AsiaNet 200491

SHANGHAI, Oct. 31, 2024 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--As an event to mark the World Cities Day, the 2024 World Cities Day China Observance (Shanghai) and 2024 SDG Cities Global Conference, themed "Building People-centered Cities for Better Life," was held on Thursday at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center.

Approximately 350 guests, including domestic and overseas government officials, mayors and delegates from relevant cities, experts and scholars, business professionals, and representatives from relevant international organizations, attended the opening ceremony of the event, which released the Chinese version of the Shanghai Manual · 2024 Annual Report and the UMF-Shanghai Adapted Index: Integrated Indicators and User Guide 2024, according to Shanghai Coordination Center of World Cities Day.

2024 marks the fifth anniversary of the introduction of the "People-centered Cities" concept and the tenth anniversary of World Cities Day. This year, the China Observance (Shanghai) is integrated with the series of fifth-anniversary events to promote the concept, highlighting the core idea of putting people at the center in urban planning and development.

Leveraging the global influence of the World Cities Day, this year’s China Observance (Shanghai) initiated series 2024 World Cities Day thematic activities during Urban October, which created a strong atmosphere of celebrating the event throughout the city, enhancing the sense of participation and achievement among the citizens.

During the opening ceremony, five public brand activities that encourage mass participation and engagement were officially launched. These activities include the  Shanghai Social Organization Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, "Lively Street, Youthful City" Huangpu District Youth Development-Oriented Urban Micro-renewal Competition, the College Student Case Study Competition of City Governance, Shanghai Child-Friendly City · The "Future City Through Children’s Eyes" and the citywalk route exhibition of "People-centered City · Beauty Streets."

During the roundtable forum, representatives of street communities, businesses, and young people related with the Shanghai Manual · 2024 Annual Report engaged in in-depth discussions around key themes such as the co-construction, co-governance and shared development of people-centered cities.

Source: Shanghai Coordination Center of World Cities Day