The World Design Cities Conference (WDCC) 2024, co-organized by the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), commenced on Friday in Shanghai Municipality, east China.
Under the theme of “Design Reframing Growth“, the event aims to build a platform for global design collaboration and exchange. Scheduled to last until Monday, it seeks to explore design-driven approaches for new quality productive development and promote the integration of design into all aspects of urban and daily life.
At the opening ceremony, Shen Haixiong, president of China Media Group, highlighted Shanghai’s pivotal role in advancing Chinese modernization. He emphasized the city’s commitment to embedding design concepts into urban development, enhancing the design industry’s empowering role, and merging global perspectives with local characteristics. This approach, he noted, showcases the allure of a modern socialist international metropolis.
Gong Zheng, mayor of Shanghai, underscored the city’s dedication to leveraging the comprehensive value and diverse functions of design. “We aim to cultivate and develop new quality productive forces, using design to empower industrial innovation,” said Gong. “By strengthening design innovation and system integration in key areas, we can respond to cutting-edge technologies and industrial needs.”
Gong also noted that Shanghai will focus on building a people-oriented city by promoting the deep integration of design into urban renewal, public services, cultural development, and other aspects. “We are fostering high-level openness through design as a means of global communication,” he added.
The WDCC 2024 serves as a significant platform for international designers, industry leaders, and policymakers to collaborate and exchange ideas. The conference aims to harness the power of design to drive sustainable growth and enhance the quality of life in urban environments.
Reference(s):
Global conference highlighting power of design opens in Shanghai
cgtn.com
