The 2025 Tomorrow.City Shanghai (TCS 2025) summit has officially opened at Zhangjiang Science Hall under the theme “Challenge and Solution”, drawing delegations from more than 110 cities across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Africa.
The event, which has grown in both scale and influence, highlights China’s rising role in smart city innovation and its efforts to foster global cooperation on urban challenges.
Four domains of focus
This year’s summit focused discussions across four central domains: Tomorrow.Technologies, Tomorrow.Mobility, Tomorrow.Environment, and Tomorrow.Utilities. More than 100 exhibitors presented solutions ranging from artificial intelligence and green energy to next-generation transport systems and urban utilities management.
The agenda also featured 20 industry roundtables, 32 city showcases, and over 40 closed-door meetings, designed to accelerate project implementation and exchange insights between governments, innovators, and private-sector leaders.
Awards highlight innovation
A key highlight of TCS 2025 was the Region & China Smart City Awards, which recognise transformative practices in digital transformation, low-carbon transition, and public service innovation.
Among the winners of the Best Projects (X-SDI) Awards were the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn) of Oman, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), and initiatives from Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand, and China.
The Leadership Awards – Young Talent distinction went to HRH Shaikh Essa Abdulla Essa Abdulaziz Al Mualla of the UAE, underscoring the importance of youth leadership in shaping tomorrow’s urban landscapes.
Global collaboration hub launched
At the opening ceremony, international delegates emphasised that innovation is central to building resilient and sustainable cities, particularly as urban areas face mounting challenges from climate change, population growth, and digital disruption.
One of the most significant announcements was the launch of the Tomorrow.City Community Shanghai, the first physical hub of the global Tomorrow.City network. The hub is intended to serve as a trusted platform for collaboration, pilot projects, and scaling urban solutions.
Alongside the launch, organisers also unveiled the Collaboration List of City Challenges & Opportunities, developed with 16 international cities. The list identifies priority areas including smart governance, green transition, and infrastructure renewal, providing a roadmap for joint initiatives and cross-border partnerships.
Looking ahead
With its broadened scope and strong international turnout, TCS 2025 reflects both the urgency of addressing global urban challenges and the opportunities presented by international cooperation.
Delegates noted that by combining technological innovation with sustainable planning, cities can become better equipped to handle the pressures of rapid growth while offering higher quality of life for residents.
As Tomorrow.City Shanghai enters its milestone year, organisers hope it will cement its role as a leading global platform for smart city dialogue and action, bridging ideas with real-world implementation.
