Today, the 2025 Workshop for Thought Leaders officially opened in Guangzhou. The event is hosted by the World Association of the Major Metropolises (Metropolis) and organized by the Guangzhou Institute for Urban Innovation (GIUI). With the theme “Digital Technology: Accelerating the Local Implementation of the Global Agendas,” the event brought together more than 80 city representatives, leaders of international organizations, and urban governance experts from 19 cities across 11 countries, who gathered in Guangzhou to exchange ideas on sustainability, digital transformation, and inclusive development.

The Opening remarks were delivered by Jordi Vaquer, Secretary General of Metropolis; Maria Andreevna Bagreeva, Deputy Mayor of Moscow and Head of the Moscow Department for Economic Policy and Development; and Huang Guanglie, Deputy Secretary-General of the People's Government of Guangzhou Municipality.

As a representative of the event’s organizers, Jordi Vaquer extended a warm welcome to all guests. He noted that since 2012, the Metropolis has partnered with Guangzhou. Through platforms like the Guangzhou Award, an international stage for urban governance and exchange was built. He stressed that this workshop is more than just a gathering of urban leaders, thinkers, and practitioners; it is a space for significant dialogue, reflection, and mutual inspiration. In today's world of constant change, where cities are at the forefront of climate action, social care, equity, and digital transformation, such dialogue-driven learning platforms have become more critical than ever.

Ms. Bagreeva expressed her admiration for Guangzhou’s openness and innovation, noting that it was her first visit to China. She thanked the organizers for creating a valuable platform for global urban exchange and highlighted the cooperation between Moscow and the GIUI on climate-related issues. Emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in addressing shared urban challenges, she quoted a Chinese proverb: “When many people add firewood, the flames rise high,” calling for joint efforts and open dialogue to advance sustainable urban development.

Huang Guanglie congratulated the organizers on hosting the event. He noted that Guangzhou, as a national central city and core engine of the Greater Bay Area, is advancing high-quality development and digital transformation. With global cities facing multifaceted challenges, enhanced cooperation is imperative. Since its inception in 2012, the Guangzhou Award has successfully hosted six editions, showcasing over 1,600 urban innovation cases from 653 cities across 101 countries, making ongoing contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He stated that this workshop, focusing on digital technology and sustainable development, provides a vital platform for global cities to share their expertise. Guangzhou will further leverage the Guangzhou Award's role in building inclusive and sustainable urban futures.

Nicholas You, Executive Director of the GIUI, moderated the first keynote session and expert discussion. The panel included Jordi Vaquer, Secretary General of Metropolis; Maria Andreevna Bagreeva, Deputy Mayor of Moscow and Head of the Moscow Department for Economic Policy and Development; Zhang Zhenshan, UN-Habitat Programme Manager for China; Chen Boping, Regional Director for East Asia of C40; Wu Qing, Deputy Director General of Foreign Affairs Committee, Standing Committee of Guangdong Provincial People's Congress & Vice President of Guangzhou Academy of Social Sciences; and Usha Mishra Hayes, Chief of Social Policy in UNICEF China. Together, they discussed the topic “Global Partnerships and Local Implementation.”

The experts pointed out that digital technology is playing an increasingly important role in improving urban governance. They emphasized that coordinated innovation in energy transition, smart mobility, and resilience building is becoming essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. By identifying strong local practices and solutions, cities can better respond to the challenges of urbanization and move toward more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous development.

As an extension of the Guangzhou Award, the Workshop aims at conducting an in-depth analysis and sharing of the Guangzhou Award and notable local urban innovation cases, delving into their innovative value and practical experience to offer valuable insights for participants. This year’s four-day event includes site visits to Guangzhou Smart City Operations Center, the headquarter of Guangzhou Public Transport Group, the Old Nanhai County Community in Liurong Street, EHang Smart Future City, and the Parkland Group Beidisha Island Ecological Conservation Program. Participants will also take part in in-depth discussions based on outstanding Guangzhou Award cases, contributing ideas and experience to promote global urban sustainability.