In his remarks at 2024 PEMSEA Network of Local Governments (PNLG) General Assembly held in China’s Xiamen City on Nov.7, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee Le Quang Nam who is President of PNLG, highlighted that the presence of delegates at the event demonstrated the commitment of local governments to implementing the goals set by PNLG in its strategic action plan for the 2022-2030 period.

Delegates attending the 2024 PNLG General Assembly in Xiamen, China. Photo: The city's working delegation

At the same time, he expressed his delight at the continuous development of PNLG. He added that PNLG has 54 official members and 5 associate members from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Timor-Leste, Thailand and Viet Nam.

“This expansion of membership is a testament to the region’s recognition of integrated coastal management (ICM) and the strength of cooperation among local governments” he added.

PNLG will continue to maintain the tradition of knowledge sharing and enhance capacity among its members, which makes PNLG a strong and dedicated organisation.

PNLG has many good achievements, practices and inspiring stories about integrated coastal zone management at the local level that other local governments, both within and outside the Seas of East Asia can benefit from.

President of PNLG and Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee Le Quang Nam speaking at the event. Photo: The city's working delegation

“We can further strengthen our cooperation with PNLG and other partners to continue providing initiatives and capacity development programmes on integrated coastal zone management and sustainable development aspects for PNLG members. By sharing experiences, participating in forums like this and collaborating with PNLG members, we can move forward together for the future of the Seas of East Asia” Vice Chairman Le Quang Nam emphasised.

Also on the same day, speaking at the PNLG-PNLC Joint Learning Forum themed “Local practices on marine ecosystem protection and restoration under the framework of integrated coastal zone management”, Mr. Nam emphasised the importance of the future development of both networks.

The delegation of Da Nang, led by Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Le Quang Nam who is PNLG President, attending some related events in Xiamen, China. Photo: The city's working delegation

At the same time, he said that the purpose of the forum was to promote information exchange and experience sharing on marine ecosystem protection and restoration through presenting typical examples and improving the level of integrated coastal zone management at the local level as well as promoting the sustainable development of coastal ecosystems in the East Asia Sea region.

The PNLG President suggested delegates take advantage of this forum as a platform to exchange a lot of information, enhance their capacity, and open up new cooperation and development opportunities for PNLG and PNLC members to promote the protection, development and sustainable exploitation of marine resources in the East Asia Sea region, contributing to achieving the United Nations' sustainable development goals.

Reporting by HOANG HIEP - Translating by M.DUNG