On 8 July 2024, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Forum on Green Development took place in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China. The event was organised by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, in cooperation with the SCO Secretariat, the Chinese Committee for Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation of the SCO, and the People’s Government of Shandong Province.
President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China sent greetings to the participants, which was read out by Shen Yueyue, Deputy Chair of the All-China Committee of the People’s Political Consultative Conference and Chair of the Chinese Committee on Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation of the SCO. Shen Yueyue also delivered the keynote speech at the Forum’s opening ceremony.
The event saw participation from the leaders of Iran, Myanmar and Azerbaijan, along with heads of relevant departments from SCO member states and dialogue partners such as Belarus, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Cambodia, the Maldives and the UAE. Additionally, attending were diplomats, scientists, and representatives from the UN Environment Programme and other international organisations.
In his speech, SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming expressed gratitude to the President of the People’s Republic of China for his attention to the Forum. He emphasised the importance of deepening ecological and environmental cooperation among SCO countries and outlined the Organisation’s strategies for creating a green environment, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and ensuring sustainable development in the region. Zhang Ming also highlighted the accomplishments achieved during the SCO Year of Ecology 2024 and other initiatives. He urged all parties to continue strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation to foster healthy, stable, and sustainable development.
The forum was the first large-scale event during China’s SCO presidency. At the forefront was the initiative Building a Green Partnