The 2nd Workshop for Thought Leaders is getting underway at Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, attracting global experts to focus on innovation in urban transportation for the future city, from Oct 30 to Nov 3.

The symposium has drawn more than 30 experts, scholars and urban governors to take part in sharing their knowledge and experiences in urban mobility innovation. 

The opening ceremony was chaired by Mr. Liu Baochun, Director General of Guangzhou Foreign Affairs Office. Mr. Chen Zhiying, Executive Vice Mayor of Guangzhou, Dr. Li Shanming, Vice President of Sun Yat-sen University, Ms. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, Secretary General of the United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific (UCLG-ASPAC), and Mr. Octavio de la Varga, Secretary-General of the World Association of the Major Metropolises (Metropolis), were in attendance and delivered speeches.

The five-day event focusing on urban mobility and innovation, features keynote speeches, panel discussions, case studies, group discussions, field studies and cultural activities.

Participants will share the latest developments in transportation as well as explore how to build a safe, convenient, efficient, green and intelligent transportation system.

Participants of the 2nd Workshop for Thought Leaders take a group photo in Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, on Oct 30.

Executive Vice Mayor Chen Zhiying said in his speech that as the co-president city of UCLG and the Metropolis, Guangzhou holds the responsibility to build consensus among global administrators and reinforce exchanges on urban management so as to promote public services in all cities.

The workshop for thought leaders was launched in 2015 and is committed to becoming an international platform to share wisdom and achieve cooperation and win-win results.

One of the highlights of the workshop was the opening for application for the 4th Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation on Oct 30.

The workshop is sponsored by Guangzhou Institute for Urban Innovation, UCLG Community on Urban Innovation, UCLG ASPAC and the Metropolis.