Cities should balance economic growth and social development; seek to achieve an optimal relationship between social equity and economic efficiency; strive to create an institutional environment of shared rights and interests, equal opportunity, and fair competition; and work to reduce inequities in income. They should enable all residents to share the fruits of urban development and fully realize their personal growth.

Cities should recognize that information and communication technologies are essential to a vibrant social, economic and cultural life of the city. Cities should invest in information and communication technology infrastructure so as to strengthen services across multiple sectors, and to build an intelligent digital nervous system supporting urban operations. They should strengthen the use of information technology in education, reduce the digital divide, and increase the access of residents to information.

To Foster an Open and Sharing Multicultural Society

Cities should endeavor to protect tangible and intangible cultural heritage and encourage the development of multicultural Society. Like the ocean that embraces all rivers, cities should keep an open spirit and actively engage in intercultural exchanges and interactions. Cities should pursue cultural innovation based on respect for cultural traditions and the preservation of cultural diversity, so as to generate lasting momentum for urban and human development.

Cities should promote a harmonious and friendly social environment, and build civil, safe and livable urban neighborhoods through rational planning. They should provide high-quality public services in employment, healthcare, education, housing, social welfare and other areas. They should encourage public participation in urban planning and governance, take into consideration the practical and psychological needs of migrants to the cities, and eliminate social barriers and conflicts.

To Pursue Balanced Urban-Rural Development

Cities should coordinate balanced development with rural regions through the provision of services and infrastructure. Cities should strive to reduce the urban-rural gap, take into consideration the interests of disadvantaged social groups, and encourage and aid the integration of rural populations into the city. More efforts should be taken to improve and optimize urban-rural linkages as well as regional networks. Cities should actively initiate urban-rural dialogue to achieve harmony in their interactions.