Integrating Global Concerns into the Urban Management in Asia: Challenges and Experiences
Day / Time Tuesday, June 20th / 16:30 - 18:30
Event Description
This session will bring together mayors and distinguished scholars to discuss the challenges, opportunities, barriers, experiences and strategies in integrating global concerns into urban management in the Asia-Pacific region. Professor Akio Morishima, President of IGES and Former Chair of the Central Environment Council of Japan will open the event and the Former Mayor of Honolulu, Mr. Jeremy Harris, will deliver the keynote speech. A panel discussion will follow. The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, established by an initiative of the Japanese Government in 1998, is a research institute that conducts pragmatic and innovative strategic policy research to support sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region experiencing rapid population increase and economic growth.
Session Language
English
Speakers
Mr. Jeremy Harris, the Former Mayor of Honolulu
Dr. Bhanasopit Melkvichai, Vice Governor of Bangkok
Dr. Zhaoqian Li, Mayor of Rizhao City, China
Host Organization
Institute for Global Environmental Strategies
Host Organization Description
The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), established by an initiative of the Japanese Government in 1998, is a research institute that conducts pragmatic and innovative strategic policy research to support sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region-a region experiencing rapid population growth and expanding economic activity. The mission of IGES is to promote the transformation of 20th Century society, characterised by mass production and mass consumption, to a new societal framework founded on sustainability. We must re-examine our value systems and socio-economic activities; change is essential. IGES aims to propose various measures for improved and realistic social and economic systems, which will form a new paradigm for the future. Strategic policy research for the realisation of sustainable development is a formidable task in the Asia-Pacific region, which has such diverse topography and cultures, and great variance in the level of economic development. IGES collaborates with a broad range of stakeholders, such as national governments, non-governmental organisations, businesses and citizens groups, to carry out this research of such a challenging nature, aiming to ensure that the results are reflected in the policy-making process. At IGES, we believe that developing and presenting effective strategies for the Asia-Pacific region will play a leading role in global environmental research in the 21st Century, and contribute to the realisation of sustainable society in the world.
Website
Report
Title of Event:
Date and time of the session: |
Integrating Global Concerns into Urban Management in Asia : Challenges and Experiences Institute for Global Environmental Strategies June 20, 2006, 4:30-6:30 Pm |
Key Highlights
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2. What were the core issues identified in your event as they relate to the theme and sub-themes of WUFIII? How to integrate the global environmental concerns into city level management was the theme of the event, which is directly linked to the first sub-theme of the forum- Urban Growth and the Environment. The event identified core issues such as regulations, technologies, awareness of citizens, and leadership of mayors in particular as core issues in achieving successful integration of the global environmental concerns into urban management. |
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3. What were the main points raised by panellists and participants in relation to these different issues? What new ideas have been generated as a result of the discussion? The presentations and discussions suggested that cities (both in developed and developing countries of the region) can make a real difference in terms of mitigating their global environmental impacts through i) proper incentives and regulations, ii) innovation and utilisation of key technologies such as solar energy technology and information technologies, iii) strong leadership by mayors, and iv) enhanced awareness of citizens. What is important to note is that many of these improvements do not have to come at the expense of local environmental quality and do not require heavy financial investment. In fact, in many cases the measures that bring global environmental benefits also brought about economic savings to the city. As pointed out by keynote speaker, Jeremy Harris, "It's not that you cannot afford doing it. The truth is that you can't afford not doing it". |
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4. What process steps have been identified in your event that could help turn ideas into operational reality? The importance of strong political will and leadership of mayors was repeatedly emphasized at the event in order to turn the good ideas into reality. |
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