July 24 – Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining met with leading experts attending the 2025 World AI Conference and High-level Meeting on Global AI Governance, including Geoffrey E. Hinton, recipient of the 2018 Turing Award and the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics.

Chen said that artificial intelligence is a strategic priority for Shanghai's development and encouraged experts to strengthen collaboration and pool global expertise through WAIC.

The goal, he said, is to develop a robust governance framework for AI and steer its development in a beneficial, safe, and equitable direction.

Hinton, along with fellow AI leaders, commended the city's progress in strengthening innovation, fostering a robust industrial ecosystem, and improving governance mechanisms for AI.

They expressed hopes for diverse perspectives at WAIC and for deeper exchanges, stronger global cooperation, and the healthy advancement of AI.

July 22 – Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng met with Majed Al Romaithi, chairman of the management committee of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority of the United Arab Emirates.

Gong encouraged ADIA to leverage its strengths and expand its strategic presence in Shanghai. He called for deeper cooperation between ADIA and Shanghai enterprises in fields such as AI, green development, healthcare, and high-end services.

Romaithi stated that Shanghai is one of the most attractive destinations for investment. He reaffirmed ADIA's confidence in the city and expressed its commitment to supporting Chinese enterprises in going global while advancing mutually beneficial cooperation.

July 24 – Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng met with Richard Ravalomanana, president of the Senate of Madagascar.

Gong expressed his hope to deepen collaboration in the economy, trade, and industrial investment, while strengthening exchanges between local governments, political advisory bodies, and other organizations.

Ravalomanana praised Shanghai as an exceptional city with advanced infrastructure and a beautiful urban environment. He shared his desire to foster a brotherly bond between the two sides, promote the sharing of experiences, and expand cooperation across various fields.