Wuhan welcomes the world: 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue opens Sept. 18

Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, is hosting the "2026 Global Mayors Dialogue – Wuhan" from Sept. 18 to 21, themed "River City: Shared Resonance, Shared Growth," alongside the 2026 Wuhan International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference.

More than 80 foreign representatives, including mayors, vice mayors and city delegates from 24 cities in 22 countries, as well as representatives of two international organizations, have gathered along the Yangtze River for the four-day event. Around 200 Chinese and international guests are expected to participate in the program.

The main dialogue will focus on three themes: using sci-tech innovation to elevate urban development, industrial collaboration to expand urban openness, and cultural exchange to improve residents' quality of life.

The program will also feature themed dialogues on ecological development and smart technology, with discussions covering watershed protection and a shared green future, resilient cities, smart transportation, intelligent manufacturing and AI.

Guests will also take part in a series of "Wuhan Impressions" visits, exploring the Yangtze River and Yellow Crane Tower and experiencing the city's Optics Valley Photon suspended monorail. They will also visit technology and manufacturing facilities, including the HGTECH Intelligent Manufacturing Future Industrial Park, Xiaomi's smart home appliance factory and Dongfeng Motor's Global Innovation Center, as well as the Yangtze Cetacean Breeding and Conservation Center.

A city-themed exhibition will showcase Wuhan's economic and social development and its international exchanges, while an enterprise showcase and business matchmaking session will provide opportunities for participating cities and businesses to explore practical cooperation.

Guided by China's State Council Information Office, the Global Mayors Dialogue series has been held in cities including Hangzhou, Nanning and Shanghai since September 2024, bringing overseas city leaders and representatives together to exchange ideas on urban development and cooperation.

The event comes as Wuhan continues to expand its role as a hub for international exchange and cooperation. Through face-to-face discussions, city visits and business matchmaking, participating cities and attendees will have the chance to share development experience, identify common ground and build new partnerships, turning Wuhan's long tradition of friendship into a platform for global cooperation.