30th Anniversary of Gwangju City Council, Commitment to Progressive Legislative Activities

Promotion of Commemorative Events Including Vision Declaration Ceremony, Policy Debate, and Compilation of 30-Year History of the Assembly

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Gwangju Metropolitan Council (Chairman Kim Yongjip) announced on the 1st that it will promote various commemorative events to look back on the legislative history with citizens and achieve more progressive legislative activities in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the council's opening.

The Gwangju Metropolitan Council was inaugurated on July 8, 1991, after electing 23 members through the first direct city council election five years after Gwangju was promoted to a direct-controlled city and gained metropolitan local government status in 1986.

Over the past 30 years, despite the institutional limitations of incomplete local autonomy centered on the central government, the council has actively carried out legislative activities to create a Gwangju where citizens are the true owners by inheriting the spirit of sharing and solidarity unique to Gwangju.

First, on the 7th, a vision proclamation ceremony will be held to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the council's opening with 1.5 million Gwangju citizens and to open a new era of local autonomy.

On this day, strictly adhering to COVID-19 quarantine rules, current and former city council members, representatives from civic groups, public institutions, universities, veterans, religious, economic sectors, and the media will attend. The event will feature a vision proclamation ceremony, commendations for contributions to legislative development, screening of commemorative videos, and a photo exhibition of legislative activities.

On the 10th, a youth council commemorating the 30th anniversary of the council's opening will be held to provide local youth with an opportunity to properly learn and experience grassroots democracy.

By operating in the same manner as actual city council members conduct meetings in the main chamber, including ordinance enactment, free speeches, and agenda resolutions, it aims to help youth, the future leaders, learn the role of local councils as representatives of residents and develop democratic problem-solving skills through dialogue and compromise.

On the 13th, a special policy seminar is scheduled. Co-hosted with the Korean Governance Association, this seminar will feature prominent figures related to local autonomy and decentralization as keynote speakers and discussants.

Practical measures for the Gwangju Metropolitan Council to lead the new era of local autonomy, where the authority and responsibility of local councils have become more significant due to the comprehensive revision of the Local Autonomy Act for the first time in 32 years, will be discussed.

The 30th anniversary commemorative events can be watched live through the city council's YouTube channel and website.

Additionally, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the council's opening, 20 representative ordinances initiated by council members have been selected.

The '30-Year History of Legislative Activities of the Gwangju Metropolitan Council,' which systematically organizes the legislative activities of the past 30 years, will be compiled and completed by September, serving as valuable research material on local legislation and a benchmark for future legislative indicators.

Chairman Kim Yongjip said, "Based on the achievements and reflections of the past 30 years of autonomous legislation, we will carry out field-centered legislative activities for the happiness of citizens and the development of Gwangju," adding, "We will create a Gwangju-style council that works with citizens to propose better alternatives and a council that empowers the citizens."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.