2026 Executive Bureau Meeting in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi

Knowledge Event UCLG ASPAC

Knowledge Event UCLG ASPAC
“Navigating Urban Uncertainty and Strengthening Resilience for Cities in Asia Pacific.”, Halu Oleo University Campus, Kendari

Held at the Halu Oleo University Campus on May 6, 2026, this session explores strategic solutions for urban volatility across the region. Led by UCLG ASPAC in collaboration with Halu Oleo University, the event bridges academic research and local governance to build more resilient cities. The programme includes high-level remarks from the UCLG ASPAC Secretary General and concludes with a campus tour.

MODERATOR

Prof. Dr. Bambang Susantono

Dean of
Cities and Local Governments Institute Asia Pacific (a research arm of UCLG ASPAC)

SPEAKER

Dr. Bernadia I. Tjandradewi

Secretary General
UCLG ASPAC

Dr. Ishak Kadir

Dean of the Engineering Department
University of Halu Oleo Kendari

Mr. Andra Kwon

Daegu Metropolitan City

Mr. Eddy Soeparno

Deputy Chairman of the
People's Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (MPR RI)

Registration for EGM ASEAN Community Vision 2045

Expert Group Meeting (EGM): ASEAN Community Vision 2045 (Invitation only)

The meeting aims to gather feedback and inputs for the draft Localising ASEAN Community Vision 2045, including practical implementation guidance and measurable indicators to track localisation progress. The concept note of the meeting is available in the Annex.

Tourism Committee Meeting

The UCLG ASPAC Tourism Committee (UATC) serves as a specialised platform for local governments in the Asia-Pacific region to collaborate on sustainable tourism and cultural preservation. The UATC is led by Xi’an Municipal People’s Government.

Committee meeting attendance is limited to 50 participants per session due to room capacity. Once the limit is reached, additional registrants will be assigned to a concurrent Committee meeting.

Financial Management Committee (by Invitation only)

The Financial Management Committee of UCLG ASPAC is a specialised body responsible for overseeing the organisation’s financial strategy, accounting, and management.

Expert Group Meeting (EGM): ASEAN Community Vision 2045 (Invitation only)

The meeting aims to gather feedback and inputs for the draft Localising ASEAN Community Vision 2045, including practical implementation guidance and measurable indicators to track localisation progress. The concept note of the meeting is available in the Annex.

Local Climate Financing (Market Sounding) (by invitation only)

Exploring viable financing instruments and partnerships to support climate actions led by local governments (Market Sounding session). This Session is part of the Urban-Act Project of UCLG ASPAC.

21st Century Maritime Cooperation Committee Meeting

The 21ˢᵗ‐Century Maritime Cooperation Committee (21CMCC) is a Committee under United Cities and Local Governments Asia‐Pacific (UCLG ASPAC), led by the Fuzhou Municipal People’s Government. It promotes cooperation among cities and local governments, especially coastal ones, on maritime development, sustainability, and knowledge exchange.

​Committee meeting attendance is limited to 50 participants per session due to room capacity. Once the limit is reached, additional registrants will be assigned to a concurrent Committee meeting.​

Tree Plantation & Groundbreaking of Kendari Sculpture (limited only for Head of Delegation)

This ceremonial session serves as a tangible symbol of regional solidarity and environmental commitment. Participants will engage in a collective tree-planting activity and witness the groundbreaking of the Kendari Sculpture. The location is at the Kebun Raya Kendari.

The session is limited only for Head of Delegation 

Networking time

Opportunities for local governments, private sectors, academe, international partners, and NGOs to network and form collaborations.

Welcoming dinner

Opening

The Opening Ceremony officially commences the First Session of the 2026 UCLG ASPAC Executive Bureau and the Asia-Pacific Forum. This high-level session sets the stage for regional dialogue on “Advancing Sustainable Tourism and Inclusive Economic Growth” and will be held at the Claro Hotel, Kendari

Welcoming Remarks:
Ms. Siska Karina Imran, Mayor of Kendari City
Mr. Dakila Carlo Cua, President of UCLG ASPAC, President of Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), Governor of Quirino Province 

Opening Remarks:
Mr. Andi Sumangerukka, Governor of Southeast Sulawesi Province

Keynote Speech:
Prof. Tito Karnavian, Minister of Home Affairs, Republic of Indonesia
Topic: Strengthening Local Governance for Sustainable Tourism and Inclusive Regional Development

Widiyanti Putri Wardhana B.Sc., Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia
Topic: Advancing Sustainable Tourism for a Resilient Future and Inclusive Economic Growth

SPEAKER

Mr. Dakila Carlo E. Cua

President of UCLG ASPAC / President of ULAP / Governor of Quirino province

Ms. Siska Karina Imran

Mayor
Kendari City

Mr. Andi Sumangerukka

Governor
Southeast Sulawesi Province

Widiyanti Putri Wardhana B.Sc.

Minister of Tourism
Republic of Indonesia

Prof. Tito Karnavian

Minister of Home Affairs, Republic of Indonesia

Asia Pacific Forum

The Asia-Pacific Forum serves as a high-level platform for local governments, policy makers, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for balancing regional development with environmental stewardship. Centered on the theme "Advancing Sustainable Tourism for a Resilient Future and Inclusive Economic Growth," the forum explores how sustainable practices can catalyse economic prosperity and environmental resilience across the region.

