China-ASEAN forum held to enhance cooperation on sustainable development

NANNING -- The 2023 China-ASEAN International Forum on Innovation and Cooperation for Sustainable Development concluded Saturday in the tourist city of Guilin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

The three-day forum attracted participants from China and ASEAN member states, as well as representatives from international organizations, enterprises and research institutions.

Participants exchanged views at the forum on topics such as green technology transfer, tourism cities and experience in building national innovation demonstration zones of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In 2018, China's State Council gave approval for the cities of Shenzhen, Taiyuan and Guilin to build innovation demonstration zones to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

"This is a concrete measure taken by the Chinese government to implement the UN SDGs," said Zhu Xuehua, an official with China's Ministry of Science and Technology. "So far, China has set up 11 such innovation demonstration zones to seek solutions to sustainable growth."

"China is willing to actively carry out cooperation with ASEAN countries, share practical experience and achievements of sustainable development, and set a good example of external cooperation and development," Zhu said.

"Meeting here in Guilin with its breathtaking mountains, rivers and vibrant cultural tapestry serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to pursue a sustainable path forward -- one that preserves these abundant resources for future generations," said James George, deputy resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) China, at the opening ceremony of the forum.

George said the vibrant and long-standing partnership between China and ASEAN is a testament to the power of regional collaboration, and can play a crucial role in accelerating progress toward the shared ambition of the SDGs.