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| UCLG 2007 2nd World Congress |
| Opening of UCLG 2nd World Congress |
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日期：2007-10-29 12:19
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| Opening of UCLG 2nd World Congress
Today witnessed the opening ceremony of the 2nd UCLG World Congress in Jeju South Korea, where over 1,800 participants united under the theme ‘Changing Cities are driving our world’.
Today witnessed the opening ceremony of the 2nd UCLG World Congress in Jeju South Korea, where over 1,800 participants united under the theme ‘Changing Cities are driving our world’.
The ceremony featured the Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, the three UCLG Co-Presidents, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, the United Nations High Delegate for the Alliance of Civilizations and Former President of Portugal, and the Executive Deputy Director of UN-Habitat. The UN Secretary General also addressed a message to the local government representatives.
The Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Mr Tae Hwan Kim opened the event by declaring that “UCLG plays an exceptional role in local democracy.”
Mr. Bertrand Delanoë, Mayor of Paris and President of UCLG, recalled that “In three years, our organization has succeeded in becoming an institution recognized by international institutions. Here in Jeju, we are committed to standing along side the United Nations as arbiters of peace.” Mr. Paco Moncayo, Mayor of Quito and Co-President of UCLG, underlined the importance of the challenges faced by local authorities, notably in the promotion of peace and the fight against climate change. Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, President of UCLG Africa and Co-president of UCLG, observed that “the second Congress is taking place at a time when over half the world’s population lives in cities and consequently we believe that cities are changing the world.” Ban-Ki Moon, UN Secretary General addressed a specially recorded message to the world’s cities, stating that “the future of humanity will depend on the manner in which cities react to the major challenges posed by globalization.” Mr. Duck-soo Han, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, then highlighted the importance of decentralization and sustainable development. Mr. Jorge Sampaio, United Nations High Delegate for the Alliance of Civilizations and Former President of Portugal, then expressed his pride at having contributed to the creation of a unified voice for local governments and went on to invite UCLG to become a member of the Alliance.
Finally, Ms. Inga Klevby, Executive Deputy Director of UN-Habitat, paid testimony to the long partnership between UCLG and UN-Habitat and underlined the importance of the Guidelines on Decentralization and the Strengthening of Local Authorities. The ceremony concluded with the declaration of Mr. CHEN Haosu, President of UCLG Asia-Pacific Region, announcing the offer of a symbolic statue offered by the Chinese government to Jeju Province in a spirit of peace and cooperation.
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