The 2026 North Bund Forum will be held in Shanghai from Oct 20 to 21, bringing together about 4,000 guests from more than 50 countries and regions to discuss the future of global shipping governance.

With the theme "Common Challenge, Shared Mission — Promoting the Resilient Development of Global Shipping & Aviation", the two-day forum aims to explore how to promote the resilient development of global shipping and aviation, Zhang Xin, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission, said during a news conference held on Oct 15.

This year's event — hosted jointly by the Ministry of Transport and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government — features more than 60 activities, including an opening ceremony, a main forum, two forums, and five thematic sessions.

According to Zhang, Shanghai's status as a shipping and aviation hub was further strengthened over the past year, marked by milestones such as the launch of the nation's first destination-free cruise trip, China Eastern Airlines' launch of the world's longest one-way flight linking Shanghai with Buenos Aires, and Shanghai Pudong International Airport's top ranking for connectivity among Asia-Pacific airports in the Air Connectivity Ranking 2025 published by Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East.

Since 2024, China Eastern has continued to build its global network and has launched 22 direct flights between Shanghai and global destinations, including Marseille, France; Kazan, Russia; and Casablanca, Morocco, strengthening Shanghai's global connectivity as an international hub.

Source: China Daily