Ningbo Consensus on Collaborative Development Announced at 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue
The 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue held in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China, from November 2 to 5, concluded with the unveiling of the Ningbo Consensus on collaborative development. This significant event brought together over 260 participants, including mayors and their representatives from 20 cities across 15 countries, as well as influential organizations such as the UN Global Compact.
Aimed at fostering open connectivity for shared opportunities, the dialogue underscored the importance of cooperative economic strategies among global leaders. The three core agreements reached included deepening industrial cooperation, maintaining open trade, and enhancing exchanges among peoples. These points reflect a commitment to leveraging industrial development through collaborative approaches, creating opportunities through openness, and establishing closer ties between communities.
The participants acknowledged the significance of adapting to the global economy's progression and the need for urban prosperity and well-being. They discussed pairing their respective strengths and resources to identify comparative advantages while exploring distinct, open development paths. Promoting resource sharing and complementarity is vital for encouraging bilateral investments. Moreover, they aim to create an environment conducive to innovation, fostering mutual benefits and collaborative success in the global marketplace.
On the trade front, the mayors pledged to uphold the multilateral trade system vigorously. They recognized the necessity of enhancing connectivity, ensuring an orderly flow and effective allocation of production factors, and preserving stable supply chains. Open dialog for resolving disputes was also emphasized, illustrating a commitment to constructive engagement and mutual understanding in today’s complex economic landscape.
Further, the representatives expressed their intentions to bolster interactions in culture, education, health, and other vital sectors. They highlighted the need for effective mechanisms to foster people's exchanges, enhancing mutual understanding while deepening cultural cooperations to prevent conflicts. Promoting the sharing of knowledge and learning among civilizations was also stressed as essential for overcoming differences.
Looking forward, the continuation of the dialogue's mission is clear: promote openness, connectivity, and the sharing of development opportunities while establishing innovative inter-city cooperation mechanisms. This commitment is not just about fostering economic ties, but also about developing mutual understanding and trust among cities globally, contributing significantly to the sustainable development goals that define today's urban landscapes.
Organized by the Ningbo Municipal People’s Government along with the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government and Xinhua News Agency, this dialogue signifies a pivotal step towards creating a sustainable and cooperative future for cities worldwide. Through such collaborative efforts, cities can transform economic prospects and enhance the collective well-being of their populations, setting a precedent for future engagements in city governance and international cooperation.