International attendees plant trees of friendship in the International Friendship Forest. [Photo provided to ehangzhou.gov.cn]

The Global Mayors Dialogue: Hangzhou and the 9th Hangzhou International Sister City Mayors Conference were launched on Sept 25, bringing together mayors and representatives from 24 cities across 15 countries.

Key discussions focused on urban governance and sustainable development and the integration of digital and physical spaces, coinciding with the third Global Digital Trade Expo.

Guests praised Hangzhou's innovation, with Boston's Sharnise Wallace hoping for collaboration in artificial intelligence. The evening featured a captivating performance at Xianghu Lake in Xiaoshan district, showcasing local culture and technology, which impressed international attendees.

Tradition continued with the planting of friendship trees in the International Friendship Forest, symbolizing enduring connections. Haji Sabin Shamitah, mayor of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, highlighted Hangzhou's progress in urban governance.

Participants also visited the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City, a UNESCO-listed site, along with West Lake and the Grand Canal. As the heart of Alibaba's global headquarters, the Xixi campus buzzed with innovation, showcasing products that embody Hangzhou's story of technological advancement.

As the event unfolds, global mayors are forging deeper connections with their Chinese counterparts. Together, they are building bridges that will extend friendships into the future.

International attendees visit the Xixi campus of Alibaba's global headquarters. [Photo provided to ehangzhou.gov.cn]