From November 14 to 17, 2012, the wisdom of innovation of cities around the world gathered in Guangzhou, as the Metropolis Board of Directors Meeting took place at that time. The event hosted over 500 national and international participants and urban thought leaders.

One year after the launch of the Metropolis Initiatives, Guangzhou became the perfect occasion to present the Initiatives progress to encourage further participation, partnerships and peer evaluation. The event also unveiled the five winners of the Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation co-organized by the City of Guangzhou, Metropolis and UCLG.