Shanghai launched the 2025 World Design Cities Conference on Thursday under the theme "Design Boosts Flourishing," positioning itself as a nexus for global innovation. Co-hosted by the Shanghai Municipal People's Government and UNESCO, the event seeks to catalyze design-driven industrial transformation and foster international collaboration.
Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng outlined the city's 15-year journey since joining UNESCO's Creative Cities Network, revealing that the local design sector now exceeds 1.6 trillion yuan ($224 billion). "We're accelerating efforts to build a world-class design capital that fuels modern industrial systems and enhances cultural soft power," Gong stated, emphasizing design's role in urban development and public services.
China Media Group Vice President Xing Bo highlighted media's evolving role in design innovation: "Through CMG's global platform, we're reshaping communication with cultural narratives and technological foresight." The conference showcases Shanghai's urban renewal projects and industrial integration strategies, offering blueprints for other Creative Cities Network members.
With over 200 international delegates participating, the event underscores Shanghai's ambition to set global standards in sustainable urban design while strengthening cross-border partnerships in the Asian innovation ecosystem.
