The 2025 Workshop for Thought Leaders, co-organized by Metropolis and the Guangzhou Institute for Urban Innovation (GIUI), will center around the theme: How can cities effectively harness digital technology to accelerate the local implementation of global development agendas?

This workshop, 3 - 6 June, aims to respond to the urgent need for practical strategies that leverage digital technology to enhance public administration, urban sustainability, resilience, citizen engagement, and service delivery. With its dynamic, solution-oriented approach, the workshop seeks to inspire participants to reimagine their cities in the digital age — where technology is not just a tool but a catalyst for creating smarter, more resilient, and inclusive urban futures. The event will spotlight emerging practices that enhance community resilience, promote sustainability, and strengthen citizen-centered governance in an era of rapid technological transformation.

Since 2014, the Workshop for Thought Leaders has been a flagship platform under the Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation, providing a unique space for global dialogue on urban challenges and innovative solutions. Through four successful editions, the workshop has brought together city leaders, urban practitioners, and private sector stakeholders to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and collaborate on actionable strategies.

Stay tuned! More information will be released soon.