Gwangmyeong Mayor Park Seung-won expressed his commitment on October 2 to create a better future alongside citizens.
During the 45th Gwangmyeong Citizens' Day ceremony held at the Gwangmyeong Citizens' Hall, Mayor Park stated, "Rather than remaining stagnant in the face of difficulties, Gwangmyeong has sought possibilities and made necessary changes, gradually growing into a better city, with citizens always at the center of this progress."
He added, "As we stand on the brink of greater growth, we will elevate the quality of administration to match the city's development and deepen trust and accountability in line with the pace of change. We will ensure that important policies are transparently disclosed, engage more closely with the community, and responsibly listen to the voices of citizens."
The ceremony was attended by over 500 people, including lawmakers, provincial council members, city council members, and citizens from various sectors, who gathered to celebrate the development of Gwangmyeong.
During the event, a citizens' charter was read, congratulatory videos were shared, and messages from the Governor of Gyeonggi Province, Lee Jae-myung, and sister cities were presented.
In the subsequent awards ceremony, recipients of the Gwangmyeong Citizen Award, including Yoon Eun-sook, Lee Mi-sun, and Kim Young-jin, along with over 40 other citizens, were recognized for their contributions to community development.
Mayor Park outlined his future administrative direction, emphasizing a circular economy that protects livelihoods. He plans to support local businesses through the Gwangmyeong Love Currency and alleyway commerce, while also attracting the K-Arena to diversify economic growth, invigorate local businesses, and create new jobs.
Additionally, he announced the launch of an 'Artificial Intelligence Basic Society' initiative aimed at making citizens' lives more convenient and safe. This includes promoting a carbon-neutral smart city project that connects energy, transportation, safety, and data, as well as supporting local businesses in AI transformation and providing AI education for citizens to ensure that technological advancements benefit daily life.
To empower youth to turn future changes into opportunities, Mayor Park plans to expand youth policies. This will encompass support for employment, housing, education, mental health, and independence, ensuring that changes brought by AI and advanced industries translate into job opportunities, entrepreneurship, and learning for young people.
Furthermore, he aims to develop a 'Basic City' where transportation and community services are easily accessible. Plans include expanding transportation infrastructure such as the metropolitan railway network and roads, as well as enhancing social overhead capital (SOC) like public libraries, parks, and sports facilities, ensuring that all citizens can access essential services close to home.
Mayor Park also referenced the recently enacted constitutional-friendly city ordinance, stating, "We will uphold the principles of popular sovereignty and fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution as the standard for our administration, ensuring that citizens remain the true owners of the city."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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