Attendees view a video message from Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, under-secretary of the United Nations and executive secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, during the 4th Forum on Carbon Neutrality Goals of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea in Shenzhen yesterday. Photos courtesy of the event organizer
Liu Zhenmin, China’s special envoy for climate change, praised Shenzhen’s pioneering efforts in carbon neutrality during his keynote speech at the Fourth Forum on Carbon Neutrality Goals of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, which was held in Shenzhen yesterday.
Liu highlighted Shenzhen’s significance as a leader in China’s national carbon peak initiatives. “Shenzhen stands out as one of the first national carbon peak pilot cities in China,” Liu said.
He added that as a vanguard of China’s reform and opening up with remarkable economic and technological achievements, Shenzhen is not only a green, innovative, and low-carbon city, but also a global leader in sustainability.
“Shenzhen has achieved positive progress in clean energy, green transportation, and low-carbon buildings, as well as policy innovations in carbon footprint management and the issuance of green electricity certificates,” the special envoy said.
Liu Zhenmin, China’s special envoy for climate change, delivers a speech during the forum yesterday.
Liu also mentioned the establishment of the world’s first international mangrove center in Shenzhen, which has become an essential platform for international exchange and cooperation in mangrove conservation and restoration.
“The forum, convened in Shenzhen this year, offers a great opportunity for officials, experts, and representatives of international organizations from China, Japan, and South Korea to engage in meaningful dialogue,” Liu said.
The special envoy further welcomed participants to visit Shenzhen and other Chinese cities to gain a deeper understanding of China’s green and low-carbon development.
He also expressed hope that the forum would serve as a platform for sharing best practices in cross-disciplinary political actions and contribute to the goal of carbon neutrality among China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
Experts share their insights during the forum yesterday.
Since its inception in 2021, the Forum on Carbon Neutrality Goals of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea — organized by the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) — has served as a pivotal platform for outlining strategic actions, identifying priorities, and addressing challenges in the transition to carbon neutrality.
Building on progress and discussions from previous forums, the fourth edition of the forum aims to maintain momentum by emphasizing smart and inclusive solutions for sustainable urban development that align with net-zero emissions goals.
The forum’s discussion outcomes will be presented at the 81st session of the ESCAP in April 2025. Additionally, the results will be reported and showcased at the 26th Tripartite Environment Ministers Meeting among China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (TEMM26), which is set to be held in China by the end of 2025.