In a significant endorsement, Shahbaz Khan, director at the UNESCO East Asia office, highlighted China's innovative \"12345\" hotline as a model for cities around the world. Speaking at the 2024 Beijing Forum on Swift Response to Public Complaints, Khan emphasized the hotline's role in listening to public opinion and addressing the practical problems faced by grassroots communities and citizens.
The \"12345\" hotline allows residents to voice their complaints directly to local governments, ensuring that every issue raised is responded to and resolved promptly and responsibly. This system not only enhances citizen engagement but also fosters a collaborative environment between the public and government officials.
Khan pointed out the importance of learning from the Global South, advocating for tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of different regions to achieve shared prosperity. By adopting similar models, cities worldwide can improve their responsiveness and build stronger, more resilient communities.
Reference(s):
UNESCO: China's "12345" hotline worth emulating for cities worldwide
cgtn.com
