Busan Expands Global Urban Cooperation with Metropolis

Busan, South Korea - To enhance global urban collaboration, Busan’s Mayor Park Heong-joon hosted Jordi Vaquer, Secretary-General of the World Association of the Major Metropolises (Metropolis), at Busan City Hall on January 24, 2025. The meeting, held in the city’s international protocol office, underscored Busan’s commitment to addressing urban challenges through international cooperation and forward-looking policies.

Metropolis, a global network of more than 140 major cities, has been a key player in fostering urban innovation and sustainability since its founding in 1985. With its headquarters in Barcelona, the organization acts as a platform for major metropolitan areas to exchange knowledge, collaborate on policies, and tackle pressing global challenges like climate change and over-urbanization. As a longstanding member since 1996, Busan has not only benefited from this network but also contributed significantly to its development.

During the meeting, Mayor Park congratulated Metropolis on its 40th anniversary, highlighting the organization’s critical role in connecting cities and promoting sustainable urban growth. The mayor expressed his hopes for a successful General Assembly, set to be held in Seoul in September 2025, which marks a pivotal moment in the history of Metropolis. He emphasized that the event provides a unique opportunity for Busan to showcase its innovative policies on a global stage.

“Busan is dedicated to fostering a low-carbon, sustainable urban future,” Mayor Park stated. “Initiatives like our HAHA Center for the elderly and the ESG Center are just a few examples of how we are working to address the challenges of aging populations, climate change, and resource management.”

Vaquer, in turn, lauded Busan’s efforts, noting the city’s remarkable progress since hosting the Metropolis General Assembly in 2002. He emphasized Busan’s role as a key player among the network’s member cities, particularly in advancing sustainability and social innovation. “As South Korea’s second-largest city, Busan is poised to lead by example, inspiring other cities to implement forward-thinking urban policies,” he remarked.

The conversation delved into pressing issues faced by global cities, from resource distribution inequalities to environmental degradation. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of platforms like Metropolis in fostering collaborative solutions. Mayor Park highlighted Busan’s active engagement in global sustainability efforts, referencing its partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and its focus on circular economies.

Busan’s track record in urban innovation adds weight to its ambitions. The city’s “Sanbok Road Renaissance” initiative, which revitalized hillside neighborhoods, earned the top prize at the Metropolis Awards in 2014. More recently, its “DeullakNallak” project, a cultural hub for children, received international recognition at the SDG City Awards. These achievements, combined with ongoing efforts to promote green and inclusive urban development, position Busan as a global leader in addressing the challenges of urbanization.

The meeting also set the stage for future collaboration. Busan plans to participate actively in upcoming Metropolis events, including policy exchanges and sustainability workshops. Moreover, the city aims to attract international investment to bolster its smart city infrastructure and foster economic growth.

As the General Assembly approaches, Busan’s role within the Metropolis network appears increasingly significant. By aligning its policies with global trends and forging strong international partnerships, the city is well on its way to realizing its vision of becoming a “Global Hub City.” For Mayor Park and Busan’s residents, the meeting with Vaquer was more than a ceremonial event—it was a reaffirmation of the city’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and leadership on the global stage.