Mayor Fongu Cletus says lessons from the World Humanistic Cities Network will shape 2026 budget and long-term municipal planning
The Mayor of the Bamenda III Council, Fongu Cletus Tanwe, says his recent participation in the General Assembly of the World Humanistic Cities Network (WHCN) in Andong, South Korea, will influence the way the municipality designs and funds development projects from 2026 onward. He returned with a renewed commitment to people-centred governance, shaped by exchanges with city leaders from across the world.
The assembly which took place from 5 to 8 November 2025 in Andong, South Korea’s recognised spiritual and cultural capital was the first official General Assembly since the creation of the WHCN in 2024, with delegates from cities and institutions worldwide meeting to discuss inclusive urban development.
Mayor Fongu Cletus attended the gathering on the invitation of the Mayor of Andong.
“My main task in South Korea was to attend the World Humanistic Cities Network Conference... Cities across the world are supposed to design projects that are human centred. All projects should benefit humanity, be it education, health, infrastructure or social projects.” he told Hilltopvoices.
The four-day assembly explored key themes such as coexistence, diversity and humanistic public policy. Delegates shared best practices and discussed how cities can adopt development models rooted in dignity, inclusion and long-term sustainability. Andong’s own profile as a “humanistic city” was central to the event. The city is home to UNESCO heritage sites including Hahoe Folk Village and Dosanseowon Confucian Academy, operates a UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities programme, and has introduced environmental and educational schemes aimed at carbon neutrality. For the network, this made Andong a fitting host.
More than a thousand cities were represented, but Mayor Fongu Cletus stood out as the only black-African participant.
“I was the only African who was at the conference. I was very much welcomed by everyone. We are calling on other African cities to join the next edition so that we push forward this important agenda.” he remarked
One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the signing of a memorandum of understanding among participating cities.
“We signed an MOU to support and partner with each other to promote the agenda of the World Humanistic Cities Network,” the mayor said.
The assembly also adopted the WHCN’s official charter, establishing the framework for deeper collaboration and shared policy development.
The conversations in Andong made a strong impression on the mayor, particularly as the council prepares its 2026 budget.
“Our budget for 2026 should be human centred. It should take care of all aspects that involve humanity, leaving no one behind, Mayor Fongu Cletus said. He added that even within limited resources, the council must ensure that all residents benefit from development.
Water access remains one of his immediate priorities.
“Water is good. Water means good health,” he said, noting that the council will push ahead with measures to improve supply across neighbourhoods. Alongside infrastructure, he emphasised the need for stronger support to vulnerable families.
“There are people across the municipality who cannot send children to school... There are people mainly living by chance. We have to encourage them and make sure everybody is on board.” The Mayor explained
As Bamenda III enters its next planning cycle, the Mayor says the council will apply the principles reinforced in South Korea: policies built around people, projects that improve daily life and a firm commitment to inclusive development.
By Bakah Derick with reports
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