Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored China's commitment to ecological civilization and global sustainability this week in a congratulatory message to a major regional forum. The message was sent to the Green and Sustainable Development Forum of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which opened on Wednesday in the coastal city of Ningbo.
In his address, President Xi reiterated China's adherence to the development concept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets." He stated that the country remains steadfast on a path of ecological conservation and green growth, positioning itself as a key participant, contributor, and leader in advancing global eco-civilization.
The forum's timing holds symbolic significance, coinciding with dual milestones. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the SCO's establishment and also serves as the opening year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). President Xi expressed China's readiness to collaborate with all SCO members to promote the Shanghai Spirit, enhance the organization's role, and strengthen cooperation in policy alignment, experience sharing, and joint projects.
The ultimate goal, as outlined in the message, is to contribute to improving the global environmental governance system and collectively build a "clean, beautiful and sustainable world."
The forum is co-hosted by the SCO Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Commission, China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and the People's Government of Zhejiang Province. The choice of Ningbo, a major port city in east China's Zhejiang Province, as the venue highlights the integration of economic vitality with sustainable development goals, a theme central to the region's growth strategy.
This high-level endorsement emphasizes the growing centrality of environmental issues within the SCO's multilateral agenda. For business professionals and investors monitoring Asia, the forum signals deepening regional cooperation on green technologies and sustainable infrastructure. For academics and the global community, it represents a continued shift towards integrating ecological priorities into the framework of international diplomacy and development planning.
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Xi sends congratulations to SCO green, sustainable development forum
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