China-European cooperation on urbanization

China is undergoing the most rapid urbanization in the world and the European Union is one of the most advanced economies and pioneers in the field of urbanization. China and Europe’s urbanization are at different phases, each with their advantages. This generates the possibility for fruitful collaboration.

Tongji University together with European academic institutions is today holding a China-European Urbanization Collaboration Seminar on the theme Chinese Urban Future: European insights. Lars Reuterswärd, Director Mistra Urban Futures, is invited to hold a key note speech.

Other experts and guests include; QIU Baoxing, Vice Minister, Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, China, Klaus Töpfer, founding Director and current Executive Director, Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS); former Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and PEI Gang, President, Tongji University.

The seminar is an initiative to work closely with academic and research institutes in Europe and to push forward the China-European partnership on urbanization. The conclusion and findings of the seminar will be reported to State Council of China and related provincial governments and institutions.

Lars Reuterswärd together with the Vice-President of Tongji University Professor WU Siegfried Zhiqiang, Professor Klaus Töpfer and the President of Tongji University Professor PEI Gang unveiled a sign marking the collaborations presence at Tongji University.

The collaboration - Background

On the opening ceremony of the High-Level Conference on China-EU Urbanization Partnership in 2012, LI Keqiang, Prime Minister of China, advocated “Breaking new ground in pursuing China-EU strategic cooperation on urbanization” in his speech, and singed the Joint Declaration on the China EU Partnership on Urbanization with José Manuel Durão Barroso, President of the European Commission Intermediary. This event marked the launching of the new China-European strategic collaboration on urbanization.