. The governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province made an unprecedented recommendation to create a cruise line linking North Korea with Jeju Island. He emphasized that such arrangement should be put into action to promote peace in the Northeast Asia region. In this Northeast Peace Cruise Plan, the Governor added that Jeju could play a key role in fostering the unification efforts between North and South Korea.

President and the Secretary General of UCLG ASPAC with the training participants.

7-9 July: World Leaders’ Conservation Forum Jeju Based on a trial session at the 2012 World Conservation Forum in Jeju, the World Leaders’ Conservation Forum was successfully held with leaders from various sectors to discuss naturebased solutions under the theme of “Nature: A Path to Peace and Coexistence.” Among the subjects of discussion were: how to reduce biodiversity hazard, conservation toward sustainable development, coexistence of humans and nature and peace promotion and ecosystem preservation of border areas. In his keynote speech, author Alan Weisman recommended that the ecosystem in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) should be well maintained with the support of the international community, noting the significant biodiversity of the DMZ on the Korean Peninsula as a byproduct of the Korean War and process of peace.

Asia Cruise Forum.

2-4 October: Jeju Haenyeo (Women Divers) Festival With an aspiration toward the inscription of Jeju haenyeo in the list of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Jeju celebrated the festival with locals and 300 haenyeo from Jeju as well as other provinces.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) JET Programme

N July 27 and August 3 a welcome reception was held for a total of 1,800 Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) participants, who had newly arrived in Japan. The JET Programme (http://www. jetprogramme.org/) is one of the world’s largest international exchange programmes. It is administered through the collaboration of Japan’s local government authorities, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR). Participants are recruited and selected through Japanese embassies and consulates overseas, and are invited to Japan to work at schools and local government offices, in order to promote foreign language education and to contribute to international exchange activities in local communities throughout Japan. Since its inception in 1987, over 62,000 people from 65 countries have participated in the Programme. While working at schools and local governments, many of the participants also strive to promote the appeal of Japan’s local regions worldwide. For example, they join JET Alumni Associations (JETAA chapters) after returning to their home countries, and hold events to introduce Japanese culture, and thus continue being a bridge between Japan and the world.

Next year the JET Programme celebrates its 30th anniversary. Having been selected as a host country for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, and taking into account the continuing impact of globalisation, the further promotion of internationalisation in Japan has become more important than ever. Consequently, the JET Programme is expected to prove instrumental in deepening mutual understanding between Japan and the world. For further information about the JET Programme, please contact Luke Happle at l-happle@clair.or.jp.

Features of activities under the JET Programme.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

Federation of Sri Lankan Local Government Authorities (FSLGA)

Federation of Sri Lankan Local Government Partnership with Ministry of Disaster Management to Integrate Disaster Management into Local Governance

HE Ministry of Disaster Management launched the Sri Lanka Comprehensive Disaster Management Program (SLCDMP) in 2014, on the 10th anniversary of tsunami. This program serves as the primary framework for Disaster Management in Sri Lanka and it provides the enabling environment for multi-sector and multi-agency interventions at the national, provincial and local levels.

Sri Lanka Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme.

The role of the Local Councils, which is the closest tier of governance to the communities, is significant in preparedness, response and recovery process for Disaster Management. To create an enabling environment that supports the Disaster Management in the Local Councils, FSLGA with the support of SLCDMP prepared the standard by-law model for Local Authorities. This by-law has been prepared using a multi-stakeholder consultative process and drafted by the Officers of the local councils. The drafted by-law was handed over to the Chief Minister of the Central Province, for official adaptation.

Workshop on Women Participation in Politics.

Guide book on Revenue Enhancement Methods for Local Councils.

