Dear GBD Innovation Club Members, Partners, and Friends,

As Beijing CBD officially assumes the presidency of the Global Business Districts Innovation Club for the 2025-2027 term, I am honored and humbled to address you in this capacity.

First, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Paris La Défense, France, particularly to Chairman Pierre-Yves Guice, for his outstanding contributions to the development of GBD Innovation Club during his tenure. At the same time, I would also like to extend my heartfelt respect to the members of the previous Board of Directors and Executive Committee: the Chicago Loop Alliance, Montréal Centre-Ville, DublinTown BID, and Guangzhou Tianhe CBD. Our Club spans three continents, seven time zones, and nine countries – despite the significant changes and ongoing challenges in the global landscape over the past six years, the Club has upheld mutual trust, support, open communication, shared experiences, and the pursuit of win-win outcomes. This is truly an extraordinary achievement.

Since its inception in the 1990s, Beijing CBD has evolved into a globally recognized hub that integrates business, technology, and culture. We warmly welcome friends from around the world to join us in Beijing as we look to the future – and we’re equally eager to travel abroad to exchange ideas and share development experiences. Today, Beijing CBD stands not only as a symbol of China’s economic growth but also as a key driver of collaboration and progress among global business districts.

As a founding member of GBD Innovation Club, Beijing CBD has always adhered to the principles of openness, diversity, inclusivity, and mutual benefit. We have actively participated in and supported deeper exchanges and cooperation among cities and its global business districts. In this era of globalization and technological advancement, we understand that collaboration between business districts is vital to enhancing global economic resilience and driving sustainable development.

I’m pleased to share that, following the recent Annual and Board Meetings, GBD Innovation Club has successfully elected its new Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

It is with great pride that I now present to you:

Board of Directors

• China: Beijing CBD, Chen Dai
• France: Paris La Défense, Pierre-Yves Guice
• USA: Chicago Loop Alliance, Michael Edwards
• Morrocco: AUDA, Casa Anfa, Youssef Hayat
• United Kingdom: Liverpool BID, Bill Addy
• Ireland: Dublin Town BID, Richard Guiney
• Canada: Montréal Centre-Ville, Glenn Castanheira
• China: Guangzhou Tianhe CBD, Dai Wei

Executive Committee

• President: Beijing CBD, Chen Dai
• Vice President: Chicago Loop Alliance, Michael Edwards
• Vice President: Montréal Centre-Ville, Glenn Castanheira
• Secretary: Casa Anfa, Youssef Hayat
• Treasurer: Paris La Défense, Pierre-Yves Guice

During our 2025–2027 term, Beijing CBD will focus on the theme of “Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability,” and will work closely with all members to deepen collaboration in the following key areas:

• Promoting Information Sharing and Knowledge Exchange
  • Host high-level forums, workshops, and discussions to explore global economic trends and share innovative business practices, helping member districts achieve new milestones in development.
• Advancing Sustainability and Green Economy Initiatives
  • Strengthen cooperation in areas such as low-carbon technology, green architecture, and eco-city development, aiming to create future-ready green business districts.
• Fostering Cultural Exchange and Interpersonal Connections
  • Leverage diverse cultural events to deepen understanding and friendships among members, encouraging meaningful exchanges of ideas and people.
• Driving Technological Innovation and Smart City Transformation
  • Focus on emerging technologies, facilitate cross-regional innovation partnerships, and support the transition of global business districts toward smarter, more connected urban centers.
• Human-Centered Placemaking and Reconnecting Cities with People
  • Promote inclusive urban design and public spaces that reflect local identity and values, fostering a stronger sense of belonging and well-being. Encourage collaboration between planners, communities, and businesses to ensure business districts are not only economically vibrant but also livable, welcoming, and deeply human.

In June 2025, we will host the inaugural GBD Innovation Club Forum as part of the Beijing CBD Forum. We warmly invite partners and colleagues from around the world to join us in meaningful discussions on sustainable development, zero-carbon CBDs, artificial intelligence, commercial real estate, and placemaking, alongside leading industry experts.

We also plan to initiate the application for consultative status with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), aiming to better integrate GBD Innovation Club into the broader international community and enhance its global standing.

Additionally, we have launched the research project for the 2025 Global Business Districts Attractiveness Report (3d edition). With a focus on objective analysis and scientific methodology, we hope this report will serve as a benchmark for evaluating the development of business districts all around the world. The report is expected to be jointly released by EY and the Urban Land Institute (ULI) by the end of 2025.

We firmly believe that through the platform of the Global Business Districts Innovation Club, all members will continue to collaborate to tackle challenges, seize opportunities, and drive higher-quality development and prosperity across global business districts.

Thank you for your trust in Beijing CBD. I look forward to working alongside all of you to shape a brighter, more connected future together.

Warm regards,

Chen Dai
Chairwoman, Global Business Districts Innovation Club
Deputy District Mayor, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
Director, Beijing Central Business District Administration Committee