Speaker 1 
Topic: Sustainable Tourism and Inclusive Growth 
Speaker: Dr. Christina Yeo Ken Yin, Undersecretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia 

Speaker 2 
Topic: Community-Based Tourism 
Speaker: Mr. Jake Vincent S. Villa, Governor, Province of Siquijor, Philippines 

Speaker 3 
Topic: Climate Resilience and Economic Prosperity 
Speaker: Dato Abd Hamid Hussain, Mayor, Klang Royal City Council, Malaysia

Speaker 4 
Topic: Responsible Consumption and Production in Tourism 
Speaker: Dr. Emil Elestianto Dardak, Vice Governor of East Java, Indonesia 

Speaker 5
Topic: Culture and Sustainable Tourism
Speaker: Mr. Rano Karno, Vice Governor of Jakarta Provincial Government, Indonesia 

Moderator
Mr. Lee Yoong Yoong, ASEAN Governors and Mayors Forum (AGMF) Strategic Advisor of UCLG ASPAC

​

MODERATOR

Mr. Lee Yoong Yoong

ASEAN Governors and Mayors Forum (AGMF) Strategic Advisor of UCLG ASPAC

SPEAKER

Dr. Christina Yeo Ken Yin

Undersecretary, International Relations Division (Culture)
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia

Mr. Jake Vincent S. Villa

Governor
Province of Siquijor, Philippines

Dr. Emil Elestianto Dardak

Vice Governor
East Java, Indonesia

Mr. Rano Karno

Vice Governor
Jakarta Provincial Government, Indonesia

Mr. Dato Abd Hamid Hussain

Mayor
Klang Royal City Council, Malaysia

Signing Ceremony

The Signing Ceremony marks a significant milestone in regional and international cooperation, formalising strategic partnerships to enhance urban development and bilateral ties.

1. Kendari City and Yiwu City
2. UCLG ASPAC and Jakarta Provincial Government

Executive Bureau Meeting (ExBu members only)

The Executive Bureau Meeting brings together UCLG ASPAC leadership, including the Presidency, Executive Bureau members, and Council representatives to discuss key organisational priorities, governance matters, and strategic directions for the Asia-Pacific region.

Sub Forum - Session 1: Promoting Local Economic Development

This topic explores how tourism can create equitable economic opportunities for local communities, particularly by fostering entrepreneurship and generating sustainable economic benefits. It delves into case studies of successful community-based tourism initiatives, highlighting the active role of local governments in ensuring that tourism's economic benefits are widely distributed.

MODERATOR

Prof. Dr. Bambang Susantono

Dean of
Cities and Local Governments Institute Asia Pacific (a research arm of UCLG ASPAC)

SPEAKER

Dr. Tri Rismaharini

Ambassador of UCLG ASPAC (2025-2027), President of UCLG ASPAC (2018-2020), Mayor of Surabaya (2010-2020), Minister of Social Affairs, Republic of Indonesia (2020 - 2024)

Ms. Illiza Sa'aduddin Djamal

Mayor of
Banda Aceh City, Indonesia

Dr. Sitti Sutinah Suhardi

Regent of
Mamuju Regency

Ms. Suharini Eliawati

Undersecretary for
Economic and Finance of Jakarta Capital City Government

Mr. Wang Liang

Deputy Director of the General Office of
Yiwu Municipal People’s Government

Training on International Cooperation (MOHA Indonesia - UCLG ASPAC) (invitation only)

Jointly organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs Indonesia (MoHA) and UCLG ASPAC, focusing on international cooperation frameworks. This forum will be held at the City Hall of Kendari

Invitation only

Sub Forum - Session 2: Building Climate Resilience

This topic examines how sustainable tourism can play a key role in addressing climate change impacts on tourism and local communities.

MODERATOR

Prof. Dr. Bambang Susantono

Dean of
Cities and Local Governments Institute Asia Pacific (a research arm of UCLG ASPAC)

SPEAKER

Norliza Hashim

Chief Executive of
Urbanice Malaysia

Mr. Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas

Mayor of
Medan City, Indonesia

Mr. Fadly Amran

Mayor of
Padang City, Indonesia

Mr. Andhika Permata

Head of Tourism and Creative Economy of
Jakarta Capital City Government

Training on International Cooperation (MOHA Indonesia - UCLG ASPAC) (invitation only)

Jointly organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs Indonesia (MoHA) and UCLG ASPAC, focusing on international cooperation frameworks. This forum will be held at the City Hall of Kendari

Invitation only

Networking time

Opportunities for local governments, private sectors, academe, international partners, and NGOs to network and form collaborations.

Kendari Joint Action & Closing Ceremony

The results of the Forum in the form of Kendari Joint Action will bepresented.

SPEAKER

Dr. Bernadia I. Tjandradewi

Secretary General
UCLG ASPAC

Ms. Siska Karina Imran

Mayor
Kendari City

Site visit and Exploring the City

Participants will explore Nambo Beach, one of Kendari’s premier coastal destinations, and extend their journey to Bokori Island or Labengki Island. These visits provide firsthand insight into the city’s sustainable tourism and community‑based initiatives, while showcasing the natural beauty and cultural richness of Southeast Sulawesi.

Site visit will be divided into 2 groups ( Group A and Group B)

Training on International Cooperation (MOHA Indonesia - UCLG ASPAC) (invitation only)

Jointly organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs Indonesia (MoHA) and UCLG ASPAC, focusing on international cooperation frameworks. This forum will be held at the City Hall of Kendari

Invitation only

Networking time

Opportunities for local governments, private sectors, academe, international partners, and NGOs to network and form collaborations.

Kendari City Anniversary Festival

Cultural celebration showcasing the local heritage and community spirit of Kendari City. It is held at Lapangan Benu‑Benua