At the 2nd Tianfu Symposium of World Cultural Capitals, Chengdu officials were 
joined once again by world culture experts from the World Cities Culture Forum 
to explore cultural development and urban opportunities for new economy. 
Amongst a wide ranging series of topics and experts from all over the world, 
one discussion panel investigated the role of culture in growing city identity. 
Paul Owens, Director of the World Cities Culture Forum, asked participants "How 
successful are cities in balancing authentic local culture as they grow into 
global cities?". Responding to his question, John Howkins, Chair of the Belt 
and Road World Cities Culture Centre, drew attention to the role of technology 
and new economy in defining future reputations and creating entirely new 
culture sectors in the process. Howkins was reflecting upon new initiatives 
launched at the symposium that morning. Vice Chairman of the Chinese Writers 
Association, Jidi Majia, proclaimed that "The wisdom of the people will create 
a more open and stable dialogue - this will be the wisdom of different people's 
and different countries, great civilizations are inclusive and learn from each 
other". 

https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190725/2534510-1 

Chengdu city officials launched the Tianfu Smart Media City project, a new 
initiative with the ambition to integrate multiple smart media initiatives, 
including technology platforms like 5G and new economy technologies like AI, to 
build a new reputation on the global stage.

Participants enjoyed a presentation from Shan Jixiang, director of the Palace 
Museum and star of the recent documentary exploring the success of the palace. 
Shan outlined how the mission of the museum has been to open out culture, 
bringing more of the cultural artifacts for the public to view and share in the 
hidden stories of the Forbidden City.

Conference attendees heard from Robert Govers, international place branding 
expert, who talked about the importance of cities applying an imaginative 
approach to shaping city reputation. Many participants echoed the words and 
sentiments of Jidi Majia when he stated that "mysterious urban codes reside in 
each great world city", perhaps making the definition of success, like a good 
poem, always close but slightly out of our grasp. The poet was clear about the 
importance and the character of Chengdu, referring to it as the city where 
light and poetry emerges.

SOURCE  Belt and Road World Cities Culture Centre