Shanghai must build a unique identity and create an appealing image to attract people who want to live, work, create and visit here. Now, more than ever, the city needs a strong brand identity and management, as well as sound and supportive policies, to achieve these ambitions.

Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO, WPP

To many, Shanghai represents the cutting edge of the future of cities. If London was the representative city of the 19th century, and New York the exemplar of the 20th, then the stage is set for Shanghai to become the city of the 21st century. Though technology has, and will change the way we live in unexpected ways, history has shown that fundamental principles of design, such those that provide access to greenery, light, air, and promote interaction with our neighbors and colleagues, can stand the test of time.

Rob Speyer, president and CEO, Tishman Speyer

Shanghai has already embarked on the journey to become an excellent city with strong influence at home and abroad. In its continuous efforts of seeking excellence in all aspects, turning more of its soft power into strong collaborative structures will be beneficial to itself and to the cities in the region in creating a healthy value-chain eco system that is understood and supported by all its stakeholders.

Albrecht De Graeve, chairman of the Board of Directors, Bekaert

For Shanghai to become a global city of excellence, it must tackle common challenges faced by global cities head-on, such as congestion and the urban environment. These factors significantly impact quality of life and weigh heavily on a city's global competitiveness.

Mary Barra, chairman and CEO, General Motors Company

Shanghai should set its goal of building a world-leading, active-aging society where the elderly become a dynamic group in the society and accelerate the process of policy-making, planning and execution. Shanghai could obtain experiences and lessons from cities with a higher proportion of elderly population, such as Tokyo, so as to have a society with adequate infrastructures and services where "healthy aging" is possible.

Koji Nagai, president and group CEO, Nomura Holdings, Inc

(China Daily USA?09/22/2017 page8)