Asian Network of Major Cities 21
| We, the representatives from Beijing, National Capital Territory of Delhi, Capital City of Hanoi, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Metropolitan Manila, Seoul Metropolitan Government, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo Metropolis and Yangon, have gathered here in Tokyo over these past few days to discuss the establishment of Asian Network of Major Cities 21. Asia occupies about 60% of the world's population, and the great majority of this population is concentrated in Asia's major cities. In terms of economic scale, Asia easily matches that of the United States or the European Union, proving that Asia has extremely high potential. Today, about half of the world's population lives in cities and it is projected that this ratio will reach two-thirds within 25 years. The 21st century is absolutely the century of cities. The cities of Asia possess many cultural similarities amongst their diversities. Not only are Asian cities close geographically, they have developed deep economic ties. Now is the time when we major cities, the brains and the hearts of Asia, must go beyond our differences, political or otherwise, and form a firm network where we cooperate in projects, thereby establishing a system of social and economic ties and collaboration. Further, we strongly condemn organized crime and terrorism for their devastating effects on urban functions. We will not be intimidated by such destructive acts, and we will strive for the realisation of a safe and secure urban society. Upon the close of this meeting, based on this common understanding, we hereby unanimously declare the following: 1. We shall establish the Asian Network of Major Cities 21 aiming for the prosperity and development of the Asian region. 2. Members of this Network shall comprise the 11 cities that participated in the inaugural plenary meeting and Bangkok Metropolis. However, membership shall remain open to any capital or major city in Asia. 3. Plenary meetings of the Asian Network of Major Cities 21 shall be held once every year, and shall, in principle, be attended by the head of each city. 4. We shall conduct the management of the Asian Network of Major Cities 21 based on the Charter attached. 5. We shall determine 15 projects as the joint projects of the Asian Network of Major Cities 21, as per the attached. 6. The next plenary meeting shall be held in Delhi in November 2002. |
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