ILOILO CITY (PIA) – This city has served as the host for the 44th CityNet ExeCom Meeting on November 18 to 20, 2024, wherein the sustainable development initiatives of the city government have received commendation from the delegates, including the CityNet director-general.
In a media briefing on Nov. 18, CityNet director-general Vijay Jagannathan recognized the city’s proactive efforts in disaster preparedness, response, and resilience-building, citing its connection with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Iloilo City is recognized as a leading example. Even globally, it stands out as a hugely successful model,” Jagannathan stressed, noting that the city’s initiatives serve as a benchmark for other cities aiming to boost their disaster risk management and urban sustainability.
Jagannathan also commended the city’s dedication to preserving cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of the initiative as many cities in the Asia-Pacific region are only now starting to give attention to heritage conservation.
He lauded Iloilo for its foresight in protecting its cultural legacy for future generations as without such efforts, cities risk losing their historical identity over time.
Jagannathan likewise highlighted the city’s creative efforts to honor its culinary heritage and develop lively public spaces, like its night markets, noting that while such initiatives are common in Europe and the United States, they remain uncommon in many developing countries.
Meanwhile, Iloilo acting mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, in his message, emphasized the city’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, safety, resilience through strengthened collaborations, exploring different innovative solutions, sharing best practices, and integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into urban planning and development frameworks.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, on his part, said that the city government’s plans support the city’s goal to become one of the Top 3 Most Livable, Sustainable, and Resilient Cities in the Philippines by 2029.
Treñas also expressed gratitude as the Iloilo River Esplanade was recognized with the 2024 Asian Townscape Award, noting that the achievement “reaffirms Iloilo City’s position as a model of sustainability and urban excellence, inspiring other cities to pursue similar initiatives.”
“This achievement is a testament to our unwavering vision and commitment to sustainable urban development—an ethos that Iloilo City has consistently pursued,” the mayor added.
The 44th CityNet ExeCom Meeting gathered over 100 leaders from the Asia-Pacific region to exchange ideas and best practices for tackling urban challenges, reaffirming the importance of regional partnerships in advancing sustainable development.
With the theme “Living the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Shared Future for All,” the meeting attended by leaders and stakeholders from the Asia-Pacific region, highlighted a collective commitment to achieving the SDGs and fostering urban sustainability through collaboration and innovation. (AAL/JNH/PIA Iloilo/with reports from Iloilo City Government)
