Core Insights - The UCLG World Council and UNIDO's "Bridge for Cities" event took place in Xi'an, China, from October 16 to 18, 2025, focusing on sustainable urban development [1][4][5] - Over 600 participants from more than 50 countries attended, including 72 governors and mayors, emphasizing global collaboration for urban sustainability [4][5] - A letter of intent was signed between UCLG, UNIDO, and Xi'an's government, outlining a cooperation framework for innovation-driven urban transformation [5] Urban Development Initiatives - The event featured an exhibition on urban governance and industrial innovation, highlighting efforts in green mobility and digital governance [6] - A forum for China-foreign enterprise exchange aimed to convert cooperation intentions in energy and infrastructure into actionable projects [6] - People-to-people activities, such as city tours, fostered cultural exchange beyond economic ties [6] Organizational Meetings and Frameworks - UCLG conducted 8 core meetings to clarify its work plan for the upcoming year, focusing on sustainable urban development and technological innovation [7] - UNIDO organized 7 high-level events to address challenges and share solutions for small and medium-sized cities [8] Significance of the Event - This event marked the first collaboration between UCLG and UNIDO to host such a gathering, with Xi'an being the first city in China to host the "Bridge for Cities" series [9] - Xi'an's long-standing relationship with UCLG and UNIDO positions it as a key player in global governance and urban development [10] Xi'an's Role in Regional Cooperation - Xi'an established the UCLG Asia-Pacific tourism committee in 2021, now comprising 47 cities from 13 countries, enhancing its role in tourism cooperation [11] - The "Bridge for Cities" event has elevated Xi'an's international profile and expanded its global partnerships, facilitating deeper integration into the global industrial chain [12] Broader Implications - The event supports the Belt and Road Initiative, promoting high-standard international cooperation and positioning Xi'an as a hub for global urban collaboration [13]