From June 3 to 6, 2025, the International Thought Leaders' Workshop will be held in Guangzhou, with the theme "Digital Technology: Accelerating the Local Implementation of the Global Agendas."

This event focuses on the practical applications and institutional integration of digital technologies within urban governance. It explores pathways for localized innovation from a global perspective, addressing key topics such as policy response, service delivery, data governance, and social participation.

Host: World Association of the Major Metropolises (Metropolis)

Organizer: Guangzhou Institute for Urban Innovation (GIUI)

Supporting Organizations: Metropolis Asia-Pacific Regional Secretariat, UCLG Community on Urban Innovation, Southern Finance Omnimedia Corp. (SFC)

The global effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 has encountered significant challenges, with progress in many areas lagging behind expectations. Urbanization continues accelerating, and cities worldwide face mounting pressures from climate change, inequality, and rapid technological disruption. As hubs of innovation and governance, cities play a pivotal role in advancing the SDGs, and digital technology has emerged as a powerful force in this process.

Cities worldwide are leveraging AI, digital twins, and other innovative tools to improve governance, enhance sustainability, and foster inclusive communities. The successful integration of these technologies demands collaboration, knowledge sharing, and a commitment to turning possibilities into action.

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.

Event Details

This workshop will use on-site teaching to promote interactive communication, with formats including keynote speeches, case sharing, roundtable discussions, panel discussions, site visits, and cultural experiences. The event will deeply analyze and share outstanding urban innovation cases from the Guangzhou Award and local successful examples, exploring the innovative value and practical experience of the cases to provide references for participants. At the same time, the event will focus on the real challenges faced by cities, encouraging participants to actively engage in discussions, share experiences, exchange ideas, and propose innovative solutions.

The event will focus on the following three topics:

• Digital Tools for a Better-Planned and Resilient City

• Digital Tools for a More Caring and Inclusive City

• Embracing the Future of Transport, Energy, and Mobility

What is the International Thought Leaders' Workshop?

The International Thought Leaders' Workshop (referred to as the "Workshop") is an important extension mechanism and communication platform of the Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation (Guangzhou Award).

The primary objective of the workshop is to create a global platform for city leaders, urban practitioners, and private sector and civil society stakeholders to engage in peer-to-peer knowledge exchange. 

Since the first "International Thought Leaders' Workshop" in 2015, the Workshop has successfully held four times, bringing together city leaders and experts from around the world to explore cutting-edge urban innovation topics and continuously promote the sharing of global urban governance experiences and capacity building. To date, the event has attracted over 300 mayors, deputy mayors, representatives of international organizations, and city representatives from more than 50 countries.