World Cities Day celebrated in Guangzhou

Oct 31 marked the fourth World Cities Day, an event promoting international interest in global urbanization and cooperation among countries in addressing challenges of urbanization and contributing to sustainable urban development.

The events of the fourth World Cities Day were hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, United Nations Habitat and Guangdong province in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou.  

Guangzhou celebrates the fourth World Cities Day on Oct 31. [Photo/people.cn]

The launch ceremony for the fourth World Cities Day, themed "Innovative governance, Open cities", was attended by over 380 experts and government officials from 40 countries including Wang Menghui, minister of Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development; Joan Clos, under-secretary general of the United Nations; Ma Xingrui, governor of Guangdong province; Wen Guohui, mayor of Guangzhou.

According to Wang, China has experienced the fastest and the largest scale of urbanization since reform and opening-up and great accomplishments in urban development have been achieved. He also said he wished the international community would work together to solve the problems of global urbanization, participate in the activities of World Cities Day, and cooperate to seek a sustainable development for every city.

Ma extended his congratulations on the success of the event and welcomed the attendees. He urged all to use the activities as a platform to promote communication and cooperation and to build greener, more harmonious and livable cities.

Wen delivered a keynote speech at the event emphasizing Guangzhou's determination to take measures to press ahead with the application of the achievements of World Cities Day. Joan spoke also, emphasizing China's efforts and performance in promoting urbanization.

More than 380 experts and government officials attend the major events of the fourth World Cities Day on Oct 31. [Photo/people.cn]