LIVERPOOL, Britain, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- England city of Liverpool on Wednesday marked World Cities Day under the theme of Building Sustainable and Resilient Cities, UN-Habitat.

City representatives from all over the world discussed the ways to strengthen cooperation among countries and cities to address the challenges of urbanization and contribute to sustainable urban development.

The UN Under-Secretary-General and UN-Habitat Executive Director Maimunah Mohd Sharif said in her opening speech that rapid urbanization has increased the risk of urban exposure to natural and man-made disasters. She urged future urban construction to focus on urban resilience and sustainability, and strive to provide a safe and livable urban environment for all.

Tian Sainan, special representative of China's Shanghai mayor, said that Shanghai strives to build a future city of prosperity and innovation, a city of happiness and humanity, and a city of ecological resilience. Tian hoped that World Cities Day would become a platform for the world's cities to enhance understanding and communication.

Zhuang Zhaolin, mayor of China's Xuzhou city, the winner of the 2018 UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour, introduced Xuzhou's experience in building an ecologically resilient city.

In an exclusive interview with Xinhua, Sharif expressed gratitude to China's efforts in promoting the establishment of "World Cities Day", and highly praised China's economic development and urban construction in recent years.

She said UN-Habitat hopes to continue to strengthen cooperation with the Chinese government to promote the experience of Chinese cities such as Xuzhou to other countries.

The English version of 2018 Annual Report of Shanghai Manual was also released on the same day, which contains many examples of innovative leadership and lessons in sustainable urban development as well as practical advice on policies.

World Cities Day was proposed by Chinese government in the Shanghai Declaration of the World Expo 2010. And the United Nations General Assembly designated the Oct. 31 as World Cities Day by a resolution.

The Day is expected to promote the international community's interest in global urbanization, push forward cooperation among countries in meeting opportunities and addressing challenges of urbanization, and contributing to sustainable urban development around the world.