GSLDC Drives Digital Economy Dialogues at UNIDO’s Bridge for Cities 2025 in Xi’an

The UNITAR Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center (GSLDC) was proud to participate in the United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s (UNIDO) flagship Bridge for Cities 2025 event, held from October 16-18 in Xi’an, China. Under the theme “Shaping Sustainable Cities with Technology and Innovation,” the event convened over 600 leaders worldwide to forge pathways for sustainable urban development.

A key highlight was the side event, “Cities as Engines of Digital Industrial Transformation”, hosted by UNIDO’s City Mission Studio in partnership with the Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance (DEC40) and the GSLDC.

Ms. Grace Gao, Co-Founder of DEC40 and Executive Director of the UNITAR Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center, delivered a powerful opening address. She outlined DEC40’s mission to foster city-to-city collaboration, and cultivate localized digital talent to drive urban digital transformation. In her speech, Grace also called upon cities present at the session to join DEC40 as members, working together to build an open, inclusive, and innovative digital future for all. It was also announced that DEC40 will share its Global City Digital Economy Resource Database with UNIDO City Mission Studio.

The session served as a dynamic platform for city leaders, industry experts, and international organizations to explore actionable strategies for leveraging digital tools like AI and IoT to address urban-industrial challenges. It featured insightful contributions from global leaders such as Mr. Gavril Kirillin, Minister for External Relations and Peoples’ Affairs of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russian Federation, and Mr. Puwendra Akkiah, Senior Manager – Integrated Planning, Durban-eThekwini Municipality, South Africa, who shared their experiences and perspectives on digital industrial transformation.

GSLDC is honored to have contributed to this vital global conversation and remains committed to empowering the next generation of leaders to build sustainable and digitally advanced cities worldwide.

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