UCLG ASPAC 2^nd Congress, 15^th-18^th July 2008, Pattaya, Thailand

“Sustainable Cities and Local Governments for a Sustainable World”

Pattaya coast line

The second UCLG ASPAC Congress will take place in Pattaya on 15-18 July 2008, organized by the National Municipal League of Thailand (NMT).

The main theme of the Congress is “Sustainable Cities and Local Governments for a Sustainable World” which will be divided into four topics:

• Effective Decentralization: The way that Sustainable Development can be achieved
• Building Public Trust: A Challenge for Local Government in the 21^st Century
• Sustainable City Management
• Dismantling the barriers: Towards an Inclusive Society

The Congress will bring together the experts and practitioners in Decentralization, Local Government and Sustainable Development from around the world, and will provide a great opportunity for learning and exchanging of information and experience to the attendees.

About 1,000 participants are expected to come to the Congress. The participants come from individual participants, Local Governments, Local Governments Associations, International Organizations, Non Governmental Organizations, and other organizations whose concern about Local Governments issue.

In conjunction with the Congress, there will be UCLG ASPAC meetings and elections of governing bodies for 2008-2010 on 18 July.

Download Registration Form   

Download Congress Brochure

Download Congress Program                                                                       

For further and updated information, please visit the official website of Pattaya Congress at www.uclg-aspac2008.org

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Green Cities Workshop

The threat that climate change poses to sustainable and inclusive development has moved to the forefront of the international agenda. Coping with a warmer and more volatile climate will impose a heavy burden on developing countries. As the world warms, economic activity will be affected by a host of challenges, ranging from sea level rise to water stress, from higher uncertainty about optimal crop choices to more severe and costly extreme weather events. In addition, these direct effects will often combine with other stress factors to reduce economic opportunities in developing countries. The poor are especially vulnerable. They tend to be more dependent on climate-sensitive sectors and have less capacity to adapt, whether through access to information, technology and capital, or through the ability to diversify income sources.

Given the unequivocal evidence of climate change and its impact on the poorest communities, the integration of climate change issues into development planning and programming is a high priority. The links between climate change, disaster risks, and poverty highlight increased social, economic and environmental vulnerability, especially in cities due to their high concentration of assets and population. City managers need specific, locally driven strategies to assist them to identify, reduce, manage, and respond to risks through planning efforts in order to reduce their vulnerability to, and manage the potential impacts of, climate change and natural hazards.

To address this issue, the World Bank’s East Asia Sustainable Development Department, in partnership with the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) and the UN/ISDR, has produced a Primer on Climate Change Impacts in Urban Areas of East Asia that targets city managers and focuses on reducing vulnerability to climate change impacts and related disasters.

The Primer will be officially launched during this one day Green Cities Workshop on July 14, 2008 in Pattaya, Thailand, in conjunction with the UCLG ASPAC Congress. The purpose of this workshop is to create awareness and interest in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies and investments and to gauge the thematic areas where the cities’ interest is strongest to ensure efforts are demand-driven. The participants will engage in dialog on these key issues in order to shape the future direction of the primer and its application at the local level.

The content of the Primer is based on a stocktaking of existing literature and analysis of practical tools for climate change mitigation and adaptation and disaster prevention and coping strategies. The Primer also includes self-assessment tools to engage city officials in determining their cities’ level of exposure and vulnerability; based on the outcomes of the assessment, the Primer guides the user through actions that can be taken to reduce the potential risks identified. The scope of actions include mitigation and adaptation measures like the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, land use plans, energy efficiency, emergency management and preparedness plans, structural and non-structural interventions, and risk financing options. Case studies of global cities that offer best practice examples from which East Asian cities can learn have also been included.

Download brochure

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Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA)

Seed Fund for Strategic Research and Training (SFRT)

Invitation to Apply

Rationale and Objective

The Southeast Asian region has a number of promising researchers and scientists whose desire to contribute to the region’s development through research and knowledge dissemination initiatives is hindered by lack of funds. This situation serves as a barrier to translating promising research and training into scientific outputs that could be applied to promote development.

To address this concern and in line with the Center’s thrust of promoting, undertaking and coordinating research programs relevant to the agriculture and rural development needs of the region, SEARCA will dedicate funds to be known as the SEARCA Seed Fund for Research and Training (SFRT).

The SFRT is envisaged to provide chosen research and training project proposals with limited start-up funds intended to enhance chances of securing long-term support from donor agencies. A grant of up to $15,000 shall be awarded as seed fund for research/training.

Project Eligibility

Any proposed project within the Center’s priority thrust of Natural Resource Management and Agricultural Competitiveness is eligible provided that the project:

• is innovative and is accompanied by an appropriate plan for developing it into a potentially large-scale research/training program greatly relevant to the agricultural and development needs of the region;
• has strong potential for generating significant long-term funding support; and
• can be completed within a period not exceeding one year.

Proponent Qualification

• A Southeast Asian national of good moral character.
• A graduate of at least a four-year degree.
• Without significant funding support.

Process of Paper Submission

Send hard copies of the proposal through courier and an advance copy via electronic mail.

