Beijing September 25, 2024: The “Building Smart City in a Changing World” Forum was recently held at China National Convention Center, Beijing, co-hosted by the Institute for Global Cooperation and Understanding (iGCU), Peking University, the Institute for Urban Internationalization Studies, and Zhejiang International Studies University. 

Group photo of the forum

The forum attracted more than 100 government officials, experts, and media representatives from 30 countries and regions, with around 60% of participants being foreign guests. 

Fang Fang (left), Mao Zhenhua (right) deliver opening remarks

The opening remarks was delivered by Fang Fang, vice president of Peking University and Mao Zhen Hua, vice president of Zhejiang International Studies Univerisity. The keynote speeches were delivered by experts and officials including the United Nations Resident Coordinator in China Siddharth Chatterjee, former Vice Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee Yu Hongjun, and Director of iGCU Jia Qingguo.

Siddharth Chatterjee (left), Yu Hongjun (Center), Jia Qingguo (right) deliver speeches

During the forum, the "2024 League of Arab States (LAS) Smart City Ranking" Report were released by Chen Xi, a professor at Zhejiang International Studies University. The report evaluated 62 cities from the Arab League based on indicators such as digital infrastructure, traditional infrastructure, and institutional infrastructure. 

The report shows that Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, Mecca were ranked among the top 10% smart city. The report further suggests technology serves as the starting point for promoting regional integration and equitable development, while global governance is the key to achieving this goal. Professor Chen Xi expressed hope for continued collaboration with international representatives to advance the development of smart cities. The report plays a crucial role in the discourse on global smart cities. It further enhances the discourse power Chinese scholars hold on this field. 

Seminar sessions

The forum also invited scholars and experts from different fields to participate in three seminars titled "Smart City and Regional Integration," "International Relations and Regional Integration," and "Global Governance, International Finance, and Regional Integration." These discussions covered a wide range of areas such as the future development of smart cities, the issue of unemployment brought by technological progress, methods of international cooperation, and the dynamics of market forces in the digital economy.

Written by: Hui Qin
Edited by: Aden Tan
Source: PKU News (Chinese)