I-Ju Maximilian (Max) Chen is an urbanist diplomat. He leads the International Affairs Division of the New Taipei City Government to actively amplify the role of the cities in the global efforts for sustainable development. Max and his team have created momentum for the city’s international engagement through advocating the city’s best practices in an international context across the fields of climate change, green cities, sustainable communities, and smart cities. Before joining the municipal government, Max served in Taiwan’s Presidential Office as a Policy Advisor and Liaison Officer; he has also served in Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry for five years and been involved in Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, global development, and digital divide bridging programs. Max studied international relations in Taipei, Berlin, and Vienna, and is currently enrolled in one of Taiwan’s leading Master of Technology Law programs.