Chongqing's Vision for Smart Cities: A Path Towards Sustainable Urban Futures

On October 28, 2025, the city of Chongqing hosted the World Cities Day China Observance, under the theme "People-Centered Smart Cities Towards the Future." This two-day event marked a significant milestone, as it was held in China’s central and western regions for the first time. The observance aimed to highlight sustainable urban development strategies that include the use of digital technology to enhance urban living and governance. Anacláudia Rossbach, the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UN-Habitat, commended Chongqing's progress, stating that its innovative use of technology is inspiring and provides valuable lessons to megacities worldwide.

Technology Serving Citizens

At the heart of Chongqing's initiatives is the belief that technology should serve its citizens. Kazuko Ishigaki, Regional Director of UN-Habitat ROAP, emphasized that a smart city concept extends beyond technology—it's fundamentally about people. She articulated that while technology can enhance living conditions, the true measure of a smart city lies in its ability to prioritize citizen needs and foster inclusivity. This aligns well with the central message of the event and reflects UN-Habitat’s vision for building people-centered smart cities across the globe.

During the exhibition at the observance, foreign visitors had the opportunity to interact with robots designed to improve urban life. These interactions showcased the potential of robotics in housing, public services, and urban governance, opening up discussions on how such technologies can streamline services and improve living conditions for urban populations.

The Global Urban Future

The 2025 observance featured a series of activities including multiple forums, exhibitions, and field trips designed to amplify the dialogue around sustainable urban practices. The event highlighted Chongqing's Voluntary Local Reviews and the Chongqing Initiative, demonstrating its commitment to global urban sustainability. Vuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela, a Deputy Speaker from South Africa, remarked on the importance of sustainable urbanization and acknowledged how China’s commitment to smart city innovations aligns with needs across the globe. With more than 68% of the world's population now living in urban areas, the need for cities to adopt sustainable practices has never been more pressing. Mhlakaza-Manamela noted that the investment in infrastructure and smart technology in Chongqing could provide critical insights for other cities around the world.

Sustainable Development Goals in Action

Throughout the observance, discussions emphasized the importance of aligning local urban policies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations. The event served to reinforce global partnerships aimed at fostering resilient and sustainable urban development outcomes. By showcasing successful case studies and practical implementations in Chongqing, the observance motivated other cities to consider innovative solutions in their urban planning efforts.

In addition, the release of the 2025 Annual Report of the Shanghai Manual underscored China's ongoing contributions toward advancing global urban sustainability. The manual serves as a guide to best practices for sustainable urban development in the 21st century and reflects collaborative efforts towards creating livable, inclusive cities.

A Call for Action

Looking forward, the vision for urban development extends beyond technology. It calls for collective action from governments, private sectors, and civil society to prioritize the needs of citizens in every urban planning initiative. With an emphasis on digital innovation, housing, governance, and infrastructure, Chongqing’s initiatives could serve as a model for cities striving to develop in a sustainable and citizen-centric manner.

As World Cities Day approaches on October 31 each year, celebrations like the one in Chongqing offer a platform for cities worldwide to share ideas and strategies for creating more connected, sustainable communities that prioritize the well-being of their inhabitants. The road ahead is paved with challenges, but with collaboration and a commitment to innovation, the path to a sustainable urban future can be achieved.