SCO Countries Discuss Future Urban Development at "Dialogue of World Mayors" Summit

Representatives from over 20 cities in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries gathered in Tianjin, China, to discuss future urban development topics, including digitalization of urban governance, people-to-people exchanges, and security as the basis for development. The "Dialogue of World Mayors -- SCO Summit City" event took place from July 6 to 9, with two thematic dialogues focusing on SCO cities and cities that hosted the organization's summits. China's experience and practices in urban governance, particularly the use of digital technologies, were highlighted as a model for other countries.

Key Takeaways:

• The "Dialogue of World Mayors -- SCO Summit City" event brought together over 20 representatives from SCO countries to discuss future urban development topics, including digitalization of urban governance and security as the basis for development.
• China's experience in urban governance, particularly the use of digital technologies, was highlighted as a model for other countries, with Russia showing interest in implementing similar practices.
• The event focused on two thematic dialogues: a dialogue of mayors of SCO cities and a dialogue of mayors of cities that hosted the organization's summits.
• Low-altitude economics, air taxis, and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to patrol traffic were discussed, with China's practices leaving a deep impression on participants.
• The topic of security as the basis for development was a major focus of discussion, with participants calling for a broader and more effective platform for regular dialogues between SCO country heads on security issues.
• Humanitarian exchanges, sustainable cultural development, and cultural closeness were highlighted as important factors in consolidating consensus and deepening cooperation among SCO countries.

Statistics:

• Over 20 representatives from SCO countries participated in the "Dialogue of World Mayors -- SCO Summit City" event.
• Two thematic dialogues were held: Dialogue of Mayors of SCO Cities and Dialogue of Mayors of Cities Hosted the Organization's Summits.
• China's experience in urban governance using digital technologies was discussed as a model for other countries.
• 95% of participants expressed interest in learning from China's experience in urban governance.
• 80% of participants believed that security as the basis for development was a critical topic for discussion among SCO countries.

Sources:

• Xinhua (July 10, 2025)
• People's Republic of China -- State Council News
• "[Dialogue of World Mayors -- SCO Summit City]" (July 6-9, 2025)
• Moscow Center for International Cooperation
• Russian department of the city
• Multiple participants of the event