Shanghai Manual: A Guide for Sustainable Urban Development in the 21st Century - 2025 Annual Report

​​Originally established in 2011 following the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, the Shanghai Manual serves as a practical guide for mayors and urban practitioners advancing sustainable urban development. The Manual has been shaped by the principles of both the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the New Urban Agenda, positioning it as a key resource in the global ambition of achieving sustainable cities.  

​As digitalisation rapidly reshapes urban life across health, education, mobility and employment, cities face growing pressure to harness technology in ways that work for people; anchored by the principles of equity, inclusion and sustainability. The Shanghai Manual 2025 Annual Report addresses this challenge, exploring cutting-edge urban initiatives that leverage data-driven decision-making, technology and artificial intelligence to improve urban life and support cities on sustainable urban development pathways.  

​Featuring the 2025 Shanghai Award winning cities, over 25 case studies and connected policy recommendations spanning the thematic pillars of society, economy, environment, culture, governance and international cooperation, the report serves as a practical knowledge-sharing resource for urban decision-makers worldwide. It also presents a dedicated chapter on people-centred smart cities, outlining the core principles and global policy landscape that collectively guide equitable and human-centred urban digital transformation.  

​The Manual is a collaborative initiative between UN-Habitat, the Bureau International des Expositions, and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, supported by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of the People's Republic of China.