World Winter Cities Association for Mayors (WWCAM)

World Winter Cities Association for Mayors

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Introduction

The World Winter Cities Association for Mayors (WWCAM) is a network of winter cities around the world that provides members with opportunities to meet and learn from each other about winter technologies and experiences under the slogan “Winter is a Resource and an Asset.” The association, originally the Northern Intercity Conference of Mayors, was initiated by the city of Sapporo in 1981, and the following year the first Mayors Conference was held. In 2004 the organization became the World Winter Cities Association for Mayors.

In the past conferences, mayors have discussed various issues such as city planning, winter transportation, snow clearing and removal, waste recycling, tourism promotion and resources development, and learned from each other’s experiences and wisdom in order to obtain hints for “city development” and to learn about measures for overcoming severe climatic conditions.

Currently, 21 cities from 9 countries participate as Member Cities of the Association.

The Mayor of Sapporo has served as President of the World Winter Cities Association for Mayors since its establishment, and the Secretariat is located at the International Relations Department of the City of Sapporo.

Significance of the WWCAM

Member of the International Community

As one can see from the present state of global environmental issues, recent years have seen an increase in the number of challenges that countries and regions around the world must work together to solve. In order to tackle these issues, not only nations and international organizations but also local governments must cooperate with cities throughout the world as members of the international community.

Accordingly, those northern cities aiming to fulfill their roles and reponsibilities as world cities are expected to assist and cooperate with other northern cities faced with similar problems, by making use of the latest technology for cold and snowy environments and knowledge of city planning. Furthermore, each city should incorporate the knowledge and experience it has obtained from other northern cities into the goal of city development and mutually cooperate with other northern cities in order to solve various issues.

 

Creation of Livable Winter Cities

The results of overseas exchanges are reflected in various forms of city planning which, although they may take time to have a visible impact, eventually exert a great influence in terms of the long-term effects of exchange on the lives of citizens. By taking the time to have these interactions with one another, winter cities create tangible and intangible assets that are indispensable for each city.

 

 

Major WWCAM Activities

World Winter Cities Conference for Mayors

The biennial World Winter Cities Conference for Mayors (Mayors Conference), a major activity of the association, has been convened 19 times since its founding. The conference provides a forum for mayors and city administrators to share expertise and experience on city planning, urban transportation in winter, snow removal, recycling, winter tourism, and other topics common to member cities.

Participants gain valuable suggestions on comfortable city planning and techniques to overcome challenges caused by harsh climates. The site of the Mayors Conference rotates among member cities willing to host the event.

 

 

You can read more about Winter EXPO & Winter Cities Forum, Working-Level Officials Meetings and Subcommittees activities on corresponding pages.

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