China will actively engage in global environmental governance

The Chinese government will support the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development to play a bigger role, Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang said on Wednesday.

Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, China will accelerate the advancement of modernization featuring harmony between humanity and nature, said Ding, also chairperson of the council, a high-level international advisory body to the Chinese government.

Adhering to the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, China will also proactively participate in global environmental governance, and strengthen international cooperation on tackling climate change, marine pollution control and biodiversity conservation, he said, addressing the council's annual general meeting in Beijing.

He said he hopes attendees of the meeting will strengthen research and exchanges, provide suggestions on promoting China's environment and development, and contribute more wisdom and strength to building a clean and beautiful world.

Themed "Green Transition for High-Quality Development: Modernization in Harmony with Nature", the meeting attracted about 500 attendees from home and abroad.

Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme, said discussions at the meeting demonstrated China's determination to move forward sustainably.

"This meeting took place at a time when centrifugal geopolitical forces appear to be pulling nations apart. Yet here in this room, we build bridges that brought us closer together," she said.

She said her primary observation is how impressive it is that China throws open its doors and invites outsiders into the policy space to discuss and recommend pathways for the Chinese leadership to consider.

"I know of no other country that has both the self-confidence as well as the humility to do this. It says much about China's determination to move forward smartly, to move forward sustainably, and to consider all possible options before deciding the best way forward," she said.

World Economic Forum President Borge Brende, said the theme of the meeting "could not be more timely".

"I think that captures also the nexus between economic developments and sustainability," he said.

Against this backdrop, the CCICED plays an increasingly significant role, as it enables the world to understand and support China's engagement with the world, he continued.

"China's leadership in the energy transition, and in renewables is staggering," he stated.

The country has played an incredibly important role in driving down the prices for renewables.

"When we met 10 years ago, we had to subsidize renewables. Today, solar is one-tenth of the price compared to 10 years ago. Wind is one-seventh of the price," he noted.

"I would like to congratulate the CCICED for its eminent role in strengthening international collaboration on nature and climate. The World Economic Forum is honored to be a partner with you in this journey," he said.

Guests talk at the CCICED 2023 Annual General Meeting in Beijing on Wednesday. CHINA DAILY