AUICK FIRST 2007 WORKSHOP

1. THEME

Population and Appropriate Water Environment Management in Urban Areas

2. BACKGROUND

Sustainable Development is defined in the chapter II principal 6, of the Program of Action (POA), agreed in 1994 at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). It states “Sustainable development” is “a means to ensure human well-being, equitably shared by all people today and in the future; requires that the interrelationships between population, resources, the environment and development should be fully recognized, properly managed and brought into harmonious, dynamic balance.” The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), adopted at the UN Millennium Summit in 2000, also defines “Environmental Sustainability” as one of the eight goals, which includes the following three targets: 1) Integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programs and reverse the loss of environmental resources; 2) Halve by 2015 the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water; and 3) By 2020 to have achieved a significant improvement in the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), one of AUICK’s sponsors, sets “Population and Sustainable Development” as one of its three goals in the 2004-2007 MYFF Strategic Results Framework (SRF), saying “Countries should address interactions between population dynamics, sustainable development, and poverty, including the impact of HIV/AIDS.”

For sustainable socio-economic development, it is globally recognized that the harmony of economic development and environmental protection is most important, and each nation is making every effort to maintain environmental protection as one of the global priorities. Since the global environment is composed of local environments, environmental protection cannot be achieved globally if it is not also achieved locally. Today, medium-sized cities in Asia are experiencing rapid population growth and socio-economic changes. While the concentration of population in urban areas encourages economic activities and improves living conditions, it also causes deterioration of the environment unless there are effective countermeasures for environmental protection, especially in local level.

3. AIMS

This workshop is designed for officials of AUICK Associate Cities (AACs) who have authorization to plan and implement policies and actions directed at water environment management in their urban areas.

In the viewpoint of “Population and Sustainable Development” addressed by UNFPA, the workshop focuses on improved knowledge to address the urban policy implications of the links between population processes and water environmental problems, especially of household wastewater management in urban areas.

The workshop aims to provide the participants with information and know-how on the theme through presentations, case studies, discussions on current states and challenges which their cities face in the fields of water environment management. The participants also develop a concrete action plan for appropriate wastewater management to be implemented upon their return to their cities.

4. INVITED CITIES

AUICK Associate Cities (one person from each city):
Chittagong (Bangladesh), Weihai (China), Chennai (India), Surabaya (Indonesia), Kuantan (Malaysia), Faisalabad (Pakistan), Olongapo (Philippines), Khon Kaen (Thailand), Danang (Vietnam)

5. LANGUAGE

English (Interpretation will be provided for lectures given in Japanese.)

6. PERIOD

Monday 28 May – Friday 8 June 2007 (12 days)

7. SCHEDULE/PROGRAM

See APPENDIX A

8. APPLICATION PROCEDURES

8.1. Qualification of Applicant

1. The applicant should be officially nominated by the mayor or the top administrator of the city to which the applicant belongs.
2. The applicant should be a top or middle-level city official who has authority to plan and implement policies and actions directed at household wastewater management in the urban areas, such as director or deputy director of the relevant department.
3. The applicant is required to have university level education and work experience as a city official for at least 7 years.
4. The applicant is required to be willing and able to remain in the position of city official in the relevant field in the city for at least 5 years.
5. The applicant should have a sufficient command of both spoken and written English as the workshop is conducted in English.
   

   Note: In case English ability is the only problem in the nomination of qualified official, please consult us ahead of time.

6. The applicant should be physically and mentally fit to participate in all aspects of the workshop. Regrettably, pregnant women will not be accepted as the workshop program contains some site visits that demand physical exertion inappropriate for pregnant women.
7. The applicant who attended any AUICK workshops held in 2004 or later should not be nominated for any reason.
8. Word processing skill is preferable since the applicants will be expected to develop an action plan with a computer during the workshop.

8.2. Participant Nomination

The mayor or the top administrator is requested to nominate a qualified city official and submit the following necessary documents to AUCIK by: 15 March 2007.

8.3. Notification of Acceptance

After careful consideration by AUICK with the consultation of the relevant UNFPA Country Office and AUICK International Advisory Committee member, the final decision on the participant selection will be notified to the mayor or the top administrator.

The nominee is required to have a medical checkup and submit a designated form completed by a medical doctor in April 2007.

8.4. Procedures for Entry to Japan

In parallel with the notification of acceptance to the mayor or the top administrator, AUICK will send the necessary documents for visa application directly to the nominee. The nominee is requested to immediately apply for an entry visa at the nearest Japanese Consular Office.

9. INVITATIONAL CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPANT

AUICK will provide the participant with the followings. Other expenses must be borne by the participant.

1. Expenses for obtaining a medical certificate and a visa.

   Note: The expenses will be reimbursed in Japanese currency during the workshop on condition that the participant requests the reimbursement with the original receipts issued directly from the relevant venders. The transportation and postage expenses for obtaining visas or medical certificates will not be reimbursed. The expense for obtaining a passport will not be reimbursed.

2. Economy-class round trip airline ticket between the nearest airport to each participant's residence and Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Japan.

   Note: The ticket will be delivered to the participant through the relevant local travel agent. Airport taxes and the other fees will be paid through travel agents. If the participant is required to pay any other tax or fees at departure, the expenses will be reimbursed in Japanese currency during the workshop on condition that the participant requests the reimbursement with the original receipts issued directly from the relevant venders.

3. Travel expenses between KIX and the accommodation in Japan.
4. Accommodation in Japan.
5. Living allowance of JPY 6,200 per day for meals and incidental expenses during the workshop in Japan.
6. Short-term insurance to cover injuries or illness from the time of entry to Japan until departure.

   Note: Preexisting illnesses and dental treatment are not covered by the insurance.

7. Internal transportation for the workshop programs.

10. RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARTICIPANT

The participant is required to:

1. Abide by Japanese law and regulations during their stay.
2. Follow the regulations and schedule of the workshop prepared by AUICK and the Kobe City Government.
3. Attend the workshop unaccompanied.
4. Depart Japan upon the termination of the workshop.

   Note: The visa issued will not allow the participant to stay in Japan beyond the workshop period.

5. Gather the required data on their cities and submit the report before the specified date.

   Note: Submitted data and report will be integrated into AUICK's web-based database and be open to public.

11. ORGANIZERS

11.1. Asian Urban Information Center of Kobe (AUICK)
         Kobe International Center for Cooperation and Communication (KIC)

         Kobe International House 20F, 8-1-6, Goko-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe 651-0087 JAPAN
         Tel: +81-78-291-8031
         Fax: +81-78-291-0691
         E-mail: auick@auick.org
         URL: http://www.auick.org

11.2. Kobe City Government (Civic Affairs, Culture and Tourism Bureau)

         6-5-1, Kano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-8570 JAPAN
         Tel: +81-78-322-5010
         Fax: +81-78-322-2382