Noting great challenges the world is facing in addressing climate change, overcoming poverty and humanitarian crisis, she said all these challenges are connected with the global housing crisis.

She said she welcomes the partnership with China, as well as the partnership with Shandong and Weihai, to use the event to maximize wisdom and exchange and share knowledge, expertise, and experiences.

"Over the past few decades, China has demonstrated an extraordinary capacity for sustainable development," she said.

Weihai, awarded with the UN Habitat Scroll of Honour in 2003, exemplifies Shandong's accelerated urban development initiatives centered on creating cities that prioritize the well-being of their inhabitants. Shandong province has been actively implementing a people-centered urbanization strategy, with four cities in the region recognized with the UN Habitat Scroll of Honour.

The event in Weihai is co-hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the UN-Habitat, and the Shandong government.

Lasting from Saturday to Monday, the occasion is expected to draw over 2,000 participants from more than 30 countries and regions.