ICLEI East Asia Secretariat Strengthens Regional Cooperation at the 13th International e-Mobility Expo

The ICLEI East Asia Secretariat participated as an official partner in the 13th International e-Mobility Expo, held from March 24 to 27, 2026, in Jeju, South Korea. The Expo brought together stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and international organizations to advance discussions on clean air, sustainable mobility, and innovation in the electric vehicle (EV) sector.

Hosted by the Global EV Association Network (GEAN) and the International Electric Vehicle Expo Corporation, the event has become a key regional platform in East Asia, promoting collaboration across cities, industries, and global networks. GEAN is a global network that promotes knowledge sharing on e-mobility industry trends and policies, while fostering collaboration among stakeholders to advance EV adoption, standardization, and sustainable mobility worldwide.

Group photo of the Tape cutting ceremony

 

Strengthening Strategic Partnerships

A major highlight of ICLEI East Asia’s participation was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with GEAN on March 24.

This strategic partnership aims to advance a sustainable mobility ecosystem grounded in ESG principles. The collaboration will focus on areas such as green mobility technologies, policy dialogue, education programs, civic engagement, and joint research initiatives.

“The most significant outcome of this year’s Expo was the partnership with ICLEI,” said Daehwan Kim, Chairman of the Global EV Association Network (GEAN). “By working together, we can better connect industry and local governments to accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility.”

By connecting GEAN’s industry network with ICLEI’s local government platform, the partnership is expected to bridge the gap between business and cities and accelerate the transition to low-carbon urban systems.

ICLEI East Asia Secretariat signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with GEAN

 

Engagement in Global and Regional Platforms

Building on this strengthened partnership, ICLEI East Asia Secretariat actively contributed to key sessions and forums throughout the Expo.

As part of its growing engagement, the Secretariat participated in the 11th GEAN General Assembly Meeting as a new member on March 24, where it introduced ICLEI East Asia’s work and regional priorities to the other fellow members, further strengthening its role within the global EV network.

GEAN Assembly meeting

 

In addition, Shu Zhu, Regional Director of ICLEI East Asia Secretariat, delivered a presentation titled “From E-Mobility to Integrated Urban Transformation” at the Global e-Mobility Business Forum on the same day.

“Sustainable mobility is not only about vehicles, but about transforming urban systems to be more people-centered, efficient, and resilient,” said Shu Zhu.

The presentation emphasized the importance of transitioning from vehicle-centered to people-centered urban systems and highlighted integrated approaches such as EcoMobility and EcoLogistics. It also underscored the role of policy, technology, and investment in scaling up sustainable mobility solutions, as well as the growing importance of AI-driven and data-based mobility systems.

Global e-Mobility Business Forum

 

Furthermore, ICLEI contributed to the 9th Korean Peninsula EV Development Forum on March 25, where Mr. Shu Zhu presented “A Journey for a Sustainable Peninsula.”

“Regional cooperation and inclusive dialogue are essential to expanding sustainable mobility across the Korean Peninsula,” Shu Zhu noted, highlighting opportunities for broader participation in international EV initiatives.

Shu’s presentation at 9th Korean Peninsula EV Development Forum

 

Promoting Member City Leadership: Nansha District of Guangzhou, China

ICLEI East Asia Secretariat also facilitated the participation of its member city, Nansha District of Guangzhou, China.

Nansha District was honored with the 2026 GEAN Award in recognition of its leadership in sustainable mobility and innovation. The award recognizes leading companies, cities, and organizations advancing carbon neutrality and e-mobility, with three recipients selected annually. Notably, 2026 marked the first time a local government was recognized through ICLEI’s recommendation.

Zhangjin Xin accepts the GEAN Award on behalf of Nansha District, Guangzhou

 

Following the opening ceremony on March 25, Xianqiang Fan, Deputy Director General, Bureau of Industry and Information Technology Nansha, delivered a presentation titled “Invest in Nansha, Create the Future Together,” highlighting its achievements in green transportation, autonomous driving, renewable energy infrastructure, and business-friendly policies.

Mr. Fan underlined that “Nansha is committed to building a future-oriented, green and intelligent mobility ecosystem, and to working with global partners to create sustainable cities.”

Xiangqiang Fan’s presentation

 

Collaborative Exhibition and Networking

ICLEI East Asia and its member Nansha District jointly operated a collaborative booth at the Expo, showcasing their initiatives and promoting Guangzhou’s local e-mobility enterprises.

“Collaboration between cities, industry, and international organizations is key to scaling up impactful solutions,” ICLEI East Asia Secretariat emphasized during the exhibition.

The booth served as a platform attracting diverse stakeholders and participants at the Expo to jointly strengthen city-business collaboration at a regional and international level.  

 Booth operation while the VIP exhibition tour

 

ICLEI East Asia Secretariat with Nansha Delegation