19 June 2023, Seoul. Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega met with World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO) Secretary General Jung Sook Park and members of the secretariat, Head of Program Development Eunbyul Elena Cho, and Program Officer Charlene Angela Sardoma on 19 June 2023 to discuss future cooperation between the Philippines and WeGo as an organization.

Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario and Commercial Counselor Jose Ma. Dinsay of the Embassy’s economic team likewise joined the meeting.

WeGo is a membership-based international association of local governments, smart tech solution providers, and institutions committed to the transformation of cities into smart sustainable cities through facilitating public-private partnerships (PPP).

Several Philippine metropolitan smart cities are active members of WeGo and consistent participants in its capacity-building and training initiatives. Makati City, Quezon City, Baguio City, and San Fernando, La Union are some of the active local government units in the Philippines that work with the organization to achieve their smart city platform goals. During the call, Secretary General Jung expressed appreciation for the Embassy’s support in disseminating information on WeGo projects and activities, including people-to-people exchanges, training, and large-scale meetings to discuss smart city projects.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega also assured the organization of the Philippines’ continued support for WeGo’s programs, highlighting that incentives such as the Seoul Smart City Prize promotes inclusivity and helps usher developing localities to development through improved digital and ICT platforms. She likewise welcomed WeGo’s new thrust and focus on climate change, sustainability, and green technology, aside from digital and ICT cooperation.

With its headquarters in the Republic of Korea, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega and Secretary General Jung agreed to work closely together for more active LGU participation in WeGo’s upcoming activities for 2023 and beyond. END