On January 30, the landscape of international urban planning and architecture witnessed a significant event with the global launch of the ‘Shenzhen Urban Index Agenda (UIS)’ during the tenth biennial meeting between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. This forum introduced an innovative initiative aimed at sharing Shenzhen’s vast experience in urban development, accumulated over an unprecedented 45-year growth period, to address the challenges posed by global urbanization.
Developed in collaboration with the Liaowang Institute of the Xinhua News Agency and supported by prominent international organizations such as UN-Habitat and the Centre for Liveable Cities in Singapore, this groundbreaking index adopts a people-centered approach, questioning the direction cities are heading and how they can move towards a more prosperous future.
The UIS is structured around a novel scheme that includes six core dimensions, 19 secondary dimensions, 50 specific indicators, and an open ‘X’ category for future additions and modifications. Its goal is not just to set metrics but to incorporate components that link theoretical concepts with practical measures, fostering effective dialogue on urban development.
Shan Liang, Director of the Shenzhen Urban Planning and Land Resources Research Center, described the UIS as a “three-piece navigation system kit” that allows for reviewing the past, assessing the present, and planning the future. This framework has been well-received by national and international experts, emerging as an invaluable reference for urban governance, especially in rapidly developing regions such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
The UIS has also made its mark at other forums, such as the China Marine Economy Expo 2025, where it garnered significant attention. Efforts to refine its indicator system and strengthen international cooperation are expected to continue, with plans to showcase it at the UN World Urban Forum in May 2026. The final results will be presented at the World Cities Summit in June. This launch coincides with China’s Year in APEC, highlighting the country’s commitment to urban collaboration and sustainable development on a global scale.
