Vol.02 | No. 03 CityVoices Spring 2014

In This Issue: Spring Highlight: CityApp Kathmandu 2014 Interview: Deputy Secretary General Dr. Gyengchul Kim Partner Voices

Welcome National Chapter

Building Urban Resilience Partner Voices Welcome from the Secretary General of CITYNET Dr. Vijay Jagannathan

Left: Secretary General Jagannathan addresses Congress participants; Right: The Secretary General listening to discussion during the 7th General Council

In 2013, I was honored to take a continually struck by the enthusiasm leadership role in CITYNET at a time of the Secretariat. Together, members when the urban agenda has taken and the Secretariat staff have created center stage in global discussions. I first a strong network of communication worked with CITYNET in 2009 as a and action across the region. manager for the World Bank’s program for cities in East Asia and the Pacific. I As Secretary General of CITYNET, attended a conference on sustainable in 2014 I look forward to advancing cities in Yokohama, where I had the discussions on the importance of pleasure of meeting representatives local government with partners from across the network. Meeting this such as Microsoft, The Rockefeller diverse group of people committed to Foundation, Clean Air Asia, the Korea My relationship with CITYNET sustainable urban development was a Transport Institute, and more. While began in 2008, when I worked directly wonderful introduction to CITYNET. the window of opportunity remains on the Secretariat’s relocation. As open, it is critical that cities across the Director of International Cooperation From the beginning, I knew this was region have the tools and knowledge at the Seoul Metropolitan Government a special organization. It was clear that to realize their economic potential in (SMG), I knew that CITYNET’s strong the network plays a significant role ways which respect the environment knowledge base would be an asset to in promoting city-to-city knowledge and society’s most vulnerable. our city, and I hoped that Korea could exchange and peer learning. contribute its own experiences. CITYNET is an essential ingredient As a network of cities and partner for galvanizing local leadership institutions, we have a significant As Assistant Secretary General, into action on regional problems. opportunity to “walk our talk,” or and a representative of the Seoul actively carry out the values and Metropolitan Government (SMG), Since 2009, I have been particularly priorities that are so often discussed. I warmly welcome you to Seoul. impressed with the ownership that CITYNET has a broad range of skills SMG is looking forward to learning members have taken of CITYNET and knowledge available to help city from CITYNET member cities, and activities. This has been exemplified leaders truly practice sustainable sharing knowledge and best practices by the great care and commitment development. The Secretariat stands beyond our borders. I hope to meet shown by the hosts of CITYNET ready to facilitate new partnerships many of you at upcoming workshops, events I have attended in Yokohama, and projects to translate this training programs and events, and Dhaka, Surabaya and Seoul. I am also knowledge into action for citizens. hear your unique urban agendas. Contents 2 Editorials: 10 WBCSD: Working with Business Welcome from Vijay Jagannathan, Secretary General to Drive Urban Resilience Introduction to Yeonsik Yoo, Assistant Secretary General 11 Seoulutions for Urban Development: 3 Spring Highlight: CityApp Kathmandu 2014 A Conversation with President Changhyun Lee 4 Interview: Deputy Secretary General Dr. Gyengchul Kim 12 100 Resilient Cities Campaign: of the Korea Transport Institute How can your city take part? 6 CDIA: Helping Build Urban Resilience 14 Establishing the CITYNET India National Chapter Through Infrastructure Investments 15 Your Voices: How can your city become more 8 Cities in Action: Finding Solutions for Clean Air in Asia resilient?

Front Cover Photo: Hue, Vietnam by Lam Tom. Back Cover Photo: Baguio, by Dolce Vita. Editorial Board: Dato’ Lakhbir Singh Chahl, Suvendrini Kakuchi, Mary Jane C. Ortega, Roman Rollnick/UN-HABITAT and Jack Sim/WTO. Edited by Brenna Foster. CITYNET, 38 Jongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 110-110 Tel: +82-2-723-0635 / Fax: +82-2-723-0640 / [email protected] / www.citynet-ap.org / www.facebook.com/citynetsecretariat and @CITYNET_ORG Left Photos: CityApp developers hard at work; Center: An eager crowd awaits the finalists selection; Right Top: Special Advisor Mary Jane Ortega of CITYNET and Stefan Sjöström, Vice President of Asia Public Sector at Microsoft sign an MOU for future collaboration; Right Bottom: VIPs at the CityApp Closing Ceremony Spring Highlight: CityApp Kathmandu 2014

