Beijing is set to welcome experts from around the world for the Beijing Forum on Swift Response to Public Complaints, scheduled from December 18 to 19. This international gathering aims to explore innovative solutions to the challenges of urban governance and public services.
Officials announced the forum at a press briefing on Tuesday, highlighting Beijing’s efforts to address the complexities of managing a megacity with over 20 million residents—more than twice the population of New York City.
In 2019, Beijing launched the “Swift Response to Public Complaints” initiative to improve residents’ daily lives by promptly addressing their needs and concerns. Since then, the city has processed over 150 million appeals, achieving resolution and satisfaction rates exceeding 96%. The initiative streamlined more than 60 hotlines into a single, 24/7 service number—12345—handled by over 1,700 operators covering aspects like healthcare, education, transportation, and more.
Shen Binhua, director of the Beijing Municipal Administrative Service and Data Management Bureau, emphasized the significance of the forum as a platform for global experts to share insights and collaborate on modernizing urban governance.
The two-day event will feature an opening ceremony, a main forum, and six sub-forums focusing on themes such as digitalizing urban governance, citizen participation, and regional coordination. Key findings, including research on urban governance and global evaluations of hotline services, will be unveiled.
Local residents and international guests living in Beijing will also share personal experiences, adding a grassroots perspective to the discussions.
Wang Xiaojie, Party Secretary of China Media Group’s Beijing office, announced plans to release a documentary during the forum, showcasing Beijing’s approach to urban challenges and its commitment to people-centered governance.
Under the theme “People’s City, Better Future,” the forum aims to foster dialogue and share best practices that can inspire cities worldwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
