It was announced that a Networking Convention the Asia-Pacific (ASPAC) branch of the United Cities and Local Government (UCLG) will be opened during the UCLG World Congress.
At the event, a total of 150 people, including Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo, UCLG World Director, UCLG Asia-Pacific City officials, and Daejeon sister-cities such as Brisbane, Australia, and Xi'an, China, gathered at Daejeon Shinsegae Art & Science Daejeon Expo Aquarium to celebrate the start of the general meeting.
The event was held as a meaningful event where the leaders of cities come together at the end of the pandemic despite many difficulties in free exchange and cooperation between international cities due to COVID-19 over the past two years.
Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo said in his welcome speech that day, "Despite difficulties such as COVID-19 and the rapidly changing international situation, I would like to express my gratitude for visiting Daejeon and participating in the networking night and hope that you will have a comfortable stay in Daejeon during the event."
In addition, Mayor Lee announced that he had requested the UCLG World President, representing the Asia Pacific Branch, for the first time as the head of a Korean local government, and asked for the cooperation and support of the UCLG Asia Pacific Branch and the World Secretariat. Meanwhile, premium distilled liquor "Sarah" (사라) produced by a brewing company in Daejeon and handmade makgeolli) (막걸리 "93 Golden Garment" were selected as the main dishes, while 11 kinds of simple foods were provided, including mini bibimbap and jeon, which can promote Korea.
Overseas participants enjoyed underwater presentations, jazz performances, and friendly social dinners at the aquarium, followed by performances and events at the 0 o'clock Festival (Music Festival), which will be a new representative festival in Daejeon, and the ASPAC Networking event, the first day of the UCLG World Congress, ended successfully.
Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo said, "There were some twists and turns in overseas invitations while preparing for the UCLG World Congress, but I did my best," and added, "I will make efforts to improve friendship with domestic and foreign cities during the general meeting."
