The 2024 Smart City Expo World Congress • Hangzhou Stage successfully concluded, bringing together over 150 international organizations from 18 countries, along with nearly 200 global smart city leaders and 70 city delegations. With the theme "Converge! Blooming Our Business in Transition," the event highlighted the latest advancements in smart city technologies, fostering global collaboration and innovation.
China's Leadership in Smart Cities
In the opening speech, Ugo Valenti, CEO of the Smart City Expo World Congress, praised China’s role in shaping the global smart city ecosystem. Valenti emphasized, “China has demonstrated leadership in leveraging technology to transform cities, offering valuable lessons to urban areas worldwide.” This year's congress was focused on establishing a transnational network for smart city cooperation, especially in Asia, promoting sustainable urban growth through collaboration between governments and enterprises.
Showcasing Innovation and Collaboration
The event featured over 40 public activities, including keynote speeches, award ceremonies, and exclusive showcases of Asian cities. Additionally, nearly 40 closed-door meetings were held to explore potential project collaborations. The Public Exhibition Area showcased innovations from more than 100 smart city companies, including Huawei, Dahua, and Leyard, highlighting cutting-edge technologies across five tracks: Enabling Technologies, Energy and Environment, Urban Logistics and Mobility, New Consumption and Livability, and Public Services and Economy.
Celebrating Smart City Achievements
The event also hosted the 2024 Region & China Smart City Awards, recognizing excellence in categories such as City, Enterprise, Best Projects (X-SDI), and Leadership. The China Smart City Awards attracted 166 proposals from 45 cities across the country, while the Region Awards received 149 proposals from 9 countries.
Among the notable winners, Shenzhen from Guangdong Province was awarded the China Smart City Awards' City Award for its leadership in digital transformation and smart urban governance. The city’s advancements in social management and city services have set a benchmark for other urban areas.
Driving Sustainable Urban Growth
The 2024 Smart City Expo World Congress • Hangzhou Stage has solidified China's role in driving the global smart city agenda. Through innovative strategies and advanced technologies, the country is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable urban development on a global scale.