London, 15 June 2026 –The London Parallel Session of the 2026 Beijing CBD Forum was successfully held, bringing together representatives from business district management organizations, financial institutions, professional service firms, investment organizations, corporations and the urban development community from around the world.
Hosted by the Beijing CBD Administrative Committee and the Global Business Districts Innovation Club (GBD Innovation Club), the event centered on the theme “Exploring New Pathways for Global Business District Development”. Participants exchanged views on how business districts can strengthen their competitiveness, unlock new sources of innovation and build future-ready ecosystems amid the rapid advancement of digital transformation, low-carbon development and artificial intelligence.
Opening the event, Rohan Malik, EY EMEIA & UKI Managing Partner, Government & Infrastructure at EY, reflected on the evolving role of business districts in the global economy. Drawing on findings from the Global Business Districts Attractiveness Report2025, he noted that the world’s leading business districts collectively generate around USD 4.5 trillion in GDP and support approximately seven million jobs, making them powerful engines of economic growth. He observed that business districts are increasingly evolving from traditional office locations into broader ecosystems that bring together talent, innovation, capital and infrastructure. As emerging technologies such as AI continue to reshape cities and economies at unprecedented speed, he emphasized that future competitiveness will depend not only on scale, but also on the ability to adapt to new technologies, industries and changing demands.
A video address was then delivered by Chen Dai, Chair of the Global Business Districts Innovation Club and Deputy Mayor of Chaoyang District, Beijing. She reaffirmed the Club’s commitment to promoting knowledge sharing, experience exchange and collaboration among business districts worldwide. As business districts navigate a new phase of transformation and upgrading, she expressed hope that the Beijing CBD Forum would continue to serve as an international platform for dialogue and mutual learning, helping cities and business districts explore new pathways for innovation and sustainable development.
A keynote presentation by Marc Lhermitte, EY Global Lead for Foreign Direct Investment and Attractiveness, and Simon Chinn, Vice President of Research & Advisory Services at ULI, explored the findings of the 2025 Global Business Districts Attractiveness Report. Their analysis suggested that global business districts are entering a new phase of evolution. While many have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the years following the pandemic, they are also adapting to profound structural shifts, including hybrid working, rising costs, intensifying competition for talent and innovation, and growing climate-related expectations. Rather than serving solely as centres of commerce, the most successful business districts are increasingly definedby their ability to combine economic performance with quality of place, social value and environmental responsibility.
Offering a China perspective, Jane Yang, Government & Infrastructure Market Segment Leader for EY Greater China and Managing Partner of the EY Beijing Office, examined how China’s business districts are evolving in response to industrial transformation. She argued that a new generation of businesses –including digital economy companies, AI firms, cultural and creative enterprises, and internationally expanding Chinese companies –is reshaping both the function and identity of business districts. As a result, business districts are increasingly moving beyond their traditional role as office locations to become platforms for innovation, collaboration and global connectivity. New service ecosystems, innovation-friendly environments and more integrated urban communities are emerging as important features of this transformation.
The forum’s panel discussions focused on two themes: Building and Optimizing a Dynamic Business Ecosystem and Green Transition and Innovation Catalysts.
In the discussion on business ecosystem development, participants explored the changing drivers of competitiveness among leading business districts around the world. As companies place greater emphasis on the overall business environment, speakers highlighted the growing importance of financial services, professional services and international connectivity as key sources of competitive advantage. Looking ahead, business districts will need to offer more than high-quality office space; they will also need to foster integrated ecosystems that support business growth, facilitate collaboration and encourage innovation.
The discussion on green transition and innovation examined the implications of sustainability, digital transformation and artificial intelligence for the future development of business districts. Sustainability is increasingly influencing investment decisions and business location strategies, while emerging technologies such as AI and smart operations are reshaping both workplace models and district management practices. Building resilient, innovation-driven urban environments capable of attracting future industries and top talent emerged as a shared priority for business districts worldwide.
As an important international engagement initiative of the 2026 Beijing CBD Forum, the London Parallel Session provided a valuable platform connecting Chinese business districts with their international counterparts. Through the exchange of global perspectives and Chinese practices, participants explored some of the most significant issues shaping the future of business districts and generated new insights into the next stage of innovation and development across business districts worldwide.