On June 30, 2026, the launch ceremony and New York Forum for OUR WATER Season 3 took place at Bloomberg Headquarters in New York, marking a significant step in strengthening subnational ties between Shanghai and New York. The event, themed 'Rivers of Opportunities', was co-hosted by Bloomberg L.P. and attended by prominent figures including Michael R. Bloomberg, Minister Tang Zhiwen of the Chinese Embassy in the U.S., Deputy Consul General Ma Xiaoxiao, Director-General Chen Yiqun of the Shanghai Information Office, and President Hu Minghua of Shanghai United Media Group. Over 200 guests from political, business, finance, and cultural sectors participated in discussions aimed at identifying a shared framework of certainties among global hub cities.
The forum underscored the distinct advantages both cities hold in finance and trade, while also addressing common challenges in urban renewal, low-carbon development, and digital transformation. Candid dialogue was emphasized as essential for mutual learning and for injecting stability into China-U.S. relations. A panel titled 'Investing in China, Winning the Future' explored how global capital perceives the Chinese market, with discussions shifting from traditional growth narratives to AI, high-end manufacturing, financial opening-up, and institutional market development. Shanghai's role as a hub for financial opening-up and a gateway linking international capital with Chinese opportunities was highlighted.
Another panel, moderated by Bloomberg Television host David Westin, focused on 'Opportunities in Emerging Consumer Markets'. Panelists noted that consumer vitality in both cities stems not only from market size but also from their ability to create experiences, understand people, and activate urban spaces. Beyond the forum, the New York series of events for OUR WATER Season 3 includes exhibitions such as 'West Meets East·Shanghai & New York 2026 - A Polaroid 20×24 Special Exhibition', 'Chinese Opera: A Century of Dreams - An Exhibition of Art Design and Technology', and an exhibition themed around Shanghai's 'One River, One Creek' and Jing'an CAZ. A China-U.S. Business Leaders Dialogue also took place.
These events shape a tangible waterfront narrative, allowing Shanghai and New York to resonate in harmony through dialogue. As Minister Tang Zhiwen stated, Shanghai and New York are expected to become benchmarks for subnational cooperation between China and the United States, contributing to a constructive bilateral relationship. The forum and associated activities highlight the importance of open cooperation and innovation in reshaping the future of global cities.
