At the 44th CityNet executive committee meeting in Iloilo City, Vijay Jagannathan, the Secretary-General of the CityNet Secretariat, emphasized the critical need for effective urban planning in the face of climate change. The meeting, which began on November 18, 2024, brought together urban stakeholders from across the Asia Pacific region, all committed to sustainable development.
During a media conference held alongside the opening ceremony, Jagannathan highlighted the growing recognition among city leaders of the reality of climate change and the necessity for proactive planning. He praised Iloilo City for its foresight, noting that its preparedness during typhoon Haiyan demonstrated the benefits of such planning.
Jagannathan stressed the importance of not only preparing for climate change but also leveraging it to reduce carbon footprints, enhance solid waste management, and generate revenue. The second day of the three-day event at the Iloilo Convention Center was dedicated to knowledge exchange, with sessions focusing on climate leadership, workforce development, and the Sustainable Development Goals Award.
The overarching theme of the event, ‘Living the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Shared Future for All,’ underscored the collective commitment to a sustainable future.