- Discussion focused on mutual cooperation and development plans between Incheon and UNESCAP over economic and environmental matters – 

On October 26, Incheon Metropolitan City Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok met with Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Secretary-General of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), at the reception room inside City Hall to discuss possible mutual cooperation and development plans between Incheon and UNESCAP.

 <UNESCAP Secretary-General Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana and Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok 

pose for a photo after discussing cooperation plans at the City Hall reception room.>

At the meeting, Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok highlighted that Incheon, which evolved into a global mega city and home to 10 million people upon opening the Overseas Koreans Agency in Songdo last June, will continue to bring in more international organizations, global corporations, and world-class research institutes to grow together. 

In particular, the Mayor said Incheon wholeheartedly supports the United Nations’ guiding philosophy of “promoting human welfare and shared development with local communities” across a variety of fields, including information, communication, economy, social development, and environment. He also reiterated the values of closer communication and cooperation between the UNESCAP East and North-East Asia Office (UNESCAP ENEA) in Incheon, the North-East Asian Subregional Programme for Environmental Cooperation (NEASPEC) and its affiliated organizations, the UN Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development (UNAPCICT), and the local community in Incheon.

<Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok discusses possible cooperation measures with UNESCAP Secretary-General Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana>

Secretary-General Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana expressed her gratitude, saying that Incheon has indeed continued to support UNESCAP ENEA and UNAPCICT to help accelerate the development of programs aimed at sustainable urban development and resilient innovation. She also said she hopes Incheon, which is developing into a clean and low-carbon smart city, can set an exemplary example in terms of reducing its carbon footprint, including efficient energy production and waste disposal, not only for Korea and Asia, but also nations all over the world. 

Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok said, “I am confident UNESCAP can do even more going forward if it builds on its achievements made so far and therefore continue making significant contributions to the international community.” He continued, “Incheon is a global city and hopes for mutual cooperation and development with UNESCAP so that the City can expand its role in the international community.”

Meanwhile, UNESCAP is one of the five regional economic committees directly governed by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Established in accordance with the resolution of the ECOSOC on March 28, 1947, UNESCAP is the only intergovernmental organization covering the Asia-Pacific region. Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, it plays a central role in the development and cooperation of the 62 member countries in both economic and social sectors.