On Thursday, the coastal city of Qingdao in east China’s Shandong Province became the epicenter of global marine collaboration as it hosted the 2024 Global Ocean Development Forum. The event drew 667 representatives from marine organizations, universities, enterprises, and research institutions across 41 countries and regions, aiming to bolster international partnerships in the marine economy, technology, and ecology.
Under the theme “Let’s ‘sea’ our futures – promoting blue partnerships for growth and sustainability“, the forum blended online and offline participation, reflecting a commitment to inclusive and wide-reaching dialogue. Hosted by the Shandong Provincial People’s Government and the Ministry of Natural Resources, the event was organized by local authorities including the Qingdao Municipal Government and the Shandong Provincial Marine Development Bureau.
A Comprehensive Agenda for a Sustainable Future
The forum’s agenda was packed with 12 thematic activities addressing critical areas in marine development. Topics ranged from marine biotechnology and deep-sea resources to marine disaster control and the advancement of port and shipping industries. Discussions also focused on cutting-edge marine technology, blue finance, the low-carbon marine economy, and marine ecological protection, highlighting the multifaceted approach needed to sustain oceanic health and economic growth.
Complementary Events Enhance Collaboration
In conjunction with the main forum, four additional events enriched the program: the Shandong Marine Development Achievement Exhibition showcased regional progress; the East Asia Marine Expo facilitated trade and networking opportunities; the World’s Most Beautiful Bays Photography Exhibition celebrated natural beauty and conservation efforts; and the Asia-Pacific Robot World Cup International Invitational in Qingdao highlighted technological innovation in marine applications.
Key Reports and Agreements Unveiled
During the opening ceremony, significant contributions to marine science and policy were revealed. The 2024 China Ocean Development Index Report provided a comprehensive quantitative assessment of China’s marine advancement, covering economic livelihood, technological innovation, ecological environment, resource utilization, openness, and comprehensive management. The report indicated that from 2016 to 2023, China’s marine development index grew at an average annual rate of 2.9 percent, reaching 125.3 in 2023—a 3 percent increase from the previous year—signifying steady progress in building a marine powerhouse.
The 2024 Ocean Development Forum Qingdao Initiative was also released, outlining strategic directives for future cooperation and sustainable development in the marine sector. Additionally, 30 key marine projects from Shandong Province were signed on-site, involving investments in marine new energy materials, transportation, engineering equipment manufacturing, and biomedicine. These projects aim to foster deep integration of innovation, industry, finance, and talent, further propelling regional and global marine development.
Global Leaders Share Insights
The main forum featured speeches from prominent figures, including Sun Shuxian, vice minister of natural resources, and Jens Eskelund, president of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China. Ambassadors and officials from Iceland, Greece, Cyprus, and United Nations organizations also contributed their perspectives. The discussions centered on enhancing global collaboration in the blue economy, promoting decarbonized shipping practices, and exploring opportunities within the Arctic blue economy.
A Vision for Collaborative Marine Advancement
The 2024 Global Ocean Development Forum in Qingdao exemplifies the concerted efforts of international stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities within the marine sector. By fostering dialogue, sharing innovations, and committing to sustainable practices, the forum sets the course for a future where the world’s oceans are a foundation for economic growth, environmental stewardship, and technological progress.
Reference(s):
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