• Via Courier
  1. Provide five (5) hard copies of your proposal stapled separately (no need to put in a folder).
  2. Send it on an envelope addressed to the Manager.
• Via Electronic Mail

Send an advance electronic mail copy of the same proposal to sfrt@agri.searca.org

Deadline of Submission

All project proposals should be received by SEARCA on or before 01 August of a given year.

Review Panel and Selection Process

An Evaluation Committee using a pre-determined set of criteria shall evaluate the proposals. The Committee will submit a short list of reviewed proposals to the SEARCA Directorate for final selection. The results of the panel review and selection process will be announced on or before 30 November of a given year and project implementation will commence a month after the announcement.

Download detailed guidelines

For inquiries and other details please visit www.searca.org/web/research/sfrt/index.html

or email us at sfrt@agri.searca.org

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International Urban Training Center (IUTC) Urban Eco-Restoration Course

16 - 21 June 2008 | Gangwon Province, Republic of Korea

The International Urban Training Center (IUTC) was established in 2007 and had its official opening on May 3, 2007 in Gangwon Province with the support of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) to build the capacity of cities and towns nationally and in the Asian and Pacific region in support of the goal of sustainable urbanization. The IUTC aims to bridge the knowledge gap between academia, local and central government in the field of sustainable urban development by facilitating communication, professional networking, learning and exchange of information. It will seek to enable dialogues between different stakeholders to create mutual trust and understanding in the realization of sustainable communities at the local, national and international levels.

In this context, the IUTC had its first short term training program on urban eco-restoration targeting Koreans in Seoul from July 23 throughout 28, 2007, for which four experts from the United States were invited as instructors to share their knowledge and experiences in the field of ecological restoration. The first training course was a great success with 60 attendees, thanks to considerable inputs from ESA Adolfson, King County and Department of Transportation of Washington State as well. With the course in success, the IUTC started discussions with UN-HABITAT to further extend this program to the Asian and Pacific region, so that more people in this field can benefit from the program.

This year, the course on urban ecological restoration, which targets project managers and officers from local authorities, non-governmental organizations and private sectors, in the field of engineering, construction, environment and urban planning in the Asian and Pacific region, will be offered to approximately 30 participants from across Asian and Pacific nations from 16 to 21 June 2008, in Gangwon Province. The course will provide the participants with an opportunity to learn and discuss eco-restoration as an approach to sustainable urbanization in the Asia and Pacific region; its function, value and benefits with a linkage to climate change adaptation. The course will be organized in a manner consolidating US and Korea lecture material, including restoration concepts, techniques, and case study materials which will provide adequate time for discussion and presentation of Asia-Pacific case studies by course participants.

A limited number of scholarships are available for participants from non-OECD countries

The registration is open from 14 April to 16 May, 2008.

Download brochure

For further information please go to www.iutc.org

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Indocock – Walikota Cup International Badminton Championship 2008
Surabaya, Indonesia | 29 April - 3 May  2008
 

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World Cities Summit 2008

Liveable and Vibrant Cities

23-25 June 2008 | Singapore

By 2008, more than half of the world's population will live in cities. Urbanization, if managed well, offers significant potential for increased productivity and economic growth. However, the environmental consequences and impact on quality of life cannot be ignored. Good leadership, careful planning and effective implementation are critical success factors for sustainable development of cities around the world. Liveable cities that offer a good quality of life attract internationally mobile capital and talent, which contribute to economic competitiveness and cultural dynamism.

World Cities Summit is a premier international conference series on effective public governance and sustainable development of cities. The inaugural event in 2008 will focus on urban development and environmental sustainability issues under the theme "Liveable and Vibrant Cities". The discussion topics will address the challenges of developing cities that are both liveable and vibrant. It will cover issues related to excellent urban infrastructure, clean environment, good quality of life and economic competitiveness.

The conference will feature thought leaders and distinguished practitioners who will share valuable insights and practical experiences. It will address issues from practitioners,perspectives and showcase global best practices. Apart from plenary discussions, there will be breakout sessions on specific areas of interest and interesting site visits that will enhance the learning experience.

The conference will be held at the same time as the Singapore International Water Week 2008, a leading event on policies and applications of water innovation and technologies, under the theme "Sustainable Water Solutions for Cities"

Go to The Official Website

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First Asia-Pacific Mayors’ Forum on Sustainable Urban Infrastructure Development

21-22 April 2008 | Ulsan, Republic of Korea
 

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP)is organizing, in partnership with the City of Ulsan, Republic of Korea, the First Asia-Pacific Mayors’ Forum on Sustainable Urban Infrastructure Development, to be held in Ulsan, on 21-22 April 2008.

The Forum is intended to bring together city mayors, top government officials and decision makers and experts to present and discuss the key issues related to sustainable urban infrastructure development in Asia and the Pacific, review emerging practices, discuss challenges and identify priority areas in making urban infrastructure be more sustainable.

The Forum will also present the newly developed project of the United Nations titled “Eco-efficient and sustainable urban infrastructure development in Asia and Latin America”, which will be implemented jointly by ESCAP and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), in partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT).

