Global experts to discuss urban innovation and governance in Guangzhou

The Global Mayors' Forum (GMF) and the 2018 Guangzhou International Urban Innovation Conference will be held in Guangzhou from Dec 6 to 8 along with the Awards Ceremony of the 4th Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation.

The GMF and the 2018 Guangzhou International Urban Innovation Conference are being held by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), Guangzhou municipal people's government, and international organizations such as the World Organization of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and the World Association of Major Metropolises. More than 40 leaders from all over the world are expected to attend the events.

The GMF is a three-day international conference held annually by the GMF Council and is based around the field of urban development. The forum aims to establish a platform for multilateral exchanges and cooperation among governments to promote global urban governance and sustainable development.

The forum is divided into several sessions with different focuses, including blockchain technology in city management, urban development of the Greater Bay Area, urban green development, and more. 

The Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation (the Guangzhou Award) is co-sponsored by UCLG, Metropolis and the City of Guangzhou. The Guangzhou Award, presented biennially, is open to all cities and local governments with successful initiatives in urban innovation. It aims to honor global cities and governments in the field of urban innovation governance. Over the past three terms, more than 150 cities from more than 50 countries and regions have signed up to participate in the evaluation, and more than 700 projects have been evaluated.

The 4th Guangzhou International Urban Innovation Awards will be held on Dec 7. Five award-winning cities and one most popular city will be selected and announced from among the 15 shortlisted cities.