From November 18 to 20, 2024, representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs attended the 44th Executive Committee Meeting of the City Network of Local Governments on Human Migration Management (CityNet) held in Iloilo City, Philippines. With the theme “Sustainable Development Goals – A Common Future for All,” the meeting gathered over 100 delegates from localities in the Asia-Pacific region that are members of CityNet, partner organizations, and international experts. In addition to the opening ceremony, CityNet provided delegates with opportunities to participate in side events such as the 3rd Sustainable Development Goals Awards, an international workshop on sustainable development goals, national group meetings, an international session on human settlement, and field visits to libraries, nutrition centers, and emergency response facilities in Iloilo City.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Vijay Jagannathan, Secretary-General of CityNet, expressed his pleasure in welcoming the delegates to the event. He also emphasized the achievements of members in recent years, the importance of effective localization strategies, and highlighted efforts to seek innovative solutions through inter-city cooperation among members and knowledge-sharing programs.
Mr. Jeffrey P. Ganzon, Acting Mayor of Iloilo City, representing the host locality, shared that Iloilo City is honored to host this significant event and encouraged CityNet members to enhance cooperation, adopt innovative approaches, and integrate sustainable development goals into urban planning for sustainable development.
The representatives from Hai Phong City actively participated in the activities of the meeting, listening to international delegates' insights on topics such as funding for urban climate change response activities, waste reduction, workforce development, etc.; attending the Sustainable Development Goals Awards ceremony and the international workshop on sustainable development goals. Through this, they grasped the implementation status of CityNet activities in 2024 and the direction for 2025; engaged in networking, cooperation, and sharing practical experiences with cities in the Asia-Pacific region to address urban challenges, which is a concern for the city. The content recorded at the meeting serves as a basis for the Department of Foreign Affairs to continue proposing that the City People's Committee participate in and promote cooperative activities with CityNet in the future.