Shanghai redefines sustainability with innovative practices

At the 2023 World Cities Day event held in Shanghai, Liang Jian’an, an official at the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Housing and Urban Development shared his opinion on urban development and Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities, also known as Shanghai Award.

The inaugural Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities was announced during the opening ceremony of the 2023 World Cities Day. The award was initiated at the first meeting of the UN-HABITAT Executive Board on March 30, 2022.

The award aims to promote the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the New Urban Agenda, respond positively to global development initiatives and recognize cities that offer integrated solutions for sustainable development.

“Sustainability is a keyword of the event and all the related activities. What is sustainable development? In the last three years, Shanghai has been exploring refined management, which is a practice for sustainable development,” Lian said.

He noted that Shanghai has also carried out renovation programs in 10 old communities. The programs aimed to retain the original appearance and cultural heritage of the city while improving basic functions, enables residents to live a better life and meet their expectations.