Global participants gather in Guangzhou for common urbanization endeavors

Some 600 participants will gather in Guangzhou for common endeavors of cities around the world to shape a promising future, as the 2014 China International Friendship Cities Conference (CIFCC) and the Guangzhou International Urban Innovation Conference (GIUIC) convene from Thursday to Saturday.

The participants will comprise mayors from cities around the world, local government officials, economists and industry leaders.

They are expected to draw inspiration from innovative ideas and successful initiatives and facilitate the sharing, promotion and application of advanced experiences in urban governance for common development and prosperity among cities across the globe.

Such international events between sister cities are now “a significant part” of China’s foreign exchange, Li Xiaolin, president of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, said in Chengdu at the closing ceremony of the 2012 CIFCC.

This year’s conferences open as China makes strenuous effort to transform itself into a more qualitative and sustainable growth model.

China’s National New Urbanization Plan (2014-2020) issued in March 2014 emphasizes the importance of sustainable development and sets out a clear vision of green eco-low-carbon smart develop¬ment.

Cities constitute a crucial symbol of progress of human civilization, while innovation represents an inexhaustible reservoir of drive for sustainability of those cities.

After the opening ceremony, the double events will feature a series of VIP talks, discussions and seminars.

Under the theme of “Friendly Cities and Urban Innovation”, a Top Talk of Global Cities will bring cities and local government leadership from various continents together to discuss urban administration and innovation in the ever-changing world and how friendly cities can promote exchanges and cooperation.

Former vice president of the World Bank and economist Justin Yifu Lin will serve as the guest interviewer.

The session will be followed by a series of seminars respectively on urbanization and smart cities, the New Silk Road and local government cooperation, as well as a designated one emphasizing the significant role of enterprises in urban innovation.

The double events will also include the awards ceremony of this year’s Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation (Guangzhou Award), a biennial arrangement since 2012 to encourage urban innovative initiatives and share their experiences globally.

zhanghaizhou@chinadaily.com.cn