CITYNET, a coalition of local authorities in the Asia Pacific region, has moved its secretariat from Yokohama, Japan to Seoul.

Seoul City Hall held a ceremony at Seoul Global Center Tuesday to open the Seoul office of CITYNET, with delegates from five cities and related officials attending.

The move to Seoul was approved in the general session in September, 2009. Seoul was also elected the host city of the 7th congress in November, this year. 

For over 20 years, CITYNET has committed itself to helping local governments improve the sustainability of human settlements. Starting with 26 members in 1987, CITYNET has grown, attracting more than 100 members in more than 20 countries, most of which are cities and local governments in the Asia Pacific region.

Its official name is the Regional Network of Local Authorities for the Management of Human Settlements.

Its current executive members are president Yokohama, Japan, first-vice president Mumbai, India and second vice-president Makati, Philippines. Seoul is one of the full members along with Bangkok, Colombo, Surayaba, Dhaka and Kathmandu.

The secretariat, headed by the secretary general, coordinates the programs and activities of CITYNET, and the secretary general reports to the general council and the executive committee. The city of Yokohama has hosted the secretariat since its establishment in February, 1992.

By Chun Sung-woo (swchun@heraldcorp.com)