He Lifeng Attends World Cities Day Global Observance and Shanghai Award Ceremony in Fuzhou

Vice Premier of the State Council He Lifeng participated in the opening ceremony for the 2026 World Cities Day global event, which was coupled with the presentation of the fourth Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities, commonly known as the Shanghai Award. The high-profile gathering took place in Fuzhou, bringing together international delegates to discuss the future of urban environments and sustainable growth.

During his visit to the Fujian provincial capital, He Lifeng also held a bilateral meeting with Anacláudia Rossbach, the Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). Their conversation focused on strengthening cooperation between China and the UN agency to advance global urban development agendas, specifically emphasizing the creation of inclusive, resilient, and sustainable human settlements.

The event served as a major platform for showcasing innovative urban solutions. Throughout the proceedings, participants examined how cities can better adapt to the challenges of modern urbanization, including climate change, infrastructure development, and social integration. The Shanghai Award, now in its fourth iteration, highlighted cities that have demonstrated exceptional progress in implementing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, setting benchmarks for urban centers across the globe.

Fuzhou’s selection as the host city provided a unique backdrop for these discussions. Known for its rich cultural history and recent strides in ecological preservation and urban planning, the city offered a practical example of the themes discussed during the conference. Attendees explored the concept of “urban elegance,” reflecting on how historical preservation can coexist with rapid modernization.

The summit garnered significant attention from various media outlets, which analyzed the success stories of award-winning cities, such as Jingdezhen, and evaluated how Fuzhou addressed contemporary urban dilemmas. By bringing together policymakers, urban planners, and international representatives, the 2026 World Cities Day observance underscored the importance of collective global action in shaping the cities of tomorrow. The event concluded with a renewed commitment from the participating nations and organizations to prioritize sustainable development as a core pillar of global urban policy.

Sources: 人民网-福建频道

Aggregated summary. Original: 人民网-福建频道