#China #Shanghai #Suzhou Creek #Huangpu River

Our Water Season 2: Flowing from Shanghai

An Overview of the Initiative

The Our Water initiative is bringing together cultural and economic dialogues between cities that share waterways. Building on the success of its inaugural season, which focused on exchanges between Shanghai and Paris, the second season will launch on June 10, 2025, coinciding with the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. This year's program spans six days and six events in London, aiming to foster collaborative initiatives among global cities while addressing critical themes related to urban development, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.

At the center of this dialogue are two prominent water bodies in Shanghai: Suzhou Creek and the Huangpu River, both revered as the city’s 'mother rivers.' Over the past three decades, significant restoration work on these waterways has transformed them into vibrant public spaces, enriching the urban landscape and enhancing the economic environment for residents and businesses. The revitalization efforts focused on improving public access to waterfronts and created dynamic spots for leisure and tourism.

Goals and Themes of Season 2

The Our Water project seeks to harness the historical and cultural significance of rivers to inspire dialogue and collaboration. The relationship between rivers, cities, and their inhabitants plays a pivotal role in shaping our civilizations. Our Water invites participants to explore key topics like urban governance, cultural creativity, and industrial advancement.

Launch Ceremony and Key Events

The Season 2 Launch Ceremony will take place in Whitehall Place, near the Thames River, symbolically linking shared histories of Shanghai and London. The initiative includes various events, such as:

• - Surging Tides of the Huangpu River History and Renewal Exhibition
• - COINect Special Exhibition on Sino-British Numismatic Culture
• - Codes of Tides Multimedia Exhibition
• - A Bite of Shanghai Chinese Cuisine Night
• - Forging Global Synergy: A Cambridge Waterside Saloon event, focusing on sustainable urban development.

Keynote Sessions and Discussion Topics

Distinguished panelists will gather for discussions centered around the concept of zero-carbon waterfronts, with insights from experts such as Lou Yongqi, Vice President of the China Industrial Design Association, and Christoph Lindner, CEO of the Royal College of Art. The dialogues will delve into waterfront revitalization's impact on urban innovation and the post-pandemic transformation of city spaces.

Moreover, a significant portion of the forum will explore financial synergies between the two cities. London’s financial hub along the Thames has global influence, while Shanghai is enhancing its financial connectivity through several initiatives aimed at cross-border investments and cooperation.

Creative Renewal and Sustainable Development

A notable addition to this year's dialogue is the launch of the Sino-British Waterfront Districts Sustainable Development Collaborative Initiative. This initiative, unveiled by officials from Shanghai and UK cities, is designed to promote smart, resilient, and inclusive waterfront growth. It aims to transform urban waterfronts from mere physical upgrades into thriving eco-cultural-economic complexes.

The initiative emphasizes achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals while fostering strong partnerships between creative industries in Shanghai and London. With both cities designated as UNESCO Creative Cities, they will benefit from exchanging strategies on fostering creativity and innovation to address global challenges, including climate change.

The Future of Our Water Initiatives

The Our Water initiative is not just a fleeting dialogue; it symbolizes a commitment to ongoing exploration of cultural exchanges and financial cooperation. As the program continues with planned events in Shanghai later in the year, it stands as a testament to the potential for global collaboration among cities shaped by rivers. This multifaceted approach to dialogue encourages diverse perspectives and anticipates a future where urban development is intertwined with cultural richness and environmental sustainability.

Through these initiatives, the belief prevails that one day, the paths of two great rivers will align, forging a stronger global community through shared experiences and understanding.