– Asia Pacific inaugural Congress
‘Local Government Leading Sustainable Communities’ is the theme of the first ever International Union of Local Authorities – Asia Pacific Congress, which will be held in Sydney from 9 to 11 April 2003.
“I am delighted that Sydney has been selected as the venue,” said Councillor Peter Woods, President IULA – Asia Pacific. “We have pulled out all the stops to ensure the Congress will have a stimulating and challenging program of interest to Australian Councils as well as those in the wider Asia Pacific region.”
Sessions will focus on environmental sustainability in the post-Johannesburg world; building sustainable economic development; Local Government capacity building; and advancing the social policy agenda. The opening address will be given by former Prime Minister of Australia, Bob Hawke.
Speaking invitations have been extended to a number of Federal Ministers, including David Kemp; high profile environmental figures, such as Konrad Otto Zimmerman, Secretary General of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives; and experts in Local Government from around the Asia Pacific region.
“In these uncertain times, local partnerships and local solutions will succeed where nation states have failed,” Councillor Woods said. “I am convinced that it is through gaining an understanding of different cultures at local level, that we can find a way to solve the problems which confront our world. The Congress will bring together people from around the Asia Pacific region, to discuss the big issues which affect us all.”
The Australian Local Government Association is host for the Congress.
“We call on all Australian Councils to support this Congress which we are pleased to host,” said ALGA President, Mike Montgomery.
For enquiries about registrations and to obtain the Congress program, contact Brendan Hartnett at LgovNSW, email brendan.hartnett@lgov.org.au
