Rome buzzed with fresh ideas as government officials, scholars and urban experts gathered for the Sino-Italian Dialogue on Urban Civilization 2025. Set against the Eternal City's ancient streets, the forum explored ways that cultural heritage can guide next-generation city planning.
China's Hu Kaihong, deputy director of the General Office of the Central Commission for Guiding Cultural and Ethical Progress, described the event as a bridge between past and future, marking an intellectual journey toward a shared future.
A milestone emerged when China and Italy formally launched the Italy-China Joint Center for City Civilization. The new center, introduced by Han Xu, vice president of the China Academy of Art, and Alberto Bradanini, former Italian Ambassador to China, aims to blend research, policy and community projects that fuse artistry with sustainable urban growth.
Experts presented data-driven insights on heritage-inspired urban design, noting that cities preserving cultural landmarks often see a significant rise in tourism and creative industries. Panels ranged from smart-street restoration to public art as a tool for social cohesion, underscoring the power of tradition to spark innovation.
With the new joint center in place, China and Italy are paving a new path for global urban partnerships. By weaving ancient wisdom into modern frameworks, the initiative offers a blueprint for cities across continents to evolve with cultural integrity at their core.
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China, Italy forge new paths for urban civilization at Rome dialogue
cgtn.com
