Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, is continuing to raise its international profile, in the wake of joining a massive global organization, with the benefits from its membership continuing to flow.

It was selected as a co-host city for the World Organization of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) on Nov 16, 2019, and Xi'an Mayor Li Mingyuan was elected as the body's co-president.

UCLG was established in 2004 and has its secretariat in Barcelona, Spain. It covers 240,000 cities, towns, regions and metropolises and 70 percent of the world's population in 193 countries recognized by the United Nations.

It is the largest and most representative international organization of local governments in the world, playing an important role in multilateral international cooperation and exchanges.

Xi'an further extends its international influence and reputation. [Photo/Xi'an municipal government's WeChat account]

Over the past three years, Xi'an has participated in 178 international conferences and hosted nine events under the auspices of the UCLG – further enhancing the international influence of Xi'an as a famous historical and cultural city.

At the 2021 executive board meeting of the UCLG Asia Pacific – called the UCLG ASPAC – Xi'an entered the core circle of the region and was elected as a member city of the executive board and council of UCLG ASPAC.

In April this year, a Chinese training program of the UCLG ASPAC launched by Xi'an opened, attracting the participation of 171 government civil servants, teachers and business personnel from 20 cities in 13 countries.

In addition, the first congress of the UCLG ASPAC Tourism Committee was held in Xi'an on June 10, with the management organization of the committee established, the logo and annual work plan released, and applications for memberships of new member cities approved.

This is understood to have added new impetus to the deep integration and development of cultural and tourism industries among member cities.

Moving forwards, plans are for Xi'an to continue to improve its ability to perform duties in international organizations, optimize its city governance capabilities and modernize its governance system. The city will also aim to continue its development as an international metropolis and a national central city.