Shanghai Manual: A Guide for Sustainable Urban Development in the 21st Century - 2024 Annual Report

The Shanghai Manual was established in 2011 following the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai and serves as a tool to support the efforts of mayors and urban practitioners in advancing sustainable urban development. The principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and New Urban Agenda have been integrated into the Manual to accelerate sustainable urban development.

The Shanghai Manual 2024 Annual Report showcases globally implemented urban best practices that present urban actors with innovative solutions to help cities navigate the complex challenges that they face today. Following the theme of ‘youth leading climate and local action for cities’, the report explores the potential of young people as urban change makers with a particular regard to climate action and urban environmental sustainability, and covers the dimensions of economy, society, environment, culture, governance and international cooperation. 

The report analyses youth-oriented global cooperation on urban development, the role of young people in the transition to green urban economies and societies, as well as broader city practices contributing to low-carbon, climate resilient urban development. In addition, it highlights the value of urban cultural heritage and examines the capacity for urban youth to promote climate-friendly behaviours and urban environmental innovation, as well as city-led initiatives that are promoting youth-centred urban and community co-governance. Notably, with the acceleration of digitalisation, the report also examines the capacity for technological and digital innovation to support youth-led urban climate action and features best practices from the Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities (Shanghai Award) 2024 winning cities.

The Manual has been developed in partnership between UN-Habitat, the Bureau International des Expositions, and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government with the support of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of the People’s Republic of China.