WeGO Joins the Chengdu International Friendship Cities Cooperation and Development Conference
[Seoul, June 8, 2026] – The World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO) participated in the Chengdu International Friendship Cities Cooperation and Development Conference held in Chengdu, China on May 13–14, 2026. The conference brought together city leaders, government officials, and international organizations to strengthen global cooperation and exchange perspectives on sustainable urban development, innovation, and international partnership.
The conference officially commenced with an Opening Ceremony that emphasized the growing importance of international collaboration in addressing global urban challenges. Keynote speakers highlighted the role of cities in driving sustainable growth through innovation and technology. Among the distinguished speakers was Cai Lijun, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee and Secretary of the CPC Chengdu Municipal Committee, who delivered remarks on the importance of strengthening international friendship and city cooperation.
WeGO also participated in the Mayors Round-table, where Chen Shuping, Mayor of Chengdu delivered a keynote speech titled “Park City: Harmonious Coexistence.” Discussions among city leaders focused on promoting high-quality urban development through technological innovation, industrial synergy, cultural exchange, and ecological governance. Jeong-kee Kim, Secretary General of WeGO also contributed a speech on “Expanding high standard urban opening up through the industrial synergy”. The session provided an important platform for sharing experiences and policies among the cities.
During the Investment and Trade Dialogue, government officials and institutional representatives explored opportunities for international investment, trade cooperation, and future economic partnerships. The session included presentations on Chengdu’s investment environment, key industrial sectors, and cultural tourism development initiatives, highlighting the city’s continued efforts to strengthen its global economic engagement.
Delegates further strengthened international relationships during the Welcome Banquet, which encouraged cultural exchange and networking among participating organizations and cities. During the banquet, the WeGO Secretary General had an opportunity to exchange views on future cooperation between WeGO and Chengdu East Asia Regional Office with Chen Shuping, Mayor of Chengdu.
As part of WeGO’s bilateral engagement activities, meetings were held with international and institutional partners to promote collaboration in smart city initiatives. A meeting with Jacopo Suppo, Mayor of Turin, Italy focused on extending an invitation to participate in Smart Life Week and encouraging city applications for the Seoul Smart City Prize. Both sides exchanged views on strengthening international cooperation and engagement through global smart city initiatives.
On May 14, participants visited the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where delegates learned about Chengdu’s internationally recognized panda conservation efforts and environmental sustainability initiatives. The visit also introduced participants to the research and breeding programs dedicated to protecting giant pandas and their habitats.
WeGO additionally held a meeting with Uhm Won Jae, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Chengdu to discuss opportunities for strengthening cooperation between Korean institutions and international smart city stakeholders in Chengdu. Discussions included ways to support future exchanges and bilateral cooperation initiatives.
The delegation also met with Yongup Byun, Director of KOTRA Chengdu to explore opportunities for cooperation in trade promotion, investment partnerships, and stronger engagement between Korean cities and Chengdu. The meeting highlighted the importance of expanding international business networks alongside Chengdu’s ongoing development.
Through its participation in the conference, WeGO reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international city cooperation and fostering global partnerships that support smart and sustainable urban development.
About WeGO
The World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO), is a membership-based international association of local governments, smart tech solution providers, and institutions committed to the transformation of cities into smart sustainable cities through facilitating public-private partnerships (PPP). WeGO was founded by 50 member cities in 2010 as the World e-Governments Organization, hence our acronym. In response to the evolving concept of smart cities, WeGO expanded its vision and mandate at the 4th General Assembly (2017) and its name to the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization. WeGO’s Secretariat is based in Seoul, Korea, and has regional offices in East Asia (Chengdu, China), Africa (Abuja, Nigeria), Middle East & North Africa (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates), Latin America (Cuenca, Ecuador), and Central Asia (Almaty, Kazakhstan). As the leading platform on smart city development, WeGO’s mission is to share knowledge and good practices in e-Governance; strengthen administrative efficiency and transparency; advance digital capacity; facilitate civic involvement; bridge the digital divide and inequality; and promote cooperation solidarity among cities and local governments around the world.
WeGO serves for its members as their international platform to improve the quality of life, innovate in the delivery of public services, and strengthen regional competitiveness.
Press Contact:
Name: Natália Penhalves
E-mail: natalia@we-gov.org
Phone: +82-70-4202-9169