Global Mayors Convene in Nanjing, Achieve ‘Nanjing Consensus on River City Development’
NANJING, China, Nov. 27, 2025 — From November 19 to 21, the “2025 World Mayors Dialogue: Nanjing”, organized by the Nanjing Municipal People’s Government, was held in Nanjing. Mayors and representatives from sister cities in Brunei, Egypt, and Germany, alongside cities from the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, convened to discuss urban development through the lens of water. Together, they officially unveiled the “Nanjing Consensus on Major River Cities Development”.
As the host city, Nanjing provided a high-level platform for dialogue, enabling guests to immerse themselves in the distinct charm of its urban development through curated on-site visits. At the Xiaoxihu Lake Historical Area, attendees lauded the local “micro-renovation” approach, which adeptly preserves the original street layout and the character of old buildings while harmonizing the lives of residents with the display functions of the scenic area. This model serves as an international benchmark for historical preservation and community revitalization. Along the Yangtze River, the sightings of wild finless porpoises, the pristine water, and the towering buildings on both banks created a harmonious vista, vividly demonstrating Nanjing’s achievements in ecological conservation. The AI-powered intelligent control and real-time environmental monitoring system at Nanjing Steel Group impressed guests, highlighting China’s strides in “smart manufacturing” for carbon reduction and enhanced energy efficiency. Additionally, iconic landmarks such as the Nanjing City Wall Museum and the Zhonghua Gate barbican comprehensively showcased the city’s balanced wisdom in honoring historical inheritance and fostering modern development.
Throughout the event, delegates from various countries engaged in in-depth discussions on topics including urban governance, development trends, and pressing global challenges. Yan Tianlu, Chairman of the Working Committee for the Historical City of Malacca in Malaysia, referenced the 620th anniversary of Zheng He’s voyages to Malacca, emphasizing the importance of upholding Zheng He’s spirit and deepening friendly cooperation under the Belt and Road initiative. Zarko Micin, Mayor of Novi Sad, Serbia, affirmed that the vision for China-Serbia cooperation is aligned and will continue to yield benefits for the people of both nations.
During the thematic dialogue session, Nanjing Vice Mayor Sun Baijun led all participants in the reading and formal release of the “Nanjing Consensus on Major River Cities Development”. This consensus clearly articulates that cities worldwide will advance the localization of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, bolster ecological protection in major river basins, champion green, low-carbon, and circular development paradigms, and collaborate to address global development challenges.
Although the 2025 World Mayors Dialogue·Nanjing has concluded, the global pursuit of sustainable urban development continues. Nanjing is committed to further contributing its unique strengths to the collaborative progress of cities worldwide.
Contact: liu yan
Phone: +8601085306017
Email: xs7z_1408@xsmail.jssjw.gov.cn
