Mechanisms 25th Trilateral Local Government Exchange Conference held in Gwangju, Korea
2024-10-21 ~ 2024-10-24
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The 25th Trilateral Local Government Exchange Conference took place in Gwangju, Korea, from October 21 to 24, 2024. Co-hosted by the Governors Association of the Republic of Korea (GAROK) and the Gwangju Metropolitan Government, the event was supported by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and Japan’s Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR). Over 400 representatives from local governments and related organizations attended, including a delegation from the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) led by Director Yamamoto Tomotsugu of the Department of Socio-Cultural Affairs.
On October 22, the main session opened with a keynote address by Vice Chairman JOO Hyung-hwan of the Presidential Committee on Ageing Society and Population Policy, who discussed the current trend of low birth rates in Korea, explored its causes, and proposed future responses. Representatives from Henan Province in China, Wako City in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, and Gwangju Metropolitan City shared insights that highlighted the conference's key theme “Strengthening Trust among Local Governments of China, Japan, and the ROK for Solving Complex Issues.” This was followed by specific case studies by 9 local governments focusing on “Creating Sustainable Eco-Friendly Cities,” “Promoting Urban and Citizen Exchanges among China, Japan, and Korea,” and “Revitalizing Local Economies, including Smart Cities.”
After the main conference, the "Exchange Plaza" event provided a platform for one-on-one consultations between local governments, fostering valuable discussions on future collaboration and networking opportunities.
The event consisted of a welcome reception on the 21st, the main conference on the 22nd, and site visits on the 23rd and 24th. The next, 26th conference is scheduled to be held in Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province of China, in 2025.
*Established in 1999, the Conference is an annual gathering of local governments from China, Japan, and the ROK, aimed at strengthening relationships and promoting trilateral cooperation at the municipal level. It is hosted by the Chinese People’s Association of Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), Japan’s Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR), and the Governors Association of the Republic of Korea (GAROK). Since 2013, TCS has participated in the Conference as an observer.
▲Welcome Reception & Opening Ceremony
▲Promotion Booth
▲Exhibition