This spring the CITYNET network accessibility, business viability and including health services, traffic stepped forward as a leader in sustainability. The winning applications management, public safety, and waste innovative technology programs. From were: disposal. Participants also created March 13-15, CITYNET and Microsoft solutions in response to their own urban collaboratively organized CityApp 1st: Safety Whistle, a personal safety experiences in areas from community Kathmandu 2014, a bold new initiative app allowing users to immediately alert libraries to crowdsourcing price indices. that married technology, government, a contact in an emergency. The creativity and initiative on display youth, and research to create tangible was a strong reminder of the benefit of solutions to urban challenges. 2nd: LifeZine, a health and wellness empowering youth to shape their urban application designed to give people futures. CityApp Kathmandu brought together timely and trustworthy health and government officials, developers, medical information. CITYNET friend Professor Junseok and citizens to conceptualize, build Hwang of Seoul National University’s and implement innovative mobile 3rd: Track Mandu, a community based International Information Technology and web applications that increase traffic and navigation app which shares Policy Program (ITPP) visited communication and transparency real time traffic information between the students during the event and between citizens and government. road users. discussed their ideas and strategies. “I Young developers from across think this is a great project because it Kathmandu’s many universities “This is an amazing puts social responsibility in the hands researched urban challenges identified of the engineers,” he said. by government officials and created event. The apps that our inspiring, innovative, and nimble The participants were highly involved, solutions. With a diverse range of citizens have created will and worked steadily throughout the problems and an enthusiastic group go a long way in ensuring three day event, with some barely of partners, Kathmandu was an ideal pausing for meals. “As a citizen of candidate for the first pilot CityApp the socio-economic Kathmandu, I experience these issues program. every day and have witnessed first- sustainability of our city. hand how important and urgent it is At a closing ceremony teeming with It is a great showcase of to find solutions. CityApp has enabled eminent personalities including the me to put my programming skills to Vice President for Microsoft Asia, the the power of technology use for the betterment of the city,” said CEO of Kathmandu, Ms. Mary Jane Yashasvi Raj Pant. Ortega, Special Advisor to CITYNET, and the role it can play the Minister of Local Development in making cities better for CITYNET and Microsoft look forward and Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal, to continuing the CityApp program the three most promising mobile and people,” throughout the year. By replicating web applications were announced for CityApp, CITYNET members can incubation. create their own tailored solutions to Mr. Laxman Aryal, challenges on the ground, and share The winners, determined by a jury of Kathmandu CEO demo applications across the network. 28 technology, business, and urban experts, offered inventive solutions to The demo applications addressed Brenna Foster, Communications Officer, Katmandu’s biggest urban problems via specific target-areas identified by CITYNET. For more information see http:// applications which married ingenuity, government and civil society officials, citynet-ap.org/cityapp-innovative-solutions/

CITYVOICES // 03 Dr. Kim with Deputy Secretary General Aisa Tobing, Special Advisor Mary Jane Ortega, and Violeta Seva of Makati, Philippines Interview with Deputy Secretary General Dr. Gyengchul Kim of the Korea Transport Institute

Dr. Gyengchul Kim was appointed Deputy Secretary General of CITYNET in 2008, and has been working with the network since 2004 as a supporter, friend, and resource. Dr. Kim is also the President of the Korea Transport Institute, an influential think tank in the world of transportation policy and sustainability. He works tirelessly to share Seoul’s transportation knowledge and resources with CITYNET member cities. Below he has shared his ideas, plans and vision for the future.

How did you initially become How can KOTI encourage the CITYNET involved with CITYNET? network to promote resilient transportation? In 2004, I was invited by the Regional KOTI has hosted an annual CITYNET training program Training Center (KLRTC) to speak about the newly since 2012, which encourages CITYNET members to implemented Seoul bus reforms. While there, I learned more clearly understand urban transport development that KLRTC was supported by an organization called through case study analysis. This curriculum enhances CITYNET. After I became more familiar with CITYNET, members’ capability as transport experts by sharing I was deeply motivated by its goals and potential systems in different regions with various levels of resiliency. to improve the sustainability of urban areas. I believe this course of study enhances participants’ capability to better cope with transport issues.

