Shenyang hosts 18th WWCAM Mayors Conference

The 18th WWCAM (World Winter Cities Association for Mayors) Mayors Conference opened at Shenyang New World Expo in Shenyang, Northeast China’s Liaoning province, on Sept 12, and will run until Sept 14.

Jointly hosted by Shenyang municipal government and the WWCAM, the conference attracted more than 200 participants from 30 countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, Japan, Morocco, and South Korea.

Members of the WWCAM include 22 cities in nine countries, and Shenyang was one of the original members.

First held in 1982 in Japan’s Sapporo city, the biennial conference aims to encourage information and technology exchanges between northern cities with similar climates, so as to tackle problems caused by cold weather and create a comfortable living environment for residents.

The mayors will discuss issues in relation to the development of winter cities such as everyday life in cold climates, saving energy, and protecting the environment.

This year’s conference will focus on four topics, including forward planning, construction and the management of winter cities, as well as green development and smart technologies.

In addition to WWCAM member cities, representatives from cities along the Belt and Road and those that have hosted Winter Olympics were also invited to the conference to exchange viewpoints in these fields.

A series of activities were held on the opening day, which also saw Shenyang sign friendship agreements with Rabat, capital city of Morocco, and Jinja in Uganda. The city also strengthened ties with Daejeon in South Korea, and signed a cooperation agreement with Prologis, the world's largest industrial logistics company.

During the three-day event, business forums, mayors’ forums and art performances are due to take place.

The 18th WWCAM Mayors Conference opens at Shenyang New World Expo in Shenyang, Liaoning province, on Sept 12. [Photo/Xinhua]

Attendees pictured at the conference in Shenyang, Liaoning province, Sept 12 [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Representatives of Shenyang municipal government and Prologis shake hands after signing a cooperation agreement during the conference, Sept 12. [Photo/Chinanews.com]