Written by via unido.org
More than 700 urban stakeholders from over 100 countries around the world delved into sustainable urban future at the 3-day Bridge for Cities event – a flagship event by UNIDO organized under the theme of “Innovative Solutions for the Cities of Tomorrow”, with support of China, at the Vienna International Centre from 9 to 11 October.
The Opening Ceremony featured addresses from five keynote speakers. Mr. Gerd Müller, Director General of UNIDO, appreciated the valuable partnerships with the Government of China, the City of Vienna, and many others to present the flagship event Bridge for Cities. He reiterated the necessity of innovative, concrete solutions in response to the rapidly evolving urbanization worldwide, and reaffirmed UNIDO’s role in technical cooperation, knowledge sharing, and capacity building to empower cities to navigate through challenges, maximize opportunities, and transition to a sustainable future.
His Excellency Mr. Li Song, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of China to UNIDO and other Vienna-based international organizations, noted that cities as key engines driving economic growth need new development concepts and paths for a more liveable and resilient future. Bridge for Cities has built an open platform for communication and collaboration for the sustainable growth of cities, and is supposed to continuously contribute to North-South exchanges, South-South cooperation, and the modernization of the Global South. China stands ready to offer experience and promote common development.