On 24 April, 2025, the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassadors Executive Programme, led by the Undersecretary of Iraqi’s Foreign Ministry for Political Planning Ambassador Dr. Hisham Al Alawi, visited UPDIS. This visit was co-organised together with the School of International Studies at Renmin University of China to promote Shenzhen’s urban governance practices and share UPDIS’ expertise in urban planning, fostering deeper China-Iraq cooperation.

During the visit, Dr. Hisham Al Alawi outlined the delegation’s objectives and expressed keen interest to learn from Shenzhen’s urban planning experience. UPDIS Chief Planner Li Qijun extended a warm welcome to the delegation and affirmed our commitment to promote exchanges and collaboration in urban development between Iraq and China.

UPDIS presented an overview of Shenzhen’s development journey as China’s pioneering demonstration zone for socialism with Chinese characteristics, emphasising the “plan-led” development philosophy at the core of Shenzhen’s governance model. Both sides also exchanged insights on challenges and initiatives in Shenzhen and Iraq’s major cities—ranging from regional development, housing, traffic management, metro construction, to youth employment and community building.

This visit not only exemplifies UPDIS’ support for the China–Iraq cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, but also represents our broader efforts to share urban planning expertise on the global stage. Moving forward, we will continue to build rapport with international partners, leveraging our professional strengths to contribute “Chinese Wisdom” and “Shenzhen Solutions” to global cities.