World Cities Day Themed Exhibition tours to Shanghai
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of World Cities Day
On October 31, the World Cities Day Themed Exhibition opened to the public to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the United Nations' establishment of World Cities Day. Situated in Shanghai Library East, the exhibition captured the attention of visitors with its informative displays and interactive elements.
Shanghai: A pivotal stop on the exhibition tour
Shanghai proudly stands as the second city on the itinerary of the World Cities Day-themed exhibition tour. This global journey began in Nairobi, Kenya's vibrant capital, earlier in June, and now graces Shanghai with its presence.
Chronological exhibits and global achievements
The exhibition presents a detailed chronicle of the events associated with World Cities Day, highlighting various achievements and showcasing exemplary practices in sustainable urban development from countries around the world. Noteworthy events on display include the Global Observance of World Cities Day, the Urban October festivities, and the founding of the Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities (also known as the Shanghai Award).
Introducing the Shanghai Index and Shanghai Manual
Two significant contributions are featured prominently: the Global Urban Monitoring Framework - Shanghai Application Index (Shanghai Index) and the "Shanghai Manual: A Guide for Sustainable Urban Development in the 21st Century." These initiatives are a testament to the collaborative efforts of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and its worldwide partners in pursuing sustainable development.
Commemorating milestones and global influence
Since the official declaration of World Cities Day by the United Nations General Assembly on Dec 27, 2013, each subsequent event has signified a step forward in the recognition and influence of World Cities Day. The most recent milestone event took place on Oct 28, with the presentation of the Shanghai Award to five commendable cities: Brisbane, Fuzhou, George Town of Penang, Kampala, and Salvador. These achievements highlight the day's growing global influence and provide inspiration for the evolution of urban spaces.
A decade of collaboration and sustainable urban development
Over the past 10 years, World Cities Day has emerged as a pivotal platform for cities worldwide to exchange sustainable development experiences and enhance cooperative efforts. This has significantly augmented cities' economic dynamism, ecological sustainability, resilience and capabilities for enduring growth. The exhibition displays a range of initiatives undertaken across varied urban contexts, illustrating their influence and imparting valuable lessons for attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Exploration of urban themes in the books zone
The books zone offers visitors a retrospective glance at the themes explored during World Cities Day over the past decade. A curated selection of literature on various facets of cities and sustainable development is available, providing deep insight into relevant sectors such as urban planning, green technology, social inclusiveness and urban culture. Notably, visitors can peruse the Shanghai Manual in both English and Chinese versions, which encapsulates the legacy of World Cities Day's first decade.
Enhancing understanding and appreciation through the exhibition
The World Cities Day Themed Exhibition has significantly enriched public comprehension and appreciation of World Cities Day. It offers an enlightening “tour” and a remarkable experience of the collective pursuit of sustainable development by cities worldwide.
