The Seventh Asia-Pacific Urban Forum (APUF-7) took place in Penang, Malaysia, from October 15 to 17.
APUF-7 was co-hosted by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), Urbanice Malaysia, and the Government of Malaysia. It was aimed at achieving a sustainable future for cities in the Asia-Pacific region by mobilizing all stakeholders across the region, including local and central governments, financial institutions, civic organizations, and academics. It is a platform for encouraging discussion on innovative solutions, identifying common actions and purposes, and strengthening effective partnerships.
Mr. Kazufumi Onishi, mayor of the City of Kumamoto and vice chair of the Joint Executive Committee for the 4th Asia-Pacific Water Summit (APWS), attended the APUF-7, and called for participation in the coming 4th APWS at sessions entitled Leaders Dialogue and Declare Your Actions.
1. Leaders Dialogue 2 on Urban Resilience
There were four themes in Leaders Dialogue: Urban and Territorial Planning, Urban Resilience, Data and Technologies for Smart Cities, and Urban Finance. At the session on Urban Resilience, Mayor Onishi expressed his thanks for the assistance received from home and abroad after the Kumamoto Earthquake. He also announced that he intends to build a new Kumamoto, based on the lessons learned from the Kumamoto Earthquake. Finally, he called on participants to join the 4th APWS.
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| Presentation by Mayor Onishi | A Scene from the Leaders Dialogue |
2. Declare Your Actions & Closing Session
A declaration on conduct, ”Declare Your Actions”, was issued at the closing session, aimed at accelerating the achievement of a sustainable future for cities in Asia and the Pacific and at increasing specific investment programs and influential initiatives at the local, national and regional levels.
Kumamoto Mayor Onishi declared that Kumamoto, as “SDGs Future City”, would like to contribute to the development of the international community by disseminating knowledge and initiatives based on the experience of the Kumamoto Earthquake to stakeholders at home and abroad, adding that he would like to offer information about post-earthquake reconstruction and disaster prevention at the 4th APWS scheduled to be held in Kumamoto on 19th and 20th of October, 2020.
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| Mayor Onishi releasing Declare Your Actions | A Scene from the Closing Session |
3. Conclusion
Mr. Kazufumi Onishi, mayor of Kumamoto, was the only head of a Japanese prefectural or municipal government to attend APUF-7, a major international conference. As co-host of the 4th APWS, he called on participants to join the summit.
His speech attracted a lot of interest. Outside the hall, students from Malaysia, some of the audiences, asked him questions regarding his speech. He called on panelists and representatives from international organizations to join the 4th APWS even on informal occasions.
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| Mayor of Kumamoto, answering questions asked by Malaysian students |
Mayor of Kumamoto, introducing the 4th APWS to members of international organizations |
Outline of the APUF-7 and Summary of Speech by the Mayor of Kumamoto (PDF)
Japan Water Forum will continue to take part in publicity activities for the 4th APWS together with the City of Kumamoto. We request your cooperation in preparing for the summit.
(Reported by Natsuko Uemura, Manager)
