I. INTRODUCTION

21st-Century Maritime Cooperation Committee (hereinafter referred to as the Committee) is a committee of United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPAC), jointly initiated by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Fuzhou Municipal People’s Government. 

It was established after approval in April 2017 at the UCLG ASPAC Executive Bureau Meeting held in Catbalogan, the Philippines. It is a non-profit international organisation composed of the members of UCLG and other cities and organisations that accept the Charter of the Committee. The site and the secretariat of the Committee shall be permanently located in Fuzhou, Fujian, China.

The Committee is set to have two Honorary Presidents served by President of UCLG and President of UCLG ASPAC; two Presidents served by President (or Vice President) of the CPAFFC and Mayor of Fuzhou Municipality; and four Co-Presidents, in principle, served by two representatives of UCLG ASPAC members, one representative of the members from other regions and one mayor of Fuzhou’s international sister cities. At the First General Assembly of the Committee held in May 2018, the Charter of the Committee was approved unanimously. The Presidents, the Co-Presidents and the Secretary General of the Committee were announced and granted approval. Twelve advisers were appointed, the list of the founding members was announced and Fuzhou Declaration was also adopted.

Since its establishment, 56 cities and organisations of 26 countries from 5 continents have joined the Committee.

II. MISSION 

1. Build a Platform

Based on UCLG ASPAC, the Committee will work with the coastal cities and local governments in Asia-Pacific and the world at large to jointly build the 21st-Century Maritime Cooperation Center, to set up the effective dialogue and linkage mechanism, to serve as an important platform of Belt and Road for the cities and local governments in Asia-Pacific and the world at large to share ideas and best practices on maritime cooperation, and to help push forward the development of the Core Area of the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road.

2. Integrate Resources

By integrating resources in Asia-Pacific and the world at large, the Committee will take overall consideration and implement a batch of key projects with the involvement of different parties, so as to promote cooperation in marine science and technology and protection of marine ecosystems, as well as facilitate the construction of the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road.

3. Promote Exchanges

The Committee will deepen the cooperation among the coastal cities and local governments in Asia-Pacific and the world at large in the fields of marine economy, marine conservation, waterway security, ports, disaster prevention and reduction, focus on industries including marine aquaculture, fishing, aquatic products processing, marine engineering equipment, new energy and renewable energy, desalination of sea water, marine bio-pharmaceutical, environmental protection and maritime tourism, and jointly build the Marine Economy Demonstration Zone, Marine Science and Technology Park, Marina Resort and Marine Professionals Training Center.

4. Offer Advice and Suggestions

The Committee will strengthen studies on the subject of maritime cooperation, and compile and publish reports on selected initiatives, so as to provide the cities and local governments in Asia-Pacific and the world at large with practical suggestions on maritime cooperation and help members enhance the scientific and technological innovation capacity.

The Committee will also encourage cities and organisations of island nations in Asia-Pacific and throughout the world to be involved, and support to develop their capacity and promote their economic development.

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