Global mayors gather in Chengdu to discuss sustainable urban development CHENGDU, May 15 (Xinhua) -- Mayors and city representatives from around the world gathered in the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu this week to discuss how cities can respond to mounting pressures from climate change, population aging, resource constraints and public safety risks. The 2026 World Mayors Dialogue, held from May 13 to 15, brought together representatives from 26 countries, 32 cities and five international organizations. Under the theme "Park City: Harmonious Coexistence," participants exchanged views on technological innovation, industrial cooperation, cultural exchange and ecological security. Chengdu, the host city and capital of Sichuan Province, aimed to promote its "park city" model, an approach that local officials say links ecological protection, public services, a business-friendly environment and urban governance. The city is also known internationally as the home of giant pandas and one of the UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy. The discussions reflected concerns shared by cities across regions and stages of development. A representative from Recife said the coastal city is among the most threatened in both Brazil and the world by sea-level rise. Josy Ita Michaud-Payet, mayor of Victoria, Seychelles, said cities far apart still face many of the same questions. "Although our cities are separated by thousands of kilometers, we share a common challenge and an even greater common opportunity: how do we build cities that are clean, green, resilient, and people-centered for future generations?" she said. Chengdu Mayor Chen Shuping said the city has been exploring a sustainable development path that brings together ecology, production and daily life. He added that the dialogue offered a platform for cities to build understanding, share experiences and seek consensus. Participants have noted that cooperation between cities is essential to addressing shared challenges. When sister cities can cooperate efficiently, practical