The 2025 SDG Cities Global Conference commenced in Shanghai on Sunday, highlighting the city’s pioneering role in advancing sustainable urban development worldwide. The event unveiled the latest edition of the Shanghai Manual, a comprehensive document featuring 21 case studies from 11 countries. These case studies span diverse areas such as urban planning, economic revitalization, community governance, transportation, cultural tourism, climate and energy, ecological protection, and digital governance. The manual serves as a vital resource for cities globally, offering replicable models and policy insights for creating people-centered smart cities.
Among the showcased examples, eight are from China, with two standout initiatives from Shanghai. The Dongming Road community in Pudong New Area leverages modern technologies to enhance youth participation, addressing the live-work separation challenge faced by younger residents. The community developed a mobile app featuring a 3D replica of the area, augmented reality oral history systems, and gamified elements to foster engagement and rediscovery of the neighborhood.
Another notable example is the Shanghai metro’s smart maintenance project, which represents the nation’s first complete digital transformation in rail transit. Integrating industrial internet, artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing, the project shifts from reactive maintenance to proactive real-time monitoring, significantly improving efficiency and reducing response times.
The conference also introduced the Shanghai Award, an international accolade recognizing cities excelling in sustainable development. Jointly presented by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme and the Shanghai government, the award aims to amplify the voices of developing and least developed countries in global governance.
Shanghai’s influence extends beyond its borders, with its ’15-minute community life circles’ concept gaining traction globally. This model, which ensures all essential services are within a 15-minute walk, has inspired cities like Paris and Milan. Additionally, the conference released international standards for green block design, developed by the World Green Design Organization, with plans for global expansion.
Experts and delegates lauded Shanghai’s innovative approaches, emphasizing their potential to shape the future of urban development worldwide.