Zhao Yingmin, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, highlighted the remarkable achievements of green development within various sectors of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) during the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) in Beijing. Zhao emphasized that these collective efforts have not only bolstered global green development but have also illuminated a path towards a more sustainable future.
The Seminar on Building a New Vision for the Green Silk Road, held during the BRF, welcomed senior officials specializing in the fields of environment, economy, and development from countries like Singapore, the Dominican Republic, Myanmar, and featured experts and scholars representing BRI partner nations. The BRI marked its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of progress in the realm of green development.
Over the past ten years, China has consistently championed the principles of green development, advocating for cooperation, shared benefits, and inclusive consultation. Zhao, who also serves as the convener of the Advisory Committee of the BRI International Green Development Coalition (BRIGC), underscored these core principles during the seminar.
In today’s interconnected world, humanity grapples with severe challenges, including peace deficits, development deficits, security deficits, and governance deficits. Alarmingly, only 15 percent of the 169 specific goals outlined in the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are currently on track, with many regressing. Zhao stressed the significance of addressing these pressing issues.
In response to the global call for development and the expectations of all nations, the BRI has brought renewed hope to the world, infusing fresh energy into global development, creating innovative platforms, and contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to global governance.
First and foremost, the BRI has been ardently constructing a “national business card” for participation in global environmental governance. This endeavor encompasses the establishment of BRIGC, an ecological and environmental big data service platform, and the BRI environmental technology exchange and transfer center. The Green Coalition has successfully gathered over 150 domestic and international partners, conducted more than 70 specialized events, and published over 20 policy research reports. These efforts have provided essential policy decision-making support for the development of a green Belt and Road.
Zhao further elaborated on the BRI’s accomplishments, highlighting the establishment of the Lancang-Mekong River Environmental Cooperation Center and the China-Cambodia and China-Africa environmental cooperation centers. Additionally, the BRI has facilitated over 20 forums and seminars annually, promoting exchanges among thousands of participants from various countries and regions, thanks to cooperation mechanisms like China-ASEAN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Leveraging the power of big data platforms, the BRI has collected more than 60 essential environmental datasets from partner countries and acquired more than 40 environmental laws, regulations, and standards from these nations. This rich repository of information has been instrumental in providing green development solutions for foreign investments.
Furthermore, the BRI has played a pivotal role in major projects such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway, Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, and China-Laos Railway. These projects have seamlessly integrated China’s green technologies and concepts. For instance, in the construction of the China-Laos Railway, provisions such as animal passages and extended tunnels have been incorporated, effectively fostering economic prosperity while protecting local wildlife and their natural habitats.
The BRI has also supported countries like Kazakhstan, Ethiopia, Argentina, Vietnam, and Montenegro in developing photovoltaic and wind power projects. These initiatives have propelled the energy low-carbon transformation of BRI partner nations, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
Notably, China’s financial and technological support has significantly advanced Pakistan’s energy structure optimization. The construction of more than 10 major power plants, including the Karot Hydropower Plant, has provided Pakistan with affordable and stable electricity, transforming the nation from one plagued by power shortages to an abundant power producer. China has also committed to halting overseas coal-fired power projects while extending hundreds of millions of dollars in funding support for Ethiopia’s hydropower initiatives. These green investments have not only aided African countries but have also assisted other developing nations in overcoming development obstacles and transitioning to low-carbon energy sources.
Frank Rijsberman, the Director General of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), who was present at the seminar, disclosed that they conducted interviews with government officials from 24 countries, encompassing 104 BRI projects with a total investment of $150 billion. Remarkably, 25 percent of these BRI projects were classified as deep green projects, while 7 percent were categorized as mild green projects, including hydropower, water supply, and irrigation projects.
In essence, more than one-third of the 104 BRI projects studied were deemed green projects, a significant achievement. Rijsberman also shared that an increasing number of countries have expressed their eagerness to collaborate with China in areas such as renewable energy, energy storage, green building construction, green finance, and various other sectors. This growing interest signifies a global consensus on the importance of green development and the potential benefits it holds for all nations.
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