Xi'an, Shaanxi – Forget city hall meetings. This month, the ancient Chinese capital of Xi'an transformed into a futuristic think tank as mayors from across the globe gathered for the "2026 Global Mayors Dialogue." 🌐 The vibe? Pure innovation, with a side of rich history.
Representatives from cities in Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, New Zealand, Tunisia, and Oman huddled with local officials. Their mission? To crack the code on building better cities by blending cutting-edge tech with deep cultural roots. The theme was all about "Empowering High-Quality Urban Development Through Technology and Culture." Think smart cities, but with soul. 💡
Xi'an Mayor Ye Niuping kicked things off by sharing how the city has been leveling up. In recent years, Xi'an has used tech to breathe new life into its ancient stories and landmarks, creating cool, immersive experiences that mix culture, tourism, and innovation. It's like history got a major software update!
The international guests were seriously impressed. Tania Tapsell, Mayor of Rotorua in New Zealand, was all about Xi'an's tech hustle and strong manufacturing game. She spotted big opportunities for teaming up, especially in blending cultural tourism with green energy—like Rotorua's famous geothermal power. "Our shared focus on sustainable development is a powerful starting point," she noted.
The conversation quickly zoomed in on two mega-trends: the green transition and digital transformation. Jamal Abu Obeid from Ramtha, Jordan, pointed to exciting possibilities for deeper collaboration with Xi'an in smart city tech, digital tools, protecting cultural heritage, and boosting youth exchanges. The goal? Turning all this chat into real, tangible projects.
By the end of the dialogue, the group had a game plan. They released the "Xi'an Consensus on Silk Road Urban Development," a shared commitment focusing on four key areas: safeguarding cultural heritage, using tech as a superpower, going green, and fostering more people-to-people connections. It's a blueprint for building the resilient, vibrant, and connected cities of tomorrow—starting today. ✨
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Global mayors gather in Xi'an to explore tech-driven urban growth
cgtn.com
