The Re:Think 2025 Innovation Week has officially opened in Chengdu, bringing together diverse voices from around the world under the shared theme: Harnessing Creativity for a Sustainable Future. Hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and supported by the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the week highlights how culture, science, and innovation can co-shape inclusive and resilient urban futures.
Opening Ceremony:
A Celebration of Collective Vision
On 9 July, more than 200 participants from across sectors—urban planners, artists, youth, entrepreneurs, academics, policymakers, and community leaders—gathered in Chengdu to launch the Innovation Week.
Remarks and keynotes were delivered by Beate Trankmann (UNDP Resident Representative in China), Li Shuyin (Deputy Director, China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges, Ministry of Commerce), Yuan Lanlan (Deputy Director of Chengdu Hi-tech Zone Administrative Committee), Carlos Aldeco (FAO Representative in China), LEE Hee-sup (Secretary-General, Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat), Zhu Shu (East Asia Director and Representative, ICLEI -Local Governments for Sustainability).
In his opening remarks, Prof. Shahbaz Khan, Director and Representative of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, emphasized that:
“we believe that sustainable progress must come through education, culture, the natural and social sciences, and communication and information. The interlinked challenges facing today’s cities—climate disruption, inequality, demographic shifts, and rapid technological change—require bold, integrated responses. And we know that such responses are most effective when shaped by both cultural identity and scientific wisdom.”
Dr. Ai Sugiura, Programme Specialist and Head of Natural Sciences, UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia in her presentation further outlined UNESCO's key approaches and platforms supporting creative and sustainable cities where science and culture co-evolve, and introduced UNESCO frameworks such as UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Cities, Culture and Creativity Framework, UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme, UNESCO Geoscience and Geoparks Programme, UNESCO Culture | 2030 Indicators, UNESCO River Culture, UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science and UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence that guide inclusive urban design.
UNESCO Dialogue: Reimagining Urban Futures through
Cultural Identity and Crossover Innovation
Moderated by Dr. Ai Sugiura, this UNESCO led dialogue spotlighted how cities are reimagining themselves as creative systems and showcased concrete city cases where cultural identity and innovation converge. Prof Ma Ming highlighted Macao for activating its gastronomy, performing arts, and intangible heritage as pillars of its digital-era creative economy. Prof Zhu Dan presented Chengdu’s multilevel cultural governance model tied to its “Three Cities and Three Capitals” vision, integrating festivals and creative platforms into city policy. Mr. Munkhjin Amar from Ulaanbaatar demonstrated how traditional crafts and folk art are driving cultural entrepreneurship and SME development, while also enabling regional exchange. Ms Liu Xiao from the China Academy of Art and youth researcher Ms Lin En emphasized the role of museums and natural assets—like rivers—as living cultural infrastructure, linking heritage, youth leadership, and sustainability. These creative cases illustrated how local culture, community knowledge, and innovation can localize the SDGs, strengthen governance, and shape future-ready cities across Asia and beyond.
Intangible Heritage Creative Market
Outside the venue, the Intangible Heritage Creative Market came to life with more than 20 artists, designers, and local innovators, presenting hands-on demonstrations of sustainable design, traditional techniques, and creative storytelling. Here, heritage and innovation meet—offering a vibrant reminder that local communities are central to global progress.
Re:Think 2025 Campaign:
Stories of Innovation
Over the past month, creators and changemakers from around the world contributed to the #ReThink2025 campaign, sharing stories of urban innovation—from AI-powered heritage mapping to youth-led urban gardens, zero-waste design, and more. Their voices show us that when culture meets technology, and creativity meets sustainability, we can transform our cities into spaces of learning, solidarity, and hope.
(collective video of campaign)
Creativity is more than an asset—it is a force for social transformation. It shapes mindsets, builds identity, and fuels innovation. As Re:Think 2025 continues, we celebrate not only innovations in technology—but the wisdom of culture, the leadership of youth, and the creativity of communities.
SDG Night market outside the venue, a community celebration of food, music, and sustainable living