At the SCO Global Mayors Dialogue in Tianjin on the Chinese mainland, city leaders converged to tackle the pressing challenges facing urban communities across the region. Hosted by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), this forum set the stage for frank exchanges on parks, traffic management, water resources and the daily realities of city life.
CGTN's Yang Xinmeng guided the discussion, inviting mayors to share not only their triumphs but also the solutions that fell short. One mayor described how converting vacant lots into community hubs has transformed neighbourhoods, while another demonstrated how digital traffic-monitoring platforms have eased rush-hour congestion.
Water scarcity proved a unifying concern. Participants detailed pilot projects in rainwater harvesting and modular treatment plants. By spotlighting regulatory and logistical hurdles alongside successful outcomes, they uncovered ways to streamline future initiatives.
At its heart, the dialogue championed a simple yet powerful idea: cooperation begins with listening. Tianjin's role extended beyond logistics; as host city it became a bridge, weaving together diverse experiences and fostering mutual understanding. "Exchanging both wins and setbacks is how we raise the collective bar for urban life," a mayor remarked.
As SCO members look ahead, this mayors' dialogue offers a blueprint for city-to-city collaboration—turning shared insights into real-world improvements on streets, in parks and along waterfronts.
Reference(s):
SCO Global Mayors Dialogue: What makes cities work together?
cgtn.com
