Mayors from several countries gathered in Xishuangbanna, China, for the 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue to explore biodiversity conservation and sustainable urban development.
City leaders from China, Laos, Cambodia, Nepal and Sri Lanka met in Jinghong from Tuesday to Thursday. They visited rainforests, Wild Elephant Valley and rural communities to study local practices in conservation and heritage protection.
The dialogue ended with the release of the Xishuangbanna Initiative. It sets four priorities: ecological coexistence, joint industrial development, shared benefits and long-term cooperation.
Xishuangbanna officials highlighted the integration of nearly 300 tropical plant species into urban green spaces. Menghai and Mengla counties signed friendship-city agreements with two districts in Laos.
Sri Lankan Mayor Killapanage Don Parakum Shantha called the region a good example of balancing development and protection. Pakistani editor Makhdoom Babar noted China's efforts to conserve biodiversity.