Members of UCLG in Asia-Pacific are kindly invited to attend the Forum.      

How to register?  

Download Registration Form  

Download Invitation

Download Forum Agenda

Download Concept Note

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UNIDO Global Investment Forum 2008, 23-25 April 2008, Nanning, China

“Urban Agglomeration Economies and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Currently the biggest megalopolis economically speaking, is the Boston-to-Washington (“Boswash”) which accounts for 55 million people (17% of the total population) and generates 2,5 trillion $ in capital flow, more than France or UK. If those dynamic gigantic urban areas can mainly be found in North America (half of the 20 most important) and Japan (Taiheiyo Belt (Pacific Megalopolis) of 100 million people), they have become a significant model from which powerful developing countries such as India (from Bangalore to Hyderabad) and China (Shanghai-Nanjing corridor, more than 50 million people, Greater Beijing, 36 million…) have successfully inspired.

For instance Shanghai has built 5000 high-rises in just the last past seven years. Besides, official projections predict that by 2030, up to 1 billion people will live in China's urban areas. By 2025, according to the Far Eastern Economic Review, Asia alone will have at least 10 “hyper cities”, each gathering at least 20 million people.

“Global Investment Promotion Forum 2008” will be the first international forum in China dedicated to urban agglomeration economies. It will aim principally at underlining that the notion of urban agglomeration economy is not only a great challenge for the 21st century but also at showing that from the competition between big urban centers could result in great achievements, in fields such as cluster development, innovative transportation infrastructures and creative economy.

Download Global Investment Forum 2008 Brochure

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Workshop on “Establishment of Local Government Forum in the Province of Nangroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD)”

Representatives of local governments from 17 districts and municipalities in Aceh gathered at a founding conference in Banda Aceh on March 8-9, 2008, to formally launch the Aceh Communications Forum for development and effective voice in policy. This Forum is the first of its kind in Indonesia to assemble the executive and legislative bodies of local governments

The Founding Conference was addressed by the Vice Governor of NAD, representative of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), and the Country Program Manager of Canada/Aceh Local Government Assistance Program (CALGAP). They were joined by representatives of  international donors, UCLG ASPAC, Local Government Associations of Indonesia, and the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP). Over one hundred delegates attended the conference.

The March founding conference was preceded by a Working Conference held in July  2007, at which local governments recognized that there is a need for better inter-government linkages and cooperation among themselves. They also determined that they should foster better collaboration with the provincial government of Nangroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) and the central government, to address the challenges they have to face in building good governance. Therefore,  delegates agreed to establish a Forum of Aceh Kabupatens/Districts and Kotas/Municipalities including both legislatures and executives. Both the Governor of NAD province and officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHa) expressed strong support for the setting up of the Forum.

More Details

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Good Urban Governance in South Asia (GUGSA), India

USAID’s Regional Urban Development Office for South Asia (RUDO/SA), in collaboration with the region’s bilateral USAID Missions, initiated a three-year, three-location (Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka) activity in October 2001 to promote Good Urban Governance In South Asia. GUGSA activities document, disseminate and demonstrate best practices from local government bodies to improve the response capacity of local urban governments within the country and will culminate in a Regional Conference for dissemination. The five principles that define good governance are Transparency, Predictability, Accountability, Rule of Law and Participation.

In the aftermath of the Tsunami it was felt that the scope of GUGSA should be modified to include post – Tsunami works in India (as well as Thailand and Indonesia) to be able to build on GUGSA’s strength of regional networking. The pilot project will involve local institutions in The Tsunami affected Indian state of Tamil Nadu advocating Good Governance and Disaster Mitigation practices. It will also help to create relationships for facilitating the exchange of information that can continue well beyond the tenure of the project. The ultimate outcome of the activities will be presented at the Regional Conference so that the dissemination benefits are available to all the cities participating in the GUGSA work.

Therefore in order to extend strategic support to affected communities and illustrate the need for integrating disaster mitigation into mainstream planning for the city, it was decided to undertake a strategic planning exercise for Colachel. Colachel is a port town on the West Coast, in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, India. Colachel was the thirdly most badly affected area in the entire State with a death toll of about 600 people. The government stakeholders suggested that a demonstration project in Colachel would be most useful.

Download GUGSA Strategic Development Plan for Colachel, Tamil Nadu

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Association of Indonesian Municipalities (APEKSI) and UCLG

(L-R) Mr. Rusfi Yunairi (Director ProgramAPEKSI), Mr. Peter Woods (Sec.Gen UCLG-ASPAC), Dr. Jusuf SK (President APEKSI) and Mr. Sarimun Hadisaputra (Exec.Dir APEKSI)

UCLG ASPAC Secretary General Peter Woods recently had a meeting with APEKSI President Dr. Jusuf S.K. to discuss the potential of membership of APEKSI in UCLG.  The meeting was taking place at APEKSI Board Meeting on 23^rd January 2008 in Jakarta.     

APEKSI is the local Government Association of Indonesia, representing the City Administration of all cities of Indonesia.

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