Delegates attending the First High Level Forum of the World Mega Cities Development agreed Sunday in Nantong to publicize an initiative in a bid to call for more exchanges and cooperation among mega cities and big cities around the world.

According to the Nantong Initiative, the participants said that they are aware that the on-going development of economic globalization and regional integration, as well as the growing influence of industrialization, information technology and market forces, having tremendous impact on the development of mega cities and big cities, have posed a challenge for mayors and governments to find an appropriate model of sustainable development.

They also acknowledge the importance of cities in national development efforts, which represent the benchmark for modern civilization, including center for economy, politics, science and technology and education, and embody the overall strength, including governance ability and international competitiveness standard of the country.

"We are mindful of the complicated and arduous process for achieving sustainable development of mega cities and big cities, involving all dimensions of human and social life, such as politics, economy, culture, environment, public safety, science and technology, tourism and education, "said the participants.

They acknowledge that the new phenomenon created by the forces of Globalization that are further supporting the emergence of mega-cities around the world and further enhancing the interdependence between mega cities and big cities, according to the initiative.

"Against this background and conscious of the diverse models of development for mega cities and big cities, we gather here to engage in frank exchange of experiences in our common search to achieve development and prosperity of all cities. To this end, we made a declaration," said the initiative.

"We agree to join hands with a view to realizing better management of our cities through effective exchange of ideas, experiences and collaboration for the well-being of our people. We agree to prioritize measures that improve people's life, such as comfortable living space, plenty of jobs, beautiful and healthy environment in a comprehensive manner," said the initiative.

It says, "we believe that the process of economic integration of big cities calls for corresponding administrative planning which should be clear of administrative obstacles."

The participants also recognize the beauty of diversity of this world and the development models for mega cities and big cities are equally diverse creating unique charm of each city, derived as a result of cultural evolution and accumulation, and constituting the foundation for our exchanges and mutual learning, according to the initiative.

Meanwhile, they realize that the development of mega cities being a long and complex process, requires sustainable high level exchange platform focusing on mega city development, which is not only timely but also necessary, said the initiative.

"We are convinced that with strong sense of purpose and responsibility coupled with rich experience, we will be able to contribute to the common prosperity of all cities and well-being of the people through this effective exchange mechanism, "said the initiative.

More than 300 participants, including more than 120 mayors or delegates from 43 cities of 25 countries and 16 Chinese mayors at the Yangtze River Delta, attended the forum held in Nantong, eastern China's Jiangsu Province.

Prestigious foreign politicians, including Fidel Ramos, former President of Philippines, Lee Soo Sung, former Prime Minister of Republic of Korea, Jenny Shipley, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, attended the forum.

Source: Xinhua