Global Mayors Gather in Ningbo to Discuss Urban Development Strategies

On November 2nd, 2026, Ningbo, a city located in eastern China, became the focal point for global leaders as it hosted the esteemed Global Mayors Dialogue. This event witnessed the congregation of mayors from numerous countries, all eager to share their experiences and foster discussions aimed at enhancing urban development and collaboration.

Ningbo has actively participated in the Belt and Road Initiative, facilitating trade and investment ties with over 220 nations and regions. During the dialogue, the local party secretary, Wang Cheng, highlighted Ningbo’s commitment to strengthening intercity cooperation, mutual learning, and exchange based on shared advantages, thus promoting a favorable business environment and an innovative ecosystem.

The event served as a platform for mayors to discuss critical themes such as economic globalization and the transformative power of advanced technologies in urban landscapes. Wayne Brown, the Mayor of Auckland, New Zealand, emphasized the importance of these subjects, while also spotlighting the geographical and commercial advantages Auckland possesses.

From Morocco, Said Karimi, the Mayor of Errachidia, expressed his aspirations to enhance investment and communications links with cities worldwide, underscoring his city’s rich tourism potential and mineral resources. Meanwhile, Joachim Moyse, the Mayor of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray in France, shared insights into his city’s industrial history while expressing hope for building a bridge of cooperation with Ningbo.

Additional mayors conveyed similar desires to improve collaboration with Ningbo across various sectors including education, culture, and industry. Underlining Ningbo's reliability as a partner, Shen Mingquan, the city's mayor, mentioned that in recent years, Ningbo has bolstered its partnerships with many foreign cities, reinforcing mutual benefits in development initiatives.

Furthermore, Ningbo’s collaborative efforts have crossed borders, with scientific and technological partnerships established with over 100 countries and collaborations with more than 500 foreign universities.

During this significant event, 14 agreements covering education, culture, and commerce were signed, alongside the Ningbo Consensus on collaborative development. This agreement aims to deepen industrial coordination, promote connectivity, and enhance exchanges in culture, education, and health sectors.

The dialogue in Ningbo signifies a collective commitment from global leaders to address urban challenges and explore innovative pathways toward sustainable city development. The conversations fostered during this event will undoubtedly pave the way for future collaborations and shared success in urban management on a global scale.