Workshop to encourage women participation in politics FSLGA, with the support of Commonwealth Local Government Sri Lanka Program (funded by Commonwealth Secretariat) hosted a two-day program on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leadershipâ&#x20AC;? for the potential women candidates in the two main political parties. This program was attended by more than 150 women political leaders at grass root levels. The program focused on effective leadership, communication methods and interpersonal relationships. FSLGA launched a guide book on Revenue Enhancement Methods for local councils FSLGA together with the Commonwealth Local Government Forum launched a guidebook on revenue management and enhancement in the Local Councils. This initiative was funded by the Commonwealth Secretariat under the project Local Development for National Development Program (LD4ND). The Chief Minister of the North Western Province Chaired the launching ceremony attended by the Revenue Officers, Commissioners, Secretaries and other senior officers attached to the Provincial Councils and Local Councils.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

National Association of VDCs in Nepal (NAVIN) Nepal Promulgated the Local Governance Constitution By Parshuram Upadhyay Executive Director, National Association of VDCs in Nepal (NAVIN)

process. This is one of the progressive shifts toward limiting the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;too much centralized governanceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by devolving greater power to the grassroots level. The constitution enshrines various democratic principles and state policies to promote participatory and inclusive local governance system and structures. It devolves various political, fiscal and executive powers and responsibilities to the local governments. CA members (90%) endorse Local Governance Contitution.

Background ESPITE boycott from some political parties of Nepal and from some ethnicbased parties at the very last moment, Nepal has successfully completed a course on designing democratic constitution through popular and inclusive elected Constituent Assembly (CA) for the first time in its constitutional history.

The CA has promulgated the Constitution of Nepal on 20th September 2015 with an overwhelming majority in the CA. Out of 601 members in the CA, 90% participated in the final approval process and 85 percent voted YES to the constitution of Nepal. The constitution, rowed as the seventh in Nepalese constitutional history, is expected to be a milestone to end the prolonged political instability cum transition in Nepal. It is expanding the hope for a greater focus to maximize economic growth and peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; happiness. The CA has been successful to promulgate the Constitution of Nepal with various democratic features. Most interestingly, it has embedded most of the human rights values, ensured at least 33 percent participation of women in all state organs and spheres of the government, ensured rights of the minorities and marginalized communities.

The constitutional provisions for local government in Nepal have created bigger political and legitimate spaces. More than 70,000 women have been ensured to be in a leadership positions at local level. Indigenous communities at mountains, hills as well as other minorities groups and marginalized communities will have bigger chance of participation at different government levels. Despite the good democratic structures and provisions in the new constitution, Nepal continues to suffer for the absence of elected representatives at local level since decades ago. Now, new constitution is believed to address the urgent need of democratically elected representatives soon. The election for local governments could be one of the milestones toward institutionalizing the fruits of democracy. As UCLG ASPAC have been continuously extending its solidarity for democratic revivalism for an elected local government in Nepal. It is important to show solidarity for elections, effective implementation of the constitution, smooth federalization process and political stability for socio-economic growth, peace building and national development.

The new constitution pledges to involve the underprivileged in the governance Women participation in politics.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015

Spokeperson Krishna Jaishi and members on monitoring.

Association of District Development Committees of Nepal (ADDCN) Activities of Association of Districts Development Committees (DDCs) of Nepal Compliance monitoring of local NGOs

DDCN successfully conducted a monitoring on local NGOs working with DDCs. ADDCN found that accountability of local government entities has been increasing due to the programs organized by local NGOs on accountability issues in good governance.

National Interaction on Federalism in Nepal and Experiences ADDCN co-organized an interaction on Federalism in Nepal and Experiences of Some Federal Countries In the World in collaboration with the Forum of Federations of Canada.

Members of the Constituent Assembly of Nepal, members and staff of local governments associations of Nepal, as well as members and staff of the Decentralization Support Society and some experts on local governance interacted in the event. The interaction opened a debate on the probability for Nepal to become a federal country. The discussion focused on some crucial points to be taken into account, including: intergovernmental issues, public services financing, local government, womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement in politics and implementation of federalism in Nepal.

New Executive Secretary General orienting staff of DDC in Okhaldhunga and Sirha.

Forum Federation mat the President at Kathmandu.

Executive Editor: Dr. Benadia Irawati Tjandradewi Editors: Mathias Hariyadi, Olga Amato, Dianne Seva Photo Credits: Local Governments Arround Asia-Pacific, Members of UCLG ASPAC

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Newsletter | Volume 23 | May - October 2015