Workshop on Green Energy and Sustainable City Planning


Jeju, Republic of Korea, 21~24 March 2016 (Mon~Thu)

Background

"Energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, environmental health, social fairness and opportunity."
(UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at 2013 World Energy Congress)

Sustainable cities are economically productive, socially (and politically) inclusive, and environmentally sustainable. In other words, they must promote efficient economic activities, ensure that all citizens can benefit from them, and must do so in a way to preserve the biodiversity, safe air and water, and physical health and safety of the citizens. In this context, sustainability of cities can be achieved by building capacities to adapt to policy priorities and goals related to social development, economic development and environmental management. Under social development, policies for green housing and buildings, green public transportation and green energy access need to be made. For economic development, goals such as production and distribution of renewable energy and technology and innovation (R&D) are need to be attained. In managing environment, waste, recycling and energy efficiency areas call for attention.

In this increasingly urbanizing world, a more sustainable way of living is demanded, and promotion of efficient urban planning and sustainable environmental management to enhance policy coordination and to reduce ecological footprints is inevitable. Green and renewable energy can make a major contribution in this regard by responding to a growing global demand for energy services and by reducing negative impacts associated with current production and use. In addition, new energy sources have other social and environmental benefits, including mitigating health problems and impacts on ecosystems caused by extraction, transportation, processing and use of conventional fuels. Another aspect to note is that a shift to renewable energy sources will bring green global economic development along with many new employment opportunities when properly approached with integrated strategies especially for rural areas in developing countries where the majority of the poor live in energy poverty.

This training will present ways and strategies for a transition to green energy solutions to tackle imminent environmental and energy issues faced by developing countries in particular. It also aims at satisfying the needs for the adoption and application of green energy technologies and concepts for sustainable city planning through active networking among experts and participants. The training program is being shared with the 3rd International Electric Vehicle Expo in Jeju to highlight the use of electric vehicles as a successful example for restoring environment as well as improving energy efficiency. It will be useful for participants to acquire in-depth knowledge of how to design and tailor policy frameworks which encompass the diversity of circumstances among countries.

Event type
Workshop

Date
21~24 March 2016

Venue
International Convention Center, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea

Organizers
• UNITAR
• UNITAR CIFAL Jeju/JITC
• International Electric Vehicle Expo Organizing Committee

Targeted audience
This training is open to central and local government officials and other related personnel from NGOs and institutions in the field of green (renewable) energy development and sustainable city and infrastructure planning. ※ Asia-Pacific region only

Website
• UNITAR CIFAL Jeju/JITC
• International Electric Vehicle Expo Organizing Committee

Content
The training will include the following:

• topic 1: green and renewable energy sources
• topic 2: sustainable city planning and infrastructure development
• topic 3: retrofitting of buildings and increase of green areas
• topic 4: waste management
• topic 5: green technology transfer

Learning objectives
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

• discuss the significance of green (renewable) energy in eliminating energy poverty;
• design and implement reliable and affordable public transportation systems and green infrastructure for sustainable cities;
• identify green (renewable) energy sources and ways to enhance energy efficiency;
• explain the roles of improved waste and recycling systems; and
• demonstrate basic understanding of green technology transfer and soundly constructed cities.

Methodology
The training will be comprised of:

• the 3rd International Electric Vehicle Expo sessions (International Electric Vehicle Expo Organizing Committee)
• lectures and presentations by experts
• self-assessment exercise and group work
• case study presentation
• UNITAR developed "CityShare" Methodology
• study visit

UNITAR-developed "CityShare methodology" will be used during the workshop.

The "CityShare methodology"aims at optimizing peer learning between local officials and other local stakeholders playing crucial roles in ensuring sustainable municipal development. The methodology consists of various processes of self-assessment, distillation, and transfer of challenges, lessons learned, and good practices between local stakeholders and resource persons. It is also composed of several tools to provide a common framework for the evaluation of experiences made by the participating cities and offer a common language for the exchange and assimilation of experiences, as well as a roadmap for action and progress.

Requirements
Selected applications are required to:

• submit necessary documents on time, i.e., registration form etc.
• complete and submit pre-training readings and assignments, i.e. case studies etc.
• actively participate in the training program
• be fluent in written and spoken English

Course certificates
UNITAR and UNITAR CIFAL Jeju/JITC will jointly issue a certificate to participants upon completion of the full program.

How to apply
Send the following 7 documents to cifaljeju.env@gmail.com by 5 February 2016 (Friday):

※ Download forms or guidelines from UNITAR CIFAL Jeju/JITC
• Application
• Letter of nomination
• Letter of commitment
• Case study description (see guidelines)
• Acknowledgement, waiver and release of liability
• Consent to collection, usage and disclosure of personal information
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
※ Late application will not be accepted.

Note
• Application without required documents will not be considered.
• Participation is subject to approval of the application by UNITAR CIFAL Jeju/JITC.
• Selected applicants will be notified individually.

Assistance with travel cost
• UNITAR CIFAL Jeju/JITC provides LIMITED (please see the agenda) financial assistance with the airfare to Jeju-do, Republic of Korea.
• Local expenses (transportation, accommodation and meals) during the workshop will be covered.
• All other expenses are the responsibility of the participants.