Shanghai launches global call for inclusive digital solutions

Shanghai has launched a global call for innovative digital solutions aimed at advancing inclusive urban development, unveiling the initiative at an event on Dec 20.

The announcement was made during the annual event of the Digital Partners Initiative, a platform designed to combine Shanghai's practical experience with international expertise to help bridge digital divides across age groups, social segments, and regions in the digital era.

Since its launch in 2021, the Digital Partners Initiative seeks to establish a replicable model of digital inclusion with Shanghai characteristics.

The initiative has been recognized by the UN-Habitat China Office for aligning with the vision of building "people-centered smart cities" put forward in the UN's New Urban Agenda.

The event also marked the appointment of the initiative's first group of researchers, bringing together experts from universities, enterprises, and social organizations. The researchers will support the initiative through policy advice, forward-looking studies, and the transformation of research outcomes into practical applications.

A series of landmarks was presented at the event, highlighting the initiative's progression from isolated pilot projects to broader citywide implementation. Six representative application scenarios were released, covering areas such as AI-enabled services, elderly care, content creation, and cognitive support.

A representative from the Shanghai Municipal Data Bureau emphasized that the initiative will continue to advance the construction of digital inclusion hubs and the deployment of digital service resources, reinforcing its role as a key brand in Shanghai's digital transformation.