On September 30, 2025, on the occasion of the Metropolis 40th Anniversary Congress, a sharing forum organized by its International Training Institute (MITI) was held in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The forum brought together city leaders, experts, scholars, and industry representatives from around the world to discuss key issues such as smart cities, sustainable development, and climate change. Nicholas You, Executive Director of the Guangzhou Institute for Urban Innovation (GIUI) and International Advisor of the Guangzhou Award, was invited to attend and share the practices and experiences of the Guangzhou Award in advancing urban governance innovation.

During the exchange, Mr. You highlighted the joint release by GIUI and the Metaverse Institute of the Use Cases of People-Centered “Citiverse”. The publication emphasizes a “people-centered” approach, integrating technologies such as digital twins, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things. It features innovative practices including Guangzhou’s Integrated and smart neonatal health management system and Buenos Aires’ Ciudad 3D (Three-Dimensional City). The report aims to provide inspiration for global cities in their digital transformation and to better align technological innovation with people’s needs and sustainable urban development.

Mr. You also shared several award-winning initiatives of the Guangzhou Award, covering areas such as urban resilience, child-friendly cities, and ecological protection. These cases illustrated how cities can effectively address development challenges through multi-stakeholder collaboration, public participation, and systems-based governance.

As a key international partner of the Guangzhou Award, Metropolis has continued to deepen cooperation in areas such as case collection, capacity building, and knowledge sharing. Together, the two sides are committed to strengthening the global network for urban innovation and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.