Shi Nan: Xixian City in Shaanxi Province Provides the World with a New Template for Innovative Urban Development

The International Forum on Future Cities Planning Construction and Governance (Photo provided by Administrative Committee of Xixian New Area)

The first “International Forum on Future Cities Planning Construction and Governance”, a sub-forum under the Xixian New Area International Forum on Models of Innovative Urban Development, kicked off on October 13 in the central Chinese city of Xi'an. Shi Nan, Vice President and Secretary General of the Urban Planning Society of China, was invited to attend and address the forum.

Shi Nan, Vice President and Secretary General of the Urban Planning Society of China, gives a speech (Photo provided by Administrative Committee of Xixian New Area)

Shi Nan said in his speech that he’s confident that Xixian New Area would undoubtedly be able to contribute its own expertise and experiences in the field of urban development, and lead the global effort to achieve sustainable urbanization via its innovative urban development model and excellent urban planning solutions. Xixian is committed to actively responding to the development objectives in 17 different areas as proposed in the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and promote the effective implementation of the UN’s New Urban Agenda in China’s western regions through localized efforts.

After the forum, Shi Nan said in an interview with CRI Online Shaanxi that the Xi'an municipal Party committee and municipal government have always considered urban planning a top priority and implemented sound and carefully deliberated plans since the very beginning of the founding of the People’s Republic. Particular emphasis has been placed on the improvement and balancing of different public resources towards industry development, residential space, education, other public services and the multitude of needs of local residents.

In addition, as a historic city that has kept its traditions alive while being modernized, Xi’an has always leveraged its rich cultural assets as a driver and crucial ingredient of urban development. In the past two years, Xi 'an has also attached great importance to environmental and ecological protection. The city has outperformed its peers nationwide in the field of urban development planning.

Shi Nan also pointed out that Xi 'an is currently faced with the challenge of replacing its traditional industries with more energy and resource efficient emerging industries and converting its assets as a historical and cultural city into effective drivers of industrial development, economic prosperity and the improvement of people's lives.