Union Comm Invited by Shenzhen Foreign Affairs Office to Share Perspectives on APEC 2026 Shenzhen Action Roadmap

On November 18, Sam Han, Partner of Union Communications Hong Kong Limited (“Union Comm”), was invited by the Shenzhen Foreign Affairs Office to speak at its Foreign Affairs Lecture Series.

Under the theme “APEC 2026 Shenzhen Action Roadmap: Building a New Landscape for International Exchange,” Han shared insights and practical recommendations on how Shenzhen can leverage the APEC platform to deepen international cooperation and enhance its international engagement. Highlights from the event were also published on the official website of the Shenzhen Foreign Affairs Office: https://fao.sz.gov.cn/xxgk/gzdt/content/post_1633950.html

During the session, Han proposed that Shenzhen focus on three key directions: strengthening technology and innovation narratives, building long-term cooperation mechanisms, and enhancing international city experiences. He emphasized that Shenzhen should evolve beyond being a host city and become a more active participant in APEC, transforming from a “conference city” into a “dialogue city” and an active participant in regional cooperation agendas.

On technology and innovation narratives, the session highlighted that Shenzhen, as a leading innovation hub, could develop an international narrative framework centered on “Tech for Good.” Drawing on data from APEC science and technology projects, Han noted that many initiatives focus on technological innovation, application scenarios, social inclusion, and regional cooperation. Looking ahead, Shenzhen could further explore themes such as “Tech for SDGs” and “AI for Good”, linking technological innovation with just transition, sustainable development, and public wellbeing. Through highlighting the public value of technology and innovation, Shenzhen could further promote practical cooperation and mutual benefit with APEC member economies.

Regarding long-term institutionalized cooperation, Han suggested that Shenzhen establish a regularized framework for APEC project coordination and participation. By closely following developments across APEC working groups and encouraging more Shenzhen-based initiatives to engage with APEC project frameworks, the city can gradually move from project participant to project initiator. This will allow the city to contribute “Shenzhen Perspectives” and “Chinese Wisdom” to regional cooperation while fostering a more sustainable international cooperation ecosystem.

Furthermore, the session proposed optimizing the city experience. Recommendations included organizing “Shenzhen Night” cultural exchange activities, launching a multilingual “APEC Shenzhen Pass” app integrating transportation, payment, and navigation services, and arranging visits to representative communities and leading enterprises. The session also proposed thematic city routes focused on innovation, sustainability, and culture, allowing international guests to experience Shenzhen’s vitality, openness, and efficient urban governance in a more immersive way.

In concluding remarks, Han stated that APEC 2026 represents not only an important international event for Shenzhen, but also a strategic opportunity for the city to further elevate its international role. By moving from “showcasing achievements” toward “co-creating governance experiences,” and from “one-way communication” toward “mutual dialogue and multilateral collaboration,” Shenzhen can further demonstrate the openness, innovation, and cooperation of the top agenda in APEC 2026.

Union Comm is a professional consultancy firm specializing in policy advocacy and international communications, with long-term engagement in multilateral cooperation initiatives related to APEC, BRICS, and the G20.