The Inception Meeting of CCICED Task Force on China’s Environmental Protection and Social Development was held in Beijing on September 18, 2012. MEP Vice Minister and CCICED Secretary General Li Ganjie addressed the meeting. Deputy DG of MEP Department of Human Resources Management and Institutional Affairs and CCICED Assistant Secretary General Ren Yong chaired the meeting. More than 90 people including Vice Minister of the State Council Research Office Ning Jizhe, CCICED International Chief Advisor Mr. Hanson, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering Hao Jiming, DG of MEP Department of International Cooperation and CCICED Vice Secretary General Tang Dingding, Deputy DG of MEP Foreign Economic Cooperation Office and CCICED Assistant Secretary General Fang Li, experts of the Task Force of both domestic and international, leaders and experts of relevant departments of the State Council, CCICED international partners and representatives of the embassies of foreign countries attended the meeting.  

　　In his speech, Li Ganjie pointed out that China is in a critical period for the transformation of economic and social development. Economic growth, social development and environmental protection are interdependent. The study on any of the above three areas must consider the influences on and connections with the other two. Therefore, the theme of “Environmental Protection and Social Development” is the research concerning the big picture of China’s sustainable development and a key subject of national strategic importance.  

　　Li Ganjie put forward three suggestions for the Task Force: First, the Task Force shall stand at the cutting edge of theoretical study and make achievements of international standard. Second, the Task Force shall carry out comprehensive study taking into consideration of both the present and the future. Third, the Task Force shall pay attention to the combination of theory with practice that can turn the research into practical results. 

　　The Task Force on China’s Environmental Protection and Social Development was established upon the approval of CCICED 2011 Bureau Meeting. The aim of the Task Force is to put forward the overall thinking and institutional framework for China’s environmental protection and social development through theoretical study and international experience and make preparations for the future study of CCICED on the topics concerning environment and social development. The Task Force will report its research findings at CCICED 2013 Annual General Meeting. 

　　The State Council Research Office will be the leading organization of the Task Force from the Chinese side. Mr. Fan Bi, Deputy Director General of the General Department of the State Council Research Office will serve as the Chinese Co-chair and Ms. Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Chairperson of Canadian Academic Committee and former Executive Director of UNEP will serve as the International Co-chair.