PHOTO RELEASE
20 JUNE 2025
Local Leaders from Asia-Pacific Convene in Boracay for High-Level Summit on Coastal Governance
Boracay Island served as the backdrop for the First Session of the 2025 Executive Bureau of the United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPAC), held from June 9 to 12, 2025. Co-hosted by the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) and the Provincial Government of Aklan, the summit brought together local leaders from across Asia and the Pacific to advance dialogue and action on Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) and the Blue Economy.
This gathering shows that local governments are not just implementing policies—they are shaping the regional agenda,” said Governor Dax Cua, President of ULAP and UCLG ASPAC. “Integrated Coastal Management and the Blue Economy are not abstract ideas. They are real, urgent frameworks that demand shared action. In the Asia-Pacific, where our coasts connect us more than they divide us, regional cooperation among local governments is key to protecting our marine resources while building resilient, inclusive economies for our communities.
Highlights included policy exchanges on marine spatial planning, waste and water management, and sustainable tourism, as well as the launch of a hydroponic garden project with partners from China and the Philippines. The summit concluded with the adoption of the Boracay Call for Action, reaffirming the commitment of LGUs to lead on coastal sustainability and regional collaboration.
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