Digital technology is playing an increasingly important role in improving urban governance, with coordinated innovation in energy transition and smart mobility becoming essential to achieving the sustainable development goals for cities, according to participants in an international thought leaders' workshop.

By identifying strong local practices and solutions, cities across the world can better respond to the challenges of urbanization and move toward more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous development, according to the participants.

The 2025 Workshop for Thought Leaders, hosted by the World Association of the Major Metropolises and organized by the Guangzhou Institute for Urban Innovation, was held in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, on Wednesday.

With the theme of "Digital Technology: Accelerating the Local Implementation of the Global Agendas", the event brought together more than 80 city representatives, leaders of international organizations and urban governance experts from 19 cities across 11 countries to exchange ideas on sustainability, digital transformation, and inclusive development.

As an extension of the Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation, which was launched in 2012 as a global platform for urban governance and exchange, the workshop aims at conducting an in-depth analysis and sharing of the Guangzhou Award and notable local urban innovation cases, delving into their innovative value and practical experience to offer valuable insights for participants.

"By identifying strong local practices and solutions, global cities can better respond to the challenges of urbanization and move toward more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous development," said Huang Guanglie, deputy secretary-general of the People's Government of Guangzhou.

Guangzhou, as a national central city and core engine of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, is advancing towards high-quality development and digital transformation, according to Huang.

The workshop is more than just a gathering of urban leaders, thinkers and practitioners — it is a space for significant dialogue, reflection and mutual inspiration, said Jordi Vaquer, secretary-general of World Association of the Major Metropolises.

"In today's world of constant change, where cities are at the forefront of climate action, social care, equity and digital transformation, such dialogue-driven learning platforms have become more critical than ever," he said.