Editor's note: Zhao Juan is a young professor at the School of Management, Capital Normal University, China. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus meeting in September 2025, emphasizing sovereign equality, the international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach and practical action. The 2026 Global Governance Forum, scheduled to take place in Xiong'an from October 23 to 25, will provide the opportunity to explore how the development of a city of the future can inform international cooperation.

Making green development a shared responsibility

Baiyangdian Lake is the ecological heart of Xiong'an, playing a vital role in the local environment and residents' well-being. Restoring the lake is central to Xiong'an's ambition to become a model green city. Working with provincial agencies and neighboring cities, Xiong'an has coordinated efforts to replenish the lake, reduce pollution and mitigate flood risks. These efforts includes dredging, ecological restoration, upstream pollution control, wastewater treatment and the use of wetlands to filter incoming water. For five consecutive years, the lake has maintained Grade III water quality, classified as "good" under China's surface-water quality assessment system.

This progress illustrates why effective environmental protection requires cooperation across administrative boundaries. Because water flows across these boundaries, upstream and downstream agencies must coordinate their efforts. Clearly defined responsibilities help align these efforts, while long-term planning and sustained commitment ensure continuity.

Green buildings provide another way to translate environmental goals into practice. For example, the headquarters of China Huaneng uses renewable energy to meet all its heating demand. Decisions about building design and energy systems today shape energy consumption for years.

The broader international lesson is that environmental commitments must be backed by clearly defined responsibilities, coordinated investment and ongoing evaluation. Cooperation is more sustainable when participants can recognize one another's contributions and work together to safeguard their achievements.

Connecting technology with institutions

Xiong'an's digital twin shows how technology can improve governance better. Its urban computing center gathers more than 100 types of data from over 20 government departments. By integrating information on buildings, roads and pipelines, the system enables departments to understand urban operations and identify problems together.

This data system also improves public service delivery. If unusual water or gas use suggests that an older person living alone may need assistance, the system alerts community staff, who can check on the resident and provide support.

The mechanism matters: shared information gives officials a common basis for identifying problems. Clear procedures establish who is responsible, while on-site checks help confirm what the data suggest. Government becomes more effective when information lis translated into clearly assigned responsibilities and concrete action. Investment in digital infrastructure should therefore be accompanied by stronger coordination, so responses can be implemented, evaluated and improved.

The lasting value pf a digital city lies in its ability to help officials identify problems, respond effectively and adjust decisions as circumstances change. Success should be measured by improved access to services, timely responses to risks and a fairer distribution of benefits across communities. Bridging the global digital divide also requires the skills and institutions needed to use technology and computing resources effectively. By sharing experience on data standards, the responsible use of algorithms and rules for generative AI, cities can find solutions suited to their policies and local conditions, enabling more people to benefit from technological progress.

Building cooperation through mutual learning

More than 180 international guests from over 90 countries have confirmed they will attend the forum, including participants from the Global South, Europe and the United States. Discussions will address the role of the United Nations, development cooperation, economic governance and emerging technologies. Site visits will help ground these discussions in practical experience. By observing projects in Xiong'an firsthand, participants can examine how results are achieved and identify what changes would be needed to apply similar approaches in their home countries.

Although countries differ in their political systems and levels of development, they share common needs for healthier environments, reliable infrastructure and better public services. Looking at specific challenges allows participants to discuss how responsibilities are assigned, how resources are mobilized and how governance results are measured. Comparing experiences can help identify which approaches work, and under what conditions. Joint research, professional exchanges and pilot projects can build on these discussions. Countries can draw on one another’s strengths, build trust through practical results and give multilateral cooperation a firmer foundation.

As a major project under China’s modernization drive, Xiong'an aims to share the benefits of development more fairly while building a city in harmony with nature. As the city develops, its experience can offer lessons in green development, digital governance and public service delivery. Concrete examples can make dialogue more productive, exchanges on equal terms can deepen understanding, and sustained cooperation can build trust. By sharing the experience of Chinese modernization while learning from approaches developed elsewhere, the forum can help turn progress in one city into practical opportunities for people around the world.

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