Korean Members Meeting

UCLG ASPAC’s Strengthens Ties with Korean Members in a Consultative Dialogue

Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, Secretary General of UCLG ASPAC in Korean Members Meeting, August 30, 2018

UCLG ASPAC holds a consultative dialogue with its Korean Members in a workshop held in cooperation with the Governors Association of Korea (GAOK) last 30 August 2018 in Jeonju, Korea. Secretary General Tjandradewi encouraged Korean members to make use of the network and optimise their presence in UCLG ASPAC. Given strong presence of South Korean cities and local governments at UCLG ASPAC, it was considered important for the Secretariat to explore their needs.

Jeonju City expressed interest in establishing a youth committee and continue cohosting the youth forum with UCLG ASPAC. The Secretary General advocated the idea and remarked that there is a strong need to engage youth in city’s development in respond to the survey that UCLG ASPAC had on youth participation in local governments’ affairs. She added that the committee can be named “adolescent and

youth committee” to also include children and that United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is also ready to support the committee.

Discussions primarily involved the needs assessment survey conducted by UCLG ASPAC for Korean Members in 2017. Among the other issues raised by Korean members were language barrier with participation in UCLG ASPAC activities and standardised promotion of international events hosted by members. A training for civil servants has also been requested.

Jeonju City Government also organised an institutional visit and cultural experience at the Jeonju Hanok Village where participants had the chance to meet the last prince of the Joseon dynasty, make hanji paper craft, and taste Jeonju’s specialty bibimbap.