By Kay Scrimger
June 19, 2006

In his keynote address at the Opening Plenary Session in Las Vegas June 3, China Association of Mayors President Beijing Mayor Wang Qishan named the strains of rapid population growth as one of his major challenges.

From 2000 to 2005, he said, “Permanent residents in Beijing increased by 1.744 million, totaling 15.3 million by the end of 2005. In addition, three million ‘floating people’ [with no fixed address] have increased the population of Beijing today to more than 18 million.“

This population explosion puts massive pressure on the city’s resources and the environment, already suffering from a shortage of water, land, and energy and battling pollution.

The key to meeting such challenges and governing well, he said, is good management – the foundation of comprehensive, balanced and sustainable development, based on the following:

Planning for Sustainable Development

At the beginning of 2005, Wang and his administration revised Beijing’s General Plan, mapping out eleven new towns outside of the downtown area, each with a population from 150,000 to 900,000 people. In early 2006 Beijing also launched its eleventh five-year plan for economic and social development.

Safety and Security — “Foremost Task of City Management”

Safety and security is the “source of greatest pressure for every mayor… This is broader than counter-terrorist measures and a low crime rate. It includes public health security, calamity prevention and relief, and normal operation of public infrastructure and facilities,” Wang said.

Understanding that the Citizens are the True Managers of a City

Beijing has established a City Management Radio System so that Wang, his vice mayors, and administrators can communicate with citizens through scheduled programs and listen to their views. This has resulted in new or changed city measures, such as lifting the total ban on fireworks and allowing them at fixed times and locations.

Innovation Enhances Management of the City

Beijing seeks to integrate the latest scientific and technological advances into its city management, for example, through upgrading its eco-environment management.

Sharing Views Through Conferences and Forums Enhances Management

Wang praised the China Association of Mayors (CAM), founded in 1991, now with more than 660 members and a conference every five years. Since 2003, CAM has conducted an annual forum for the exchange of ideas and discussion.

Preparing for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics: Slogan, “One World, One Dream”

Since winning the bid to host the 2008 Summer Olympics Beijing has sought to practice “Green, High Technology, and People’s Olympics,” Wang said. Construction is scheduled for completion by the end of 2007.

Invitation to the Mayors of the United States

Wang closed by invited every mayor present at the Conference’s 74th Annual Meeting to come to Beijing “to this grand assembly of world sports and culture and of peace and friendship.”