Forum on global shipping governance to be held in Shanghai

The 2026 North Bund Forum will be held in Shanghai from Oct 20 to 21, bringing together about 4,000 guests from more than 50 countries and regions to discuss the future of global shipping governance.

With the theme "Common Challenge, Shared Mission — Promoting the Resilient Development of Global Shipping & Aviation", the two-day forum aims to explore how to promote the resilient development of global shipping and aviation, Zhang Xin, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission said during a news conference held on Thursday.

This year's event — hosted jointly by the Ministry of Transport and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government — consists of more than 60 activities, including an opening ceremony, a main forum, two forums, and five thematic sessions.

According to Zhang, Shanghai's status as a shipping and aviation hub was further strengthened over the past year, with milestones including the launch of the nation's first destination-free cruise trip, China Eastern Airlines' launch of the world's longest one-way flight linking Shanghai with Buenos Aires, and Shanghai Pudong International Airport's top ranking for connectivity among Asia-Pacific airports in the Air Connectivity Ranking 2025 published by Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East.

China Eastern has continuously built its global network and launched 22 direct flights between Shanghai and global destinations since 2024, including Marseille of France, Kazan of Russia, and Casablanca of Morocco, contributing to Shanghai's global connectivity as an international hub.