CityNet is encouraging its member-cities to submit applications for CityNet Services, one of the most sought after regular programs. CityNet Services is a platform where members conduct sustainable learning exchanges across the network. It can be in the form of technical assistance, study visits, and/or city-to-city partnerships. For further information on how to apply for CityNet Services, you may email the CityNet Secretariat at programs2@citynet-ap.org.

CityNet and Seoul Human Resource Development Center invite you to send your application for the Transportation strategy workshop for Asian Cities that will take place from April 9-15 in Seoul. This workshop will connect urban professionals that offers discussion with urban actors for sustainable policy making and an opportunity to strategize a new agenda for urban transportation. Contact CityNet Secretariat at communication@citynet-ap.org for more information.

CityNet Secretariat calls for applications for the Secondment Staff Programme for the period of 3 April 2017-30 March 2018 from member cities/organisations. The selected Secondment Staff is expected to join the Secretariat as one of the key personnel in the Secretariat to actively promote CityNet's activities for the benefit of members. The deadline for the application is February 3, 2017.

The second free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on the Management of Smart Cities is released. The course is free and will be diffused through the Coursera platform from February 17. Through this MOOC, participants will learn about the most important principles for the management of smart urban infrastructures as well as about the application of these principles to two specific sectors, namely urban transportation and urban energy systems. 

The CityNet Secretariat extends heartfelt condolences on the passing of the former Deputy Mayor of Lyon, Mr. Henry Chabert, from cancer on Tuesday, January 17. We have lost a dear friend and valued colleague who always expressed his strong support to our network during his time serving as a Deputy Mayor of Lyon. He will be profoundly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Mr. Chabert's family at this very difficult time.

Hosted in partnership with the Executive Council of Dubai, World Council on City Data (WCCD) Global Cities Summit 2017 will be held on March 7-9 in Dubai under the theme "Cities on the Global Stage - Data as the Universal Language". This event will be 2017's preeminent global gathering on cities committed to a more sustainable and inclusive prosperity, and will welcome prominent guests and speakers from around the world. 

Do you have any ideas that can help solve global development challenges? www.GlobalFestivalofIdeas.org lets you showcase your idea and you can have an opportunity to present it in Bonn, Germany on March 1-3, 2017. Apply online by February 3. The Global Festival of Ideas for Sustainable Development is initiated by the UN SDG Action campaign and the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), together with Cepei, Alliance, Plan International, Salzburg Global Seminar, the World Food Programme and the World Resources Institute. 

Human mobility across the world has reached an unprecedented level but the IOM's World Migration Report states that the issue of migration is overlooked in the discussion of urban and city development and to some extent, is often perceived negatively. Read our latest blog post that discuss how cities can play a vital role in promoting social inclusion.

From December 19-24, representatives from Unimation Systems Inc. visited Iloilo to facilitate the installation of a flood monitoring device in Calubihan. Mayor Mabilog was given an orientation on the use of the device and mentioned that Iloilo has set aside an allocation for the installation of more Early Warning Device in the 2017 city budget.

With the assistance of Iloilo City Emergency Responders trainers, KABALAKA Gallery guides underwent training on wound care, basic bandaging and basic CPR. The gallery guides are studying tourism at JBLFMU and the City Government decided to organize this training in order to enhance their DRR knowledge and skills.

In December a number of meetings were held between students and teachers at Pakistan Cambridge School to familiarize them with the results of the market waste materials survey that was conducted late last year. The survey data was used by the school to develop a SMM plan that contains sustainable waste management guidelines for shopkeepers.

At Pakistan Cambridge School, a PIEDAR resource person moderated focus group discussions with teachers, students, and school staff. The respondents discussed which solid materials are thrown away on a regular basis. They also developed strategies on how to reduce and recycle waste. One proposed idea is to make bird feeders in the playground for students' leftover food.