Forum stresses people-centered urban governance

A new declaration emphasizing people-centered urban governance was released Thursday at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Beijing Forum on Swift Response to Public Complaints.

The "Beijing Declaration on Modernizing Urban Governance (2024)"outlines nine initiatives, including the rule of law, diversity, inclusivity, responsive governance, digital empowerment, ecological sustainability and open exchange.

The declaration underscores the need for cities to balance rapid development with social harmony, safety and public happiness.

This year's forum, themed "Modernizing for People-Centered Urban Governance," opened Wednesday in Beijing. The annual event, which operates under the permanent theme "People's City, Better Future," featured an opening ceremony, a main forum, six parallel sessions and other activities.

Yin Li, Party chief of Beijing, highlighted Beijing's history of integrating cultural heritage with modern governance innovation during the opening ceremony.

"The city's 'Swift Response to Public Complaints' initiative has been a cornerstone of this approach, proactively addressing governance challenges by incorporating public feedback," Yin said. "By resolving diverse issues raised by residents, Beijing has significantly improved its public service delivery, showcasing its ability to adapt to the evolving aspirations of its population."

On Tuesday, dozens of international guests, including government officials, scholars and experts, participated in the "Approaching 12345" event. They visited the 12345 Citizen Service Hotline Reception Hall to observe how public complaints are processed.

Visitors stood alongside operators and listened to citizen calls, gaining firsthand insight into the hotline's role in urban governance reform.

"The 12345 hotline serves as a bridge between the government and citizens, handling more than 24 million appeals annually, exceeding Beijing's population," the organizer said. With over 1,710 operators, the hotline operates 24/7 and manages an average of 65,000 daily appeals.

Andreas Grammatikogiannis, deputy mayor of Athens, Greece, praised the visit, sharing similar practices in Athens, where platforms allow residents to report issues online.

"It's a great opportunity to discuss new ideas, share best practices between the two cities and try to find common solutions to challenges faced in Athens and Beijing," he said.

Co-sponsored by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, China Media Group, the Communist Party of China Beijing Municipal Committee and the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, the forum also welcomed the Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis: Research and Practice, as a co-organizer.

dujuan@chinadaily.com.cn