Shanghai reinforced its commitment to inclusive governance by inviting prominent international residents to observe the opening of the city's annual political advisory session on Feb 2.

The opening of the fourth session of the 14th Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference included Magnolia Award winners among its attendees. The Shanghai Magnolia Award is a prestigious honor established by the Shanghai Municipal Government to recognize and commend foreign nationals who have made significant contributions to the city's development and international exchange. It is one of the highest awards given by the city to expatriates.

Astrid Poghosyan, a 2023 Magnolia Silver Award recipient and project manager at the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, attended for the second time.

"Shanghai's greatest strength is its ability to translate long-term vision into concrete execution," Poghosyan said. The Armenian musician praised the city's pragmatic governance, noting its willingness to pilot policies, incorporate local and foreign feedback, and adapt its approach.

"This creates an environment where both local and global communities can operate with clarity and confidence—a model from which many global cities could learn," she said.

Ashish Maskay, a 2022 Magnolia Gold Award winner and healthcare director, also returned for his second observation.

"It's a feeling of profound humility and happiness to be part of such a significant event," he said. Maskay emphasized the unique value that long-term expatriates contribute, saying that their dual understanding of Chinese and international systems makes their involvement in policy discussions "a meaningful step" by the Shanghai government.

The event exemplified Shanghai's ongoing practice of "whole-process people's democracy".

According to the work report delivered by CPPCC Shanghai Committee Chairman Hu Wenrong, the city's dedicated practice site for this democratic model welcomed 440 international visitors last year. Many expressed admiration for Shanghai's approach, acknowledging its potential as a reference for participatory governance.

Luo Bin contributed to this story.