Cities across the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) are accelerating their use of science and technology to promote smarter, more inclusive, and resilient urban development, with Chinese expertise emerging as a key driver of progress, according to officials and experts speaking at a forum in Tianjin.
At the thematic dialogue in Tianjin, Aleksandra Voronova from the Moscow Center for International Cooperation emphasized the potential for deepened partnerships between Moscow and Chinese provincial regions. She praised the pace at which Chinese cities have adopted technological advancements in areas such as high-speed rail, the sharing economy, and e-commerce.
Voronova noted that Moscow is learning from Chinese experiences in sectors like transportation, healthcare, and urban infrastructure. She added that numerous cooperation agreements have been signed between the Russian capital and various Chinese cities, with expert delegations from Moscow frequently visiting China for best practice exchanges.
Eduard Eduardovich Poletayev of the World of Eurasia Public Foundation emphasized that SCO collaboration extends beyond governments to include impactful city-level partnerships. He cited successful cooperation between cities like Xi’an and Urumqi with their Central Asian counterparts, highlighting urban centers as vital engines of cultural exchange and socioeconomic development.
Poletayev also highlighted the positive transformation brought by digitalization, which has enhanced quality of life and urban efficiency. He stressed that China’s Belt and Road Initiative targets cities as key nodes of economic integration, reinforcing the role of SCO cities as drivers of regional growth.
Sheradil Baktygulov from Kyrgyzstan’s Institute for World Policy Study advocated for a balanced approach to sustainable development, combining economic, social, and environmental priorities. After touring Tianjin’s smart infrastructure, he praised it as a benchmark for efficient and green development, suitable for hosting major SCO events.
Baktygulov called for expanding city-level cooperation through shared standards, technology exchange, and collaborative learning to foster inclusive progress among SCO countries and regions.
Zhang Zhen from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology described China’s approach to smart city development, which integrates green, low-carbon principles. He showcased Tianjin’s use of renewable energy and AI-powered platforms that enable sustainable urban management throughout a city’s lifecycle.
Zhang expressed China’s readiness to enhance smart city collaboration within the SCO, promoting joint projects, knowledge exchange, and equitable access to the benefits of digital transformation.
Sherzod Fayziev from the International Institute for Central Asia emphasized Central Asia’s growing role in strengthening the SCO. He pointed to increasing opportunities for both regional and city-level cooperation among Central Asian states, China, and other SCO members, supporting broader cohesion and growth.
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