Zhang Yu

JeniZhang13@163.com

SHENZHEN launched the “Urban Index of Shenzhen” (UIS) on Friday, presenting it as a new framework for global urban governance developed from China’s rapid development experience.

The index was unveiled during the opening of the 10th Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism\Architecture (Shenzhen).

Developed by the Shenzhen Planning & Land Resource Research Center in collaboration with domestic partners, the UIS is described by its creators as a comprehensive tool to help cities assess and navigate their development. It aims to systematically translate Shenzhen’s 45-year transformation from a small town into a global metropolis into a shareable model.

The framework is structured around six core dimensions: innovation, livability, beauty, resilience, civilization, and smart technology. These are broken down into 19 secondary and 50 tertiary indicators intended to provide a holistic, human-centered evaluation of urban progress, shifting focus from pure economic output to resident well-being and experience.

The launch positions the index as China’s contribution to global discussions on sustainable urbanization, responding to challenges faced by both developed cities with long-term “urban diseases” and developing cities undergoing rapid growth. The development process received technical collaboration from U.N. Habitat and Singapore’s Center for Liveable Cities.

“My first reaction to the urban index was very positive. Shenzhen’s experience offers crucial lessons for cities worldwide, particularly across the global south,” Salvatore Fundarò, a U.N. Habitat expert, said.

It is also announced that UIS presentations are scheduled at the 13th session of the World Urban Forum in May and the World Cities Summit in June this year. The initiative is also expected to be part of the dialogue during the APEC meeting as China is set to host the international event in Shenzhen this November.