The Belt and Road 20 Cities Sustainable Development Initiative

Sustainable development is the inevitable choice for the prosperity and progress of human society, and cities are important carriers of sustainable development. We need to join hands more than ever to implement the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which recently has fallen short of expectations due to factors such as frequent extreme weather and the weak recovery of the world economy. The co-construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), an important platform and roadmap for building a community with a shared future for mankind, is highly compatible with the UN 2030 Agenda. Over the past decade, it has provided strong support and injected strong impetus for the implementation of sustainable development goals.

Since its establishment in 2019, the Alliance has been focusing on sustainable urban development to promote intercity cooperation along the Belt and Road. Dialogues and exchange activities have been conducted, thematic research results published, and international platforms created to pool strength for the UN 2030 Agenda. We restart with in-depth focus on livable, resilient, smart, innovative,green and cultural aspects of a sustainable city, leverage their role as a main player to expand practical cooperation, and work with our partners to advance the 2030 Agenda, and promote the BRI cooperation on the sustainable development.

We propose to build comfortable, convenient and livable cities. Create more livable cities through a people-centered approach with intensive and efficient production space, livable and convenient living space, and beautiful ecological space, making cities a beautiful home where people live in harmony and with the nature.

We propose to build safe, agile and resilient cities. Urban resilience shall be evaluated according to the principles of systematization,flexibility, and synergy, emergency response be guaranteed in line with the holistic approach of preparedness and response, and requirements of resilient cities be integrated into the entire process of urban planning, construction, and management.

We propose to build efficient and smart cities. In the principles of developing intensive, efficient, economical, smart, green, and safe and reliable cities, we strive to build digitalized, connected and intelligent new infrastructure, mainstream smart city into urban management services, and enhance the sense of gain, happiness and security of urban residents.

We propose to build dynamic and innovative cities. As innovation continues to be the primary driving force for development, the path and institutional space shall be expanded for citizens, enterprises and institutions to participate in urban innovation. The integration of innovation chains, industry chains, capital chains, and talent chains shall be deepened to stimulate innovation and cultivate urban culture of innovation, vitality, and cohesion.

We propose to build clean and low-carbon cities. The concept of green, low-carbon and ecological civilization shall be reflected in the whole process of urban development, a low-carbon circular economy be developed, and compact cities be built to promote green and low-carbon production, lifestyle and urban operation.

We propose to build inclusive, harmonious and cultural cities. In the principle of equality, inclusiveness and mutual learning among civilizations, the protection of cultural diversity shall be stressed, social inclusiveness be enhanced, the unique historical context and soul of each city be continued to enhance the sense of belonging and cultural confidence.

We welcome cities, institutions and enterprises committed to sustainable development to join the Alliance and carry out in-depth cooperation in terms of rules and standards, key technologies, policy tools, projects and talents, investment and financing, jointly explore high-quality urban development paths and models, share development experience, and contribute to the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.