The Guangzhou UCLG 2020 World Council was held on November 12 via video conference. Mr. António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, and Mr. Liu Qibao, Vice-President of the CPPCC National Committee sent their video messages to this Council, respectively. In the opening ceremony, addresses were made by Dr. Mohamed Boudra, President of UCLG, Mr. Lin Songtian, President of CPAFFC, and Mr. Wen Guohui, Mayor of Guangzhou.

Liu Qibao said, “China highly commends the leadership and contribution presented by UCLG and local governments worldwide in promoting international anti-epidemic cooperation and facilitating economic recovery.” He stressed that China will uphold the new development philosophy and adopt a new development pattern, so as to advance high-quality development and further the opening up to a higher level. China stands ready to share new development opportunities with other countries, achieve common development, and contribute more to the world sustainable development through its own high-quality growth.

About 300 representatives from 48 countries attended this video conference, exchanging views upon the theme, “Cities and Local Governments in Epidemic”.

(Source: Xinhua News Agency. Translation: the Committee Secretariat)