BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – This metropolis is set to host the CityNet 44th Executive Committee Meeting from Nov. 18 to 20, 2024, at the Iloilo Convention Center.
The event will bring together leaders from Asia and the Pacific to exchange insights and strengthen commitments toward establishing more sustainable and resilient cities. Key topics of focus include Urban Climate Financing and Zero Waste initiatives.
CityNet, the largest association of urban stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region dedicated to sustainable development, will also feature an International Seminar on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during the event.
With the theme “Living the SDGs: A Shared Future for All”, the seminar aims to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and actionable solutions to advance the SDGs.
This gathering underscores Iloilo City’s commitment to sustainability and its emerging role as a hub for global urban development discussions.
Youngmin Chang, Programs Director of the CityNet Secretariat, emphasized Iloilo City’s dedication to sustainable urban development and its unique offerings during a press briefing about the upcoming CityNet 44th ExeCom.
“This opportunity not only highlights Iloilo’s commitment to sustainable urban progress but also showcases the city’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant culinary scene, and high-quality educational institutions,” said Chang.
She also expressed hope that the event would allow the Asia-Pacific region to experience and celebrate Iloilo’s distinctive charm and achievements, fostering further partnerships and extending the city’s inspiring story to a broader audience.
Youngmin said the gathering underscores Iloilo’s growing role in sustainable development across Asia and the Pacific.
Paulie Mora, Programs Deputy Director of the CityNet Secretariat, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming CityNet ExeCom and international seminar in Iloilo City.
“We look forward to having a very productive committee meeting and international seminar in Iloilo. We are bringing a lot of our members to Iloilo and letting them experience the great hospitality awaiting us,” said Mora.
The event promises to combine meaningful discussions on sustainable urban development with a showcase of Iloilo’s renowned hospitality, providing delegates with a unique experience of the city’s warmth and welcoming culture.
Velma Jane Lao, Iloilo City’s Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion (LEDIP) Officer and a member of the city’s organizing committee added that hosting this international event positions Iloilo City as a leader in urban development.
Lao noted that the gathering underscores Iloilo’s proactive stance on regional challenges, boosting economic growth and tourism while aligning with the city’s sustainability goals.
“This event emphasizes our commitment to green initiatives, climate resilience, and inclusive growth,” said Lao.
Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed his deep honor in hosting the 44th CityNet ExeCom Meeting in Iloilo City.
He underscored the significance of this year’s theme, “Living the SDGs: A Shared Future for All”, which he said “encapsulates the very essence of our collective endeavor towards a future where cities are inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.”
Treñas shared that Iloilo City is committed to aligning its initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“In Iloilo City, we take immense pride in aligning our current and proposed initiatives with the SDGs, which also underpin our goal to be the Top 3 Most Livable, Sustainable, and Resilient City in the Philippines by 2029,” he added.
The event is an opportunity for Iloilo City to demonstrate its progress and aspirations to fellow leaders across the Asia-Pacific region.
Treñas also assured Iloilo City’s commitment to promoting sustainable cities and communities through a range of impactful initiatives.
“Our efforts are evident through various projects aimed at enhancing social and health services and implementing eco-friendly programs,” the mayor said.
Among these initiatives are extensive native tree planting efforts and renewable energy projects, aimed at fostering an environmentally resilient city.
The mayor also noted Iloilo City has also launched sustainable programs to support diverse groups within the community, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, youth, women, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
These initiatives reflect the city’s dedication to creating an inclusive, sustainable urban environment that aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals.
The CityNet 44th Executive Committee Meeting in Iloilo City will see a diverse representation from the Philippines and other nations in the Asia-Pacific region. Four city mayors from the Philippines — Makati, Muntinlupa, Roxas, and Tacurong — will share their experiences and insights on urban management, adding a local perspective to the discussions.
They will be joined by six mayors from Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Fiji, underscoring a regional commitment to collaborative urban growth in South and Southeast Asia.
Also participating are other distinguished officials, including the Vice Mayor of Kuala Lumpur and the Director General from the City of Yokohama, Japan.
Habitat for Humanity will contribute expertise on sustainable housing and community resilience, enriching the dialogue on achieving inclusive, sustainable cities. This esteemed lineup of speakers and representatives reflects a united approach to sustainable urban development across Asia and the Pacific./PN
