Zhang Guoqing: China promotes a new people-centered urbanization model

China is promoting a new people-centered urbanization model and is ready to expand international cooperation, Zhang Guoqing, Special Representative of Chinese President Xi Jinping, said at the Leaders' Summit within the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku.

According to him, China is consistently implementing a model of new urbanization where people are at the center.

"Xi Jinping has noted that ‘cities for people are built by people and for people.' It is important to build innovative, livable, beautiful, sustainable, civilized, ‘smart' and modern cities for people. Guided by this vision of ‘cities for people," China is now promoting new urbanization centered on people. China's urban population has grown from 720 million in 2012 to 950 million in 2025. China has created the world"s largest urban housing security system. The per capita urban housing area exceeds 40 square meters," he said.

Zhang Guoqing noted that China continues to work on optimizing urban structure, transforming development drivers, improving the quality of the urban environment, promoting the green transition, preserving cultural heritage, enhancing governance efficiency, and strengthening urban safety.

He also paid special attention to the fact that 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the UN New Urban Agenda. In this context, China expressed its readiness to expand cooperation and promote the concept of people-oriented cities.

Zhang Guoqing also emphasized that urban development and international cooperation must proceed in parallel, forming a more sustainable and forward-looking future for global urbanization.