Introducing the Urban Index of Shenzhen (UIS): A Framework for High-Quality Urban Development
A recent event in Shenzhen, China, marked the launch of the Urban Index of Shenzhen (UIS) product suite, aimed at providing a scientific assessment framework for urban development. The Index, developed by the Urban Planning and Natural Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, utilizes a variety of data sources and evaluation dimensions to measure urban development quality. It focuses on aspects such as innovation, livability, aesthetics, resilience, humanism, and intelligence. The UIS product suite includes research reports, monitoring bulletins, a bilingual website, and a WeChat account, emphasizing human well-being as the core of urban development. The launch of UIS aligns with China's shift towards high-quality development and aims to enhance the quality of cities to improve people's quality of life.
The forum on global urban governance and sustainable development in Shenzhen attracted participants from various countries and regions, including city administrators, international organizations, urban planning experts, and scholars. Discussions at the event centered around topics such as urban governance innovation, sustainable development goals, and the application of urban indices in policy-making. With its comprehensive methodology and global perspective, UIS is expected to serve as a valuable tool for mayors, urban planners, researchers, and citizens to understand urban development conditions and engage in urban governance and decision-making.