Introduction to Shanghai Manual

Shanghai Manual: A Guide for Sustainable Urban Development in the 21st Century (hereinafter referred to as the Shanghai Manual) is a living international document jointly compiled by the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, UN-Habitat, and the Bureau International des Expositions, with the support of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of the People’s Republic of China. It is intended to provide urban decision-makers and administrators with practical experiences and policy references for sustainable urban development across countries. First launched in 2011, the Shanghai Manual has, since 2016, been published annually in the form of a yearly report. Each edition selects and compiles outstanding case studies from cities around the world in key areas of sustainable development, including economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Through collaborative efforts, the Shanghai Manual has become a key knowledge product of World Cities Day, an important working document for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the New Urban Agenda, as well as a significant platform for cities worldwide to showcase their achievements and share experiences in sustainable development.