KOTI welcomes CITYNET members to participate in our training programs across diverse urban transport issues such as bus reform, bicycle policy, and eco-friendly transport strategies based on non-motorized transport (NMT). How can Seoul’s transportation systems and best practices effectively transfer to other urban areas with different levels of infrastructure development? Looking at the city today, it is easy to forget that Seoul also experienced urban problems such as an insufficient and delayed implementation of infrastructure in the process of urbanization and motorization. Seoul overcame these challenges with well-directed urban transportation policies and IT technologies.

I hope the CITYNET network learns from Seoul’s trials and errors experienced throughout the process of development, Dr. Kim and Special Advisor Chahl deep in discussion during the 2013 Seoul from the rapid urbanization experienced in the 1970s and Congress

CITYVOICES // 04 Features

Dr. Kim welcomes participants at the Sustainable Urban Transport workshop in 2013 the growth of car ownership in the early 2000s. Seoul On a personal level, what are you most excited addressed its car-oriented reality by promoting public about in the future of urban development in transportation through an eco-friendly transport policy and Asia? What do you predict will be the most IT technology. I would like to share the lessons we have exciting development in the next four years? learned from this process with the CITYNET network. Personally, I think cities need to take a serious look at how to combat air pollution. Projects to change the existing What do you see as the biggest challenge transport system to an e-mobility system through ICT will facing the future of cities in Asia? be a major step forward. Prohibiting motorcycle access to Asian cities will face all the problems associated with the urban area could also work. I am eager to see the steps rapid urbanization including poverty, pollution and cities will take to create clean and sustainable environments. insufficient urban infrastructure. To tackle this challenge, As Deputy Secretary General, what do you see it is necessary for CITYNET members to set up sufficient as CITYNET’s biggest achievement so far? goals and strategic plans. I suggest the three goals that CITYNET’s greatest achievement is creating active Seoul has pursued: relieving poverty, reducing greenhouse communication among its 100+ member cities. gases, and promoting knowledge sharing. As a way Communication improves understanding and naturally to raise institutional and human capability, I strongly scales up exchange opportunities over time. Information recommend establishing a government-invested think gaps between North and South are corrected and tank like the Korea Transport Institute (KOTI) to advise sometimes even reversed, with information flowing from decision makers on the proper path for development. South to North. I expect that CITYNET will learn how to communicate and share knowledge at an institutional level. Outside of transportation, what other areas can CITYNET work to improve? Cities are like ecosystems, self-sustainable under balanced conditions. Many diverse areas need to be addressed to guarantee the sustainable growth of cities. Outside of transportation, I see three critical issues for Asian cities; water sanitation, education, and internet access. Currently, poor water sanitation systems undermine public health, a lack of education reduces people’s opportunity to grow, and gaps in internet access trigger class divides. I Dr. Kim listens to discussion at the 30th Executive Committee meeting hope CITYNET will address these issues, together with transportation, to create an integrated perspective.

What is your vision for the CITYNET network over the next four years? What projects would you like to see in the future? I want to build a hub-and-spoke knowledge sharing system throughout the network. It could be done by establishing KOTI-like think tanks in member cities and connecting them across the network. Even if not every think tank project succeeds, we can learn from our mistakes and promote the most successful cases for others to follow.

Dr. Kim with CITYNET and Seoul officials in 2012

CITYVOICES // 05 Joris van Etten presents CDIA’s work at the 2013 CITYNET Seoul Congress

CDIA: Helping Build Urban Resilience Through Infrastructure Investments

On 8 November 2013, Typhoon climate resilience of infrastructure and the governments of Germany, Haiyan, one of the strongest storms – and that is by climate-proofing Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, and ever recorded in history, cut across the cities,” says Bernhard Dohle, Shanghai (China), CDIA can bring the central part of the Philippines, CDIA Program Coordinator. together technical, financial, and claiming thousands of lives, and capacity-building resources required by causing damage and loss initially cities to structure investment projects. estimated at US$ 13 billion. CDIA assists cities in the Asian According to the UN, about 3 region to design infrastructure million people have been displaced investment projects using inclusive with about 400,000 living in more tools and mechanisms to guarantee than 1,186 evacuation centers. The that all stakeholders, beneficiaries damage to national and local roads, and affected populations, especially bridges, flood control, and public the urban poor, take active part in buildings totals US$96 million. the planning process. By taking vulnerability assessments as a starting It is in crisis situations like post- point, CDIA supports cities to identify Haiyan that the Cities Development projects and possible financing to adapt Initiative for Asia’s (CDIA) role in to climate change and typhoons. Eva Ringhof, CDIA Social linking Asian cities to infrastructure Development Specialist adds, “We are finance becomes more crucial. CDIA bridges the gap between also involved in UN Shelter Cluster the cities’ development plans meetings to follow the activities, in “In the aftermath of disasters like and the implementation of their particular the need for reconstruction. Typhoon Haiyan, CDIA would pick infrastructure investments. It uses a How to “build back better” is of utmost up on work done by others such as demand driven approach to support importance for the affected people. To the German Technical Cooperation the identification and development assist, we are looking for long-term (GIZ), UN Habitat, and many others. of urban investment projects in the solutions wherein our experience CDIA believes that the best approach framework of existing city development and expertise can be shared.” to disaster management is disaster plans that emphasize environmental preparedness. CDIA is supporting sustainability, pro-poor development, Through its participating members and empowering cities before good governance, and climate change. such as the Asian Development Bank, disaster strikes by increasing the CITYVOICES // 06 Infrastructure Investment Project Cycle

Bridging the Institutional Gap Strengthen CDIA as a catalyst for innovation Up-stream Down-stream

City Development Feasibility Infrastructure Study Plant/Strategy Pre-Feasibility Linking projects Investment Studies to financing Prioritization Financing Bridging the Planning - Financing Gap Arrangements Moving from planning, to prioritized sustainable infrastructure investments, to securing financing Project Implementation

Bridging the Capacity Gap Operation & Strengthen the mechanisms to develop city capacities to prepare environmentally responsible, pro-poor and gender Maintenance sensitive infrastructure investment projects

CDIA Focus Areas

CDIA provides direct support development of projects on improving environmental infrastructure, urban and it provides direct support and land and water transport, as well as transport, and tertiary infrastructure. capacity development inputs to storm water and sewage facilities. The project is financed through a cities for the implementation of the Public Private Partnership set-up. development plans though a number An example of CDIA’s post-disaster of core activities. These comprise a work would be in Banda Aceh, Through collaborations at the policy range of mechanisms and tools that . Since the tsunami in 2004, and operational levels, CDIA is forming generally include one or more of the there has been considerable effort a growing international network of following elements: Infrastructure to reconstruct the city’s damaged members with a shared interest in Investment Programming and infrastructure. The challenge being urban development. In addition to local Prioritization, Pre-feasibility Studies faced by the local authority is how and national governments from across (PFS), Linking Cities to Finance, and to create an environment which Asia, the CDIA network also includes City-level Capacity Development. fosters sustainable economic and international infrastructure advisors, urban development. Banda Aceh financiers, suppliers, and operators. Since its establishment in 2007, received support from CDIA to CDIA links its city partners to the most CDIA has assisted several cities prepare a comprehensive riverfront suitable development institutions, and to reduce the impacts of disasters city development project that in the same way links the private-sector and climate change through the includes economic development, members such as banks, institutional investors, and developers to potential urban development projects.

Whether it’s a post-disaster city or a developing city, CDIA helps connect Asian cities to the finance they need to implement their investment programs. For more information, go to http://www.cdia.asia/.

URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING OPTIONS IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION CityNet and CDIA will be offering this short course to help governments identify alternative financing options for infrastructure investments. The three-day workshop will take place from July 15th-18th in Seoul, Korea. For more information, please contact Mr. Toby Roycroft [email protected].

Bernhard Dohle; email: bernhard.dohle@ CDIA experts together with local government officers from Banda Aceh, Indonesia, reviewing options for cdia.asia climate resilience infrastructure investments CITYVOICES // 07 Clean Air Asia representative Kaye Patdu during the 2013 CITYNET Seoul Congress Cities in Action: Finding Solutions for Clean Air in Asia

Seven out of ten cities in developing Organization declared that exposure to Integrating air quality management Asia have unhealthy levels of air outdoor air pollution is carcinogenic.3 and climate change mitigation is pollution, measured as annual levels of co-beneficial since air pollutants particulate matter less than 10 microns Climate change has also become an and greenhouse gases (GHGs) are (PM10).1 Recent estimates from the area of concern in recent years. Cities generally emitted from similar sources. 2010 Global Burden of Disease found are especially vulnerable; especially that outdoor air pollution is a much when considering that over the next 30 WHAT IS CLEAN AIR ASIA? more significant public health risk years, urban populations will grow by Clean Air Asia was established than previously known — contributing another 1.1 billion people.4 Alarmingly, in 2001 as the premier air quality annually to 2.1 million premature climate change mitigation is still in network in Asia by the Asian deaths in Asia.2 This puts outdoor air its infancy in Asia. Only 3% of 900 Development Bank (ADB), World pollution among the top five risks in Asian cities surveyed in 2012 have Bank, and USAID. Its mission is to the region. In 2013, the World Health developed a climate change plan.5 promote better air quality and livable cities by translating knowledge into PM10 annual average policies that reduce air pollution concentrations µg/m3 and greenhouse gas emissions from >150 Cities developing Asia transport, energy and other sectors. Its Cities developed Asia activities are categorized into: 1) Air 100 - 150 Quality and Climate Change, 2) Low Emissions and Urban Development, 3) Green Freight and Logistics and, 70 - 100 WHO Interim 4) Clean Fuels and Vehicles. Target 1 70 µg/m3 50 - 75 19 KEY TOOLS FOR CITIES Clean Air Asia has developed three 30 - 50 20 key tools to improve air quality: the Clean Air Scorecard, the Walkability 20 - 30 9 WHO Air Quality Survey, and the Rapid Assessment of Guideline City Emissions (RACE) tool. These tools 20 µg/m3 < 20 10 are used to improve the management Source: Clean Air Asia, 2013 of urban air pollution and emissions. Annual average PM10 levels in selected developing Asian cities (2010) CITYVOICES // 08 Low Emissions will be held from 19-21 November in Baseline BAU 2030 2030 Colombo, Sri Lanka. For more details, visit http://www.baq2014.org

Ahmedabad Kaye Patdu, Air Quality Program Manager, Transport CO²: 38% / PM 60% and Cherine Capadocia, Environment Electricity CO²: 61% / PM 45% Researcher References: 1 Clean Air Asia. (2011). Status and Trends in Colombo Air Quality Management Transport CO²: 15% / PM 32% 2 Lim, et. al., S. S. (2012). A comparative risk Electricity CO²: 30% / PM 68% assessment of burden of disease and injury attributable to 67 risk factors and risk factor clusters in 21 regions, 1990—2010: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Ho Chi Minh Study 2010. The Lancet , 380, 2224-60. Transport CO²: 33% / PM 30% 3 International Agency for Research on Electricity CO²: 40% / PM 38% Cancer. (2013). Press Release: IARC: Outdoor air pollution a leading environmental cause of Key results of RACE Application in Ahmedabad, Colombo, and HCMC cancer deaths. Retrieved February 2014 from http://www.iarc.fr/en/media-centre/pr/2012/ pdfs/pr221_E.pdf The Clean Air Scorecard is an Key to this is an understanding of assessment tool for cities to understand air quality concerns, generating and 4 Asian Development Bank (2010). Key the status of their clean air management documenting practical, hands-on and Indicators for Asia and the Pacific and identify strengths and potential cost-effective solutions to help cities 5 Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities Center improvement areas. It is composed of overcome barriers, and promoting (CAI-Asia) & Cities Development Initiative for three indexes: Air Pollution and Health, inter-city and region-wide information Asia (CDIA). (2012). Climate Change Plans Clean Air Management Capacity, and sharing to generate insights and and Infrastructure in Asian Cities Policies and Action. This was developed replication of best practices. with the ADB. The Walkability Survey determines the state of pedestrian INVITATION TO THE 2014 BETTER facilities by looking at different aspects AIR QUALITY CONFERENCE of walkability. It yields a “Walkability Improved air quality conditions Index,” which provides an overview can only be achieved through of current infrastructure and policies, commitment and combined efforts of and can be used to develop and all stakeholders. Clean Air Asia and propose pedestrian focused solutions. its partners organize the biennial Better Air Quality (BAQ) conference, The RACE tool was developed with Asia’s leading forum on urban air the ADB and Chreod Ltd., to support quality, climate change, transport, low-emission urban development. and energy. Since 2002, it has brought It assesses the impacts of land use together more than 600 practitioners, planning by calculating emissions policy makers, and industry leaders from transport and buildings and to establish partnerships, guide visualizing them through GIS maps. policy, and exchange best practices. Business as usual and a low emissions This year, the BAQ conference is development scenario for 2030 are co-organized by Clean Air Asia, developed. The tool was tested in the Ministry of Environment and Ahmedabad, Colombo, and Ho Chi Renewable Energy of Sri Lanka, Clean Minh City (HCMC). One of the key Air Sri Lanka, and other partners. It results in HCMC was that a significant portion of planned development areas were found to be flood-prone.

SUPPORT TO CITIES This initiative helps developing Asian cities improve air quality management, reducing impacts detrimental to health, economic, and social sectors. It includes the Clean Air Scorecard, capacity improvement support, Clean Air Report and website, and development and implementation of Clean Air Plans. Group Photo at the BAQ 2010 Conference in Singapore

CITYVOICES // 09 WBCSD: Working with Business to Drive Urban Resilience

that business can play as solutions providers and by providing a platform for collaborative strategic engagement between cities and business.

The UII brought together 14 leading member companies with an array of knowledge and skills to help unlock opportunities for urban authorities to create more sustainable, efficient and livable cities. This multi-sector, multi-company group worked 10 leading cities around the world, including 6 in the Asia Pacific region: WBCSD presented at the 2013 CITYNET Seoul Congress Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat and Vadodara in Gujarat State (India); The concentration of people, and global value chains. Furthermore, Yixing (China); and Kobe (). resources, and infrastructure in cities leading businesses are developing is making societies more vulnerable solutions and strategies to manage risks In each city, the UII mobilized a to disasters and the adverse impacts in their operations and to improve the multi-disciplinary team of company of climate change. It is increasingly resilience of all forms of infrastructure. experts to work collaboratively with being recognized that cities will A key question is then: how can cities senior city officials. These bear the major burden of the costs and business better work together to teams took an integrated, and risks associated with climate identify climate- and disaster-related cross-sector approach to change adaptation, as well as the risks as well as effective strategies analyzing the city’s major responsibility of establishing much and solutions to address these risks? sustainability challenges more resilient infrastructure. These and to developing an challenges add to the complexity The Urban Infrastructure Initiative innovative “solutions that many city leaders in the Asia (UII) of the World Business Council landscape” (i.e. a portfolio Pacific are already facing in meeting for Sustainable Development of practical solutions) to the needs of fast growing economies (WBCSD) provides an innovative address these and populations, while also seeking example of how this type of strategic challenges. to reduce greenhouse gas emissions engagement can work in practice. and improve environmental quality. The WBCSD established the UII to advance the urban sustainability The private sector is also increasingly agenda by showcasing the critical role seeing resilience as a key issue. Recent Matthew Lynch, Director, World Business events – such as the floods in Council for Sustainable Development in 2011 that severely disrupted the speaks to participants global computer industry – have at the 2013 CITYNET highlighted the importance of building Seoul Congress resilience in both local operations

CITYVOICES // 10 The final report of the UII was published in April 2014. It contains a number of recommendations for cities to consider how they can work more effectively with the private sector to help address major sustainability and development challenges. Collaborative engagement to leverage the knowledge and innovation capacity of business should be a key component of a city leader’s toolbox particularly for addressing such a complex and urgent challenge as building urban resilience.

For more information: http://www. wbcsd.org/urban-infrastructure.aspx

Editors note: A copy of the UII Final Report is Growth of proportion of the population residing in urban areas by region (1950 to 2050) being distributed to all CITYNET Source: United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2012) members with the Spring Issue of CityVoices. The report is also available Over the course of the UII project, 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake for download at: http://www.wbcsd. the WBCSD has observed that climate (http://www.wbcsd.org/uiikobereport. org/urban-infrastructure.aspx and disaster resilience is becoming an aspx). The city’s initiatives include urgent priority for city leaders around establishing disaster-resistant urban Matthew Lynch, Director Urban Infrastructure the world. The UII was also fortunate infrastructure using enhanced Initiative, WBCSD to benefit from working with the City networking, improved building codes of Kobe in Japan, a world leader in to improve structural earthquake infrastructure resilience through their resistance, while also educating and experience in recovering from the mobilizing the power of local citizens.

CITYVOICES // 11 Historic restoration towards increased resilience: Seoul’s Fortress Wall

President Lee with Director Chang of CITYNET and Seoul Institute Officials during the 2013 CITYNET Seoul Congress Seoulutions for Urban Development: A Conversation with President Changhyun Lee

90.0% of cities. Sustainable planning which allows cities to coexist with 80.0% nature and citizens is essential.

70.0% Seoul, a city with a population of 60.0% 10 million, is currently striving hard to solve megacity risk factors and 50.0% Risk has decreased increase resilience on its path to becoming a safe society. In particular, Similar as before 40.0% Seoul seeks to protect vulnerable low- 30.0% Risk has inclined income groups from environmental risks through balancing development 20.0% and preservation with growth and distribution. To this end, risk factors are 10.0% monitored through citizen participation, while fundamental solutions are 0.0% formulated through international Seoul Beijing Tokyo Total communication. The Seoul Institute, Risk awareness in Asian megacities which oversaw 50 years of compressed growth, would like to share Seoul’s The German sociologist Ulrich Beck Risk is more serious in global diverse policy solutions, or ‘Seoulutions’ has called contemporary society a megacities. Problems with with other Asian megacities. ‘risk society‘. As modern society has transportation, housing, air pollution, advanced in diverse areas, associated and safety issues resulting from risks have increased in tandem, overpopulation are challenging requiring these risks to be managed municipal, local and national systematically. On a global scale, governments. Overcoming these excessive reliance on carbon energy risks and increasing urban resilience has resulted in climate change, which are tasks central to the future in turn is becoming a serious threat to human civilization. At the country level, Japan is faced with a constant threat from nuclear radiation, while China is Changhyun Lee, struggling to overcome air pollution President, as micro particles in the air pose a The Seoul Institute different threat to citizens’ health.

The Seoul Institute on the road to Seoul’s future

Design competition for oil energy transformative city

CITYVOICES // 12 Michael Berkowitz of the Rockefeller Foundation invites CITYNET members to join the 100 Resilient Cities Campaign 100 Resilient Cities Campaign: How can your city take part?

As climate change continues to introduced his organization’s initiative DA NANG capture headlines, cities across the and fielded questions from the crowd. “On December 3rd, 2013, The globe are scrambling to weatherproof Rockefeller Foundation announced their services, infrastructure, and CITYNET member cities the selection of Da Nang as a settlements. The importance of (Thailand), Da Nang (Vietnam), member of the 100 Resilient Cities resilience, the ability of cities to and Semerang (Indonesia) were Program. This is a great honor for withstand and bounce back from selected as part of the initial 100 the city as it creates opportunities for catastrophic events, is increasingly Resilient Cities Network. Each cooperation and development. It is evident to citizens and governments. city will receive technical support my hope that this program will allow and resources for developing and Da Nang to learn from international implementing plans for urban experience and develop the city’s “The world is urbanizing resilience over the next three years. resilience to climate change. in a way it really hasn’t BANGKOK Located in the central coastal region of before. 100 years ago, “The rapid expansion of Bangkok with Vietnam, Da Nang is highly vulnerable inadequate urban planning in the past to the impacts of climate change, only one in ten people has made the city more vulnerable to especially hurricanes, floods and natural disasters, especially flooding droughts. The recent extreme weather lived in cities. Now 50% which is exacerbated by climate change, has demonstrated clear impacts of of the world’s population soil erosion and land subsidence. climate change on the city. Through Strengthening flooding resilience exchanging and sharing lessons with lives there. Improving the in Bangkok is our biggest challenge. other cities in the program, we desire to Resilience to other crises, such as develop our own strategies, technical, resiliency of our urban disruptions of politics, economy and scientific and financial solutions for areas is essential in this terrorism, is also taken into account. prevention and mitigation of natural disasters and climate change impacts. environment” The 100 Resilient Cities Challenge will provide a platform in which Further, we would like to share Bangkok Metropolitan Administration practical experiences with other Mr. Michael Berkowitz can exchange with other selected cities in integrating environmental Rockefeller Foundation cities the experiences, technicalities protection into urban strategic and knowledge of resilience-building planning, and in encouraging active During the 2013 CITYNET Seoul to withstand and handle any type of participation from different sectors, Congress, Michael Berkowitz, crises, including those we may have especially from the local community, Managing Director of the 100 Resilient overlooked. A resilience plan developed in climate change response and Cities Centennial Challenge at the by the project would help us save many mitigation of natural disasters. Rockefeller Foundation, presented the people’s lives and property during any Our aim is to build a sustainable case for resilience to a wide audience. future calamity that might occur, and and people-friendly Da Nang.” Representatives from civil society help us significantly reduce the cost organizations, governments, and of dealing with and recovering from For more information, visit academia listened as Mr. Berkowitz such calamity, and would lead further http://100resilientcities. towards the path of sustainability.” rockefellerfoundation.org/

CITYVOICES // 13 HUDCO Headquarters, lead organization of the India National Chapter Establishing the CITYNET India National Chapter The CITYNET India National Chapter Public Administration, also benefit of members, in consultation was formed on December 16, 2013 actively participated in the meeting. with the CITYNET Secretariat. with HUDCO at the helm. Over 30 delegates from cities, national level The inaugural Indian National • Conduct any other activities organizations, urban development Chapter meeting elected HUDCO beneficial to its members. authorities, housing boards, non- as the lead agency to oversee governmental organizations, development, and the following officials: In the first year of its establishment, individuals and representatives the CITYNET National Chapter India from the CITYNET Secretariat • Mr V P Baligar, Ex-Officio will undertake the following activities participated in the deliberations of the Chairperson of CITYNET for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in India: first meeting of CITYNET National National Chapter, India Chapter India. Ms Youngmin Chang, • Conduct one international Director of Partner Development • Dr. P Jayapal, Secretary General and one national level capacity attended from the Secretariat. building program, in collaboration • Dr. SK Gupta, Human with HSMI/HUDCO in the areas Settlement Management of Sustainable Urban Development. Institute (HSMI) Contact Person • Establish a conference or • Shri Rajesh Goel, seminar with several cities in India HUDCO Contact Person on the theme of Slum Upgrading.

The inaugural Indian National • Disseminate HUDCO best Chapter meeting elected HUDCO practices, innovative designs as the lead agency to oversee and research reports among development, and the following issues: ULBs in India and in the region. From HUDCO, Mr V P Baligar, Chairman and Managing Director, • Create opportunities for Indian • Promote exchange visits Mr NL Manjoka, Director Corporate members to discuss urban problems between ULB officials under Planning, Shri AK Kaushik, Director and build their own capacity. the Technical Cooperation Finance, Dr. P Jayapal, Senior Executive and Development Exchange Director, Dr. SK Gupta, Executive • Disseminate CITYNET (TCDC) program of CITYNET. Director and Shri Rajesh Goel, information and publications. Executive Director also participated in the meeting. Dr. Vinay D Lal, Director, • Promote the exchange of expertise Society for Development Studies, Mr and experience in urban issues. Kirtee Shah, DPS Architect, Shri KN Tobgay, Mayor, Gangtok Municipal • Promote CITYNET Corporation (GMC), Shri Shakti Singh activities in local languages. Choudhary, Deputy Mayor, Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC), Shri • Promote co-operation between Ranjit Dhakane, Deputy Municipal National Chapter members and Commissioner, Mumbai, Shri SK other organizations outside India. Mahajan, Project Director, Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board, • Conduct seminars, workshops, Dr. KK Pandey, Indian Institute of study visits and training programs at local and national levels for the

CITYVOICES // 14 32nd Executive Committee Meeting Hue, Vietnam

November 28-30, 2014

For more information contact: [email protected]

Voices on the Street

“As the fastest urbanizing country in South Asia, with unprecedented reliance on monsoons for irrigation energy and groundwater recharging, there has never been a greater need to make rainwater harvesting and solar power the norm.” Kashish Das Shrestha, “Phnom Penh can be more resilient if the city Policy Analyst and Author at SustainableNepal.org is cleaner and safer at night. If all citizens are motivated to participate in a “clean city” campaign, Phnom Penh will be more likely to have a much better environment.” Molyna Noun, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

“My city would be more resilient if we could create more green space, including public parks for leisure activities” Eun Ji Kyung, Seoul, South Korea

Let Your Voices Be Heard! CityVoices invites members and partners to share best practices, feedback or comments: [email protected] or [email protected]

CITYVOICES // 15 Next CityVoices

Coming Fall 2014

Kuala Lumpur Regional Training Centre (KLRTC) * Learn and share effective methods for sustainable urban planning (past topics: urban transport, solid waste management, climate and disaster resilience, urban financing and infrastructure) * Understand challenges and best practices * Develop a strategic action plan for your city * Meet top area experts and policy makers * Initiate strategic city-to-city cooperation partnerships

contact: [email protected] / www.citynet-ap.org

CITYNET is an expanding network connecting local governments and urban stakeholders across the Asia-Pacific region. CITYNET

promotes capacity building and city-to-city together we can do more. (C2C) cooperation for people-friendly cities.