Xi'an, China – April 30, 2026 – The historic city of Xi'an recently became a hub for global urban innovation as mayors and city representatives from across the world gathered for the main dialogue session of the "2026 Global Mayors Dialogue." Held under the theme "Empowering High-Quality Urban Development Through Technology and Culture," the event fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas on building the cities of the future.
Representatives from countries and regions, including Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, New Zealand, Tunisia, and Oman, joined their counterparts from the Chinese mainland to explore collaborative pathways. The discussions underscored a shared commitment to leveraging technology as a catalyst for sustainable and culturally rich urban growth.
In his address, Xi'an Mayor Ye Niuping outlined the city's strategy of using technological innovation to breathe new life into its profound historical and cultural legacy. "We have focused on building new integrated scenarios that combine culture, technology, and tourism," Mayor Ye explained. "This approach not only revitalizes our ancient heritage sites but also showcases their significance through modern, innovative methods."
International participants expressed keen interest in Xi'an's development model. Tania Tapsell, Mayor of Rotorua in New Zealand, praised Xi'an's "strong momentum in technological innovation, solid manufacturing base, and rapid business growth." She identified clear synergies, particularly in cultural tourism integration and the development of geothermal energy, aligning with a mutual focus on sustainability.
The twin pillars of green transition and digital transformation were central themes throughout the dialogue. Jamal Abu Obeid, Chairman of the Municipal Council of Ramtha in Jordan, highlighted promising areas for deeper collaboration with Xi'an, such as digital technology applications, smart city development, cultural heritage protection, and youth exchanges. He emphasized the collective goal of turning dialogue into actionable projects.
A key outcome of the gathering was the release of "The Xi'an Consensus on Silk Road Urban Development" under the Global Mayors Dialogue framework. The consensus document outlines a shared vision focusing on four critical areas: cultural heritage preservation, technological empowerment for urban management, green and low-carbon transition, and fostering people-to-people exchanges.
The dialogue in Xi'an serves as a testament to the growing global recognition of Asian cities as laboratories for 21st-century urban solutions. By bridging ancient cultural wisdom with cutting-edge technology, the forum charted a course for cities worldwide to develop in a way that is economically dynamic, environmentally responsible, and deeply connected to their unique identities.
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Global mayors gather in Xi'an to explore tech-driven urban growth
cgtn.com
