International Dialogue on Urban-Rural Linkages 2025
THEME: Advancing Urban-Rural Linkages: Culture, Housing and Basic Services
In the serene landscapes of Songyang County, China, the 2025 International Dialogue on Urban-Rural Linkages (IDURL) became a living showcase of how culture, housing, heritage, and basic services can bridge urban and rural realities. Co-organized by UN-Habitat and the China International Communications Group (CICG), the Dialogue convened over 100 participants from 15 countries to share ideas, experiences, and innovations driving inclusive and sustainable territorial development.
Over two days, participants explored Songyang’s integrated approach, combining cultural heritage preservation, adaptive reuse, and modern service delivery. Highlights included a revitalized water system serving 32,800 residents, the transformation of an old bus station into a public fitness center, and the adaptive reuse of historic sites like puppet theatres and high-pitch opera museums. National initiatives in China, such as the Ten Million Project, are supporting rural housing upgrades, village conservation, and ecological sustainability, with tangible impacts on local communities
The goal is not to make the countryside the same as the city, but to realize the complementarity and win-win potential of urban and rural functions.
Xie Gang, China International Communications Group
Field visits and thematic sessions illustrated how urban acupuncture, digitalization, and intelligent transport systems can strengthen urban-rural linkages, improve access to services, and foster climate resilience. Drawing on global examples from Asia, Africa, and Europe, discussions emphasized heritage-led regeneration, participatory governance, and community engagement as critical elements for context-specific, sustainable development.
At IDURL, we have realized that in the process of modernization, urban and rural areas are never ‘either/or’ options, but a cohesive whole with a shared destiny.
Liang Haigang, CPC Songyang County Committee
Balanced territorial development goes beyond infrastructure—it is about dignity, identity, and opportunity, ensuring no one and no place is left behind.
Rafael Tuts, UN-Habitat
The 2025 International Dialogue on Urban-Rural Linkages in Songyang reaffirmed a global call to action by UN-Habitat: bridging urban and rural areas through inclusive, innovative, and culturally grounded approaches to achieve balanced, resilient, and sustainable development for all.
Timeline of IDURL Events since 2019
10-14 November, 2019
IFURL 1
The First IFURL took place in Songyang County, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province, China, on 10-14 November, 2019. The theme of the first forum was “Rural revitalization through innovations and valorization”.
19-20 October, 2021
IFURL 2
The Second IFURL held on 19-20th October, 2021 shaped its theme as “Integrating Health and Territorial Development for Sustainable Livelihoods” building on the first Forum’s success and articulation of rural revitalization.
29 Oct-1 Nov, 2023
IFURL 3
Against the backdrop of this year’s Urban October, the third IFURL, was held from October 29 to November 1, 2023, marking a significant milestone in the global conversation on urban-rural connectivity.
Partners
