On the occasion of World Cities Day 2024, UN-Habitat Executive Director Ana Claudia Rossbach stated in an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency that China’s people-centered urbanization effectively integrates economic development, sustainability, and social welfare, contributing valuable insights to global sustainable urban development.
Rossbach noted that China has achieved remarkable success in its rapid urbanization. Notably, throughout this process, China has consistently adhered to a people-centered approach, aligning with the principles of the UN's New Urban Agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, representing the correct path for development.
The picturesque Shougang Heyuan Fanxing Rental Community (photographed on October 17, 2024). Located in Shibalidian, Chaoyang District, the Shougang Heyuan Fanxing Rental Community is the largest single affordable rental housing community in Beijing. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
She noted that the intersection of the New Urban Agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is primarily reflected in the area of housing. China has invested substantial funds in building various types of affordable housing, which is an important step toward achieving the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Rossbach stated that China is gradually developing more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive cities, an experience that other countries around the world can learn from. "China's urbanization story demonstrates how to effectively integrate economic development, sustainability, and social welfare, which is immensely valuable."
Rossbach emphasized that it is crucial to view urban development from a more human-centered perspective. "In urban development, only by paying greater attention to both young people and the elderly can we achieve a more harmonious, inclusive, and happy society."
A guesthouse in Xiaoliuba Village, Ziba Street, Liuba County, Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province (drone photo taken on July 24, 2023). (Xinhua/Liu Xiao)
Rossbach believes that the best way to promote global sustainable urban development is through various regional networks and alliances. She noted that an increasing number of cities are organizing local Urban Day events. "If World Cities Day can lead to the formation of more local alliances, thereby promoting international cooperation among these networks and alliances, it will be highly beneficial and will lay a solid foundation for UN-Habitat to fulfill its mission."
October 31 is World Cities Day, the UN’s first international day dedicated to urban issues and the first international day established at the UN through an initiative by the Chinese government. Since its establishment, several global public resources have been created, including the “Shanghai Manual: A Guide for Sustainable Urban Development in the 21st Century”, the “Global Urban Monitoring Framework – Shanghai Adapted Index”, and the “ Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities (Shanghai Award)”.
Permanent venue of the Sino-French Forum on Sustainable Urban Development, photographed on March 19, 2024 (drone photo). (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun.)
Rossbach stated that the “Shanghai Manual”, “Shanghai Award”, and “Shanghai Index” are three key outcomes of collaboration among UN-Habitat, relevant Chinese government departments, and the Shanghai municipal government on the World Cities Day platform. She believes that the global cases and experiences provided by these public resources can showcase new trends and ideas for sustainable urban development. "We must create more platforms for exchanging, sharing, and disseminating information so that cities can learn from each other. We look forward to World Cities Day providing further support for UN-Habitat in sharing knowledge and experiences on sustainable urban development worldwide."
Edited by Jingyuan Zhang with reference to <http://www.news.cn/world/20241031/4987e073853a4a468258c9f12301e730/c.html>
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