Tech exchange, expertise crucial: Soumini Jain
Ms. Jain was on an official visit to South Korea to attend the international conference on local self governments.
KOCHI: Kochi Mayor Soumini Jain stressed the need for forming a new cities’ alliance in Asia - Pacific through the exchange of technology and mutual support. She shared these views while addressing the sixth Local Congress of United Cities and Local Governments of the Asia- Pacific region. Ms. Jain was on an official visit to South Korea to attend the international conference on local self governments.
The Congress held from September 5 to 8 at Jeollabuk-do province in South Korea was attended by Mayors and deputy Mayors of leading cities in the world. Making a presentation on the issues faced by Indian cities including Kochi, Ms. Jain observed that the exchange of the latest technologies and expertise from the developed cities was crucial. She sought the support of other Asian cities in formulating and implementing climate change adaptation strategies in the coastal city of Kochi which is highly vulnerable to global warming.
The Congress was organised with the theme ‘Regions, Life, and Culture in the New Urban Agenda’ and was hosted by Jeollabuk Provincial Government. Representatives of more than 140 local governments and officials and experts from various international organizations, UN agencies, civil society groups and research institutes attended the conference. Panel sessions emphasized the value of leadership, good governance, territorial governance and culture in local governments and speakers also shared the uniqueness of local development and approaches in the Asia -Pacific region.
