Global Mayors Gather in Guangzhou

The Global Mayors’ Forum and the fourth Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation (Guangzhou Award) are set to open on December 6 in Guangzhou, capital of southern China’s Guangdong Province, according to a recent news conference.

Representatives from more than 70 cities across Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania and the Americas are expected to attend the three-day forum.

“The forum is expected to inspire cities in different countries and regions to promote world peace and openness and achieve win-win cooperation with inclusiveness and innovation,” declared Chen Zhiying, executive vice mayor of Guangzhou.

The forum will cover topics including the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Belt and Road Initiative, cultural legacy and innovation, block chain, urban transportation and green development.

The biennial Guangzhou Award, launched in 2012, is open to all cities and local governments across the world to submit successful projects in urban innovation that are ongoing or completed within the past two years.

The Guangzhou Award is co-sponsored by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Municipal Government of Guangzhou, with additional contributions from international organizations such as United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and the World Association of Major Metropolises.