On 28 May, during the Special Event on Multilevel Governance for SDG Localization, held as part of the resumed second session of UN-Habitat Assembly taking place from 29 to 30 May 2025 in Nairobi, collaboration between UN-Habitat and China was showcased as an exemplary in international cooperation for sustainable urban development. The event brought together over 190 participants and 31 Member States, reinforcing the critical role of coordinated, multilevel governance in accelerating progress towards the 2030 Agenda.
National Commitment: Aligning Development Planning with the SDGs
Vice Minister Dong Jianguo of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of China emphasized China’s strategic approach to integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into national and subnational planning frameworks. He highlighted how the Chinese government has embedded SDG implementation within its 13th and 14th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of China and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035. By aligning policy planning with the SDGs, Chinese authorities at all levels have translated global goals into concrete action across economic, social, and urban development sectors.
Vice Minister Dong further spotlighted China’s collaboration with UN-Habitat through initiatives like World Cities Day, held annually on October 31, and the Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities (Shanghai Award). Since its launch in 2022, the Shanghai Award has attracted submissions from over 100 cities worldwide, recognizing outstanding urban achievements in sustainable development. Past laureates include cities like Fuzhou (China) and Kampala (Uganda), offering global models for progress. Vice Minister Dong encouraged more cities to apply for the third cycle of the Shanghai Award – currently open for applications – and participate in World Cities Day to foster global exchange on urban sustainability.
Local Leadership: Shanghai’s People-Centered Approach to SDG Localization
Representing the local level, Liu Qianwei, Chief Engineer at the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Housing, Urban-Rural Development and Management, shared Shanghai’s exemplary practices in implementing the SDGs. Guided by a people-centered development philosophy, Shanghai’s urban transformation is anchored in key initiatives such as the renovation of public spaces under the "One River, One Waterway" masterplan, redevelopment of aging districts, creation of age-friendly communities, and advancement of smart, resilient, and green infrastructure.
Shanghai’s collaboration with UN-Habitat includes the joint development of the Shanghai Manual, the Shanghai Adapted Index, and the Shanghai Award – three integrated tools that promote global learning and exchanges in urban sustainability. The Manual collects best practices from cities around the world, while the Index helps measure cities’ progress toward sustainable urban development. The Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities (Shanghai Award) honors 5 cities each year that have made significant progress in sustainable development. The third cycle of the Shanghai Award is currently open, focusing on four priority themes:
- Adequate housing for diverse needs
- Building people-centered smart cities together
- Green and resilient development responding to climate change
- Effective governance for vibrant cities
Winners will be announced at the global observance of World Cities Day at the end of October 2025.
The municipality also announced plans to co-host the 2025 SDG Cities Global Conference this October, extending a global invitation to cities seeking to share experiences and explore the future of sustainable urban governance.
Looking Ahead: Global Partnerships for a Shared Urban Future
The event heard from 20 speakers from national and local governments, reaffirming participative multilevel governance as a key means of implementation in the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and the localization of SDGs.
Join the global momentum by applying for the 3rd Cycle of Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities (Shanghai Award) to showcase your city’s progresses and achievements in advancing SDGs!
Learn more about the event: UN-Habitat Event Page
Watch the full recording: Event Video
Apply for Shanghai Award: https://shanghaiaward.org/
