The thematic forum for the 2023 World Cities Day was held at the Nine Tress Future Art Center in Shanghai on the morning of October 29. With the theme "Inheriting Historical Context & Building Sci-Tech New City," the forum brought together government officials, representatives from cultural and technology enterprises, experts, scholars and various other guests to delve into the sustainable future of cities. Discussions spanned across five dimensions: economy, society, culture, governance and environment. Yuan Quan, Secretary of the CPC Fengxian District Committee, and Luo Dajin, Chairman of Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, attended the event and delivered speeches. Wang Yiqun, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Fengxian District Committee and District Mayor, Zhang Peirong, Chairman of Standing Committee of Fengxian District People's Congress, Chen Yongzhang, Chairman of the CPPCC Fengxian District Committee, and Tang Xiaoteng, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Fengxian District Committee, were also in attendance.

In his address, Yuan Quan emphasized that Fengxian is currently positioned as the "western gateway of the Special Area, the urban hub of southern Shanghai, and the dynamic new city in the Yangtze River Delta." By capitalizing on multiple opportunities such as the strategic national development of the Special Area and the construction of the "Five New Cities," Fengxian is experiencing high-quality and efficient economic growth, rapid urban-rural transformation, improved ecological conditions and enhanced well-being for the residents. As a result, a livable and business-friendly new city in southern Shanghai, with boundless potential, is about to take off. Looking ahead, Fengxian will seize this forum as a catalyst to embark on a new journey, upholding the principles of "a 'People's City' by the people and for the people." With the vision of "a new city that remains advanced even after thirty years," Fengxian aims to promote the creative transformation and innovative development of the "Culture of Beautiful Fengxian." Through technological innovation, Fengxian will spearhead a transformation in its development approach, activate the enduring and profound power of cultural confidence, and harness the wellspring of technological self-improvement. The ultimate goal is to build a beautiful, livable and vibrant district, a future city that people yearn for, truly placing Fengxian in the global spotlight and facilitating its integration with the world.

Luo Dajin stated in his address that accelerating the development of the new city is both a practical measure to embody the important expositions of General Secretary Xi Jinping on urban work and a significant decision to improve the strategy for urbanization development. Moreover, it provides a fresh and important platform for driving the establishment of Shanghai as an international hub for scientific and technological innovation. In the coming years, the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality will consistently grasp the logic of technology, market and governance. It will leverage the advantageous location and resource endowment of the new city, with a primary focus on optimizing the strategic allocation of technology. This will accelerate the transformation of new technologies and achievements into productive forces. Efforts will also be directed towards creating an ecosystem conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship, continuously igniting new drivers of development. Furthermore, the city's humanistic and ecological environment will be enhanced, facilitating the harmonious integration and reciprocal influence of outstanding culture and cutting-edge technology. This pragmatic approach, where the power of culture reinforces the strength of science and technology, will be effectively pursued.

At the forum, Xu Zhihu, Director of the Shanghai Municipal Urban Management and Law Enforcement Bureau, and Deputy District Chief Tian Zhe unveiled the publication of the book series titled Shanghai Practice (fully titled Exploration and Practice of Building the "People's City" in Shanghai in the New Era). Deputy District Chief Wang Chun was present at the event.

 

 

 

At the conference, Liu Qianwei, Chief Engineer of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, Xiao Qianhui, President of China Smart Tourism Association, Xie Xuefang, Deputy Dean of School of Humanities, Tongji University, recipient of the Changjiang Young Scholars Program by the Ministry of Education and Chairperson of Committee of Experts on Cultural Metaverse of China Cultural Industry Association, and Fu Xianglin, President of the Shanghai Gewu Culture Development Research Institute, shared their perspectives on urban development. They delivered insightful presentations along four main themes respectively, namely, "Urban Renewal and the Preservation of Historical Context," "The Transformation of Internet-famous Destinations into Cultural City Landmarks," "Empowering Urban Cultural Innovation through the Cultural Metaverse," and "The Role of Culture in Driving the Construction of Science and Technology New Cities in the Digital Era." Their engaging discussions were supported by comprehensive case studies and presented in a clear and coherent manner.

Under the theme of "Inheritance and Innovation: The 'Code' for the High-quality Development of New Cities," Zhang Bin, Head of Investment and Financing Center at SICC, Deng Haoxian, General Manager of Office Division for China at Hongkong Land Limited, Hou Quan, Chief Planner of Shanghai Fengxian New City Construction Development Co., Ltd., and Liu Chong, General Manager of Arctron, participated in a roundtable discussion. The discussion explored the dimensions of culture and technology.

On the same afternoon, the 2023 World Cities Day China-Japan Urban Fine Management Seminar was held. Wang Weiren, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, Wang Yiqun, and Takenaka Keiichi, Deputy Consul General of the Consulate-General of Japan in Shanghai, addressed the event. The seminar revolved around three key topics: improving environmental quality in priority areas, the development of integrated underground spaces, and the modernization of segment infrastructures. During the event, representatives from China and Japan alike delivered keynote speeches on these topics. Furthermore, there were discussions held on the topic of "Craftsmanship for Quality Renewal."