16 – 18 OCTOBER 2025 | Xi’an International Convention and Exhibition Center (ICEC) | Xi’an, China

The 2025 edition of UNIDO’s flagship Bridge for Cities event will explore the key role of technological advances and inclusive innovation in fostering sustainable urban growth. With two thirds of the world’s population projected to live in urban areas by 2050, the swift evolution of various state-of-the-art technologies have enabled cities worldwide to transcend the conventional model and boundary of development to accommodate the burgeoning population while embracing a more sustainable, prosperous, intelligent, and inclusive future.

This era of digitalization and game-changer innovations, notably Artificial Intelligence (AI), e-mobility, and Renewables, among others, is nurturing immense opportunities for urban areas to slash greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, and transition to net-zero, robust economies and smart hubs. It is estimated that by 2030, digital technologies can help the energy, materials, and mobility industries reduce emissions by 4 to 10 per cent, and AI alone can reduce global GHG emissions by 4 per cent. Meanwhile, e-mobility and Renewables, respectively, could provide 19 and 35 per cent of the cumulative emissions reductions required to achieve a net-zero energy system by 2050.

Technological innovation and social innovation are two sides of the same coin. While giant leaps in technology profoundly impact manufacturing, trade, and industrial capabilities, they must also positively influence the social fabric, particularly in cities. Pursuing innovation through a people-centered approach is indispensable for building inclusive cities for everyone. Social innovation focuses on addressing urban challenges—such as affordable housing, equitable access to services, and community empowerment—by placing human well-being at the forefront.

It ensures that cities evolve not only as economic hubs but also as equitable spaces where technology serves humanity, fostering resilience, inclusivity, and shared prosperity. Against this backdrop, the Bridge for Cities 2025 event is dedicated to delving into the potential of the technological and social innovations to raise cities’ awareness and showcase their good practices of leveraging both sides to foster a sustainable future for all. The nexus between industries and cities will be an integral element of discussion on the topic of technology and innovation, while partnerships and financing solutions will be highlighted to facilitate the operationalization of ambitions.

The event will convene government representatives, as well as stakeholders and representatives from the private sector, academia, civil society, development finance institutions, and international organizations to shed light on the thematic areas. Featuring knowledge sharing and collaboration, the event aims to generate replicable, scalable solutions and solid partnerships for cities to advance technologically and socially.

2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the Bridge for Cities initiative. On this special occasion, the Bridge for Cities 2025 event will be co-hosted by UNIDO and the City of Xi’an, China – the first time for the main event of Bridge for Cities to take place outside UNIDO Headquarters in Vienna, Austria. After a decade of a remarkable journey, partnering with the City of Xi’an will further enhance the global impact of this flagship initiative. The host city Xi’an, an ancient capital and the starting point of the Silk Road, exemplifies how one of the world’s oldest cities is being modernized into a vibrant cosmopolis of technological innovation, industrial transformation, and sustainable growth, without losing any of its splendid historical and cultural richness. As an established hub along the Belt and Road, Xi’an is leveraging this role to unleash the potential of international collaboration for innovation-driven, shared development. This ancient but vibrant city will welcome the participants of Bridge for Cities 2025 with its dynamic blend of past and future.