The H20 Global River Cities Summit starts in Jianggan district of Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, Nov 14. [Photo/chinanews.com.cn]

The first H20 Global River Cities Summit started Nov 14 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, with mayors and representatives from over 20 riverside cities around the world gathering to share experiences in sustainable development of rivers and forge partnerships.

"At present, riverside cities around the world are faced with challenges such as global warming and economic construction along their rivers," said Robert F Kennedy Jr, president of Waterkeeper Alliance, adding that the conference is aimed at providing a platform for riverside cities to share knowledge and promote collaboration.

Last year, the Hangzhou government proposed a development strategy with the focus on Qiantang River, the mother river of Zhejiang province.

One of the highlights of the strategy lies in the harmonious relationship between modern cities and rivers, said Wang Jian, deputy director of the publicity department in Jianggan district.

The summit also witnessed at the opening ceremony the signing of a cooperative agreement on sustainable development of water resources between Jianggan district and Paris.

Paris and Hangzhou are built along the banks of rivers, and the cooperation will make contributions to improved sustainable development of water resources, according to an official from Paris.

A cooperative agreement on sustainable development of water resources is signed between Jianggan district and Paris at the H20 Global River Cities Summit in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, Nov 14. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

Children from 20 riverside cities present paintings featuring rivers at the H20 Global River Cities Summit in Hangzhou, Nov 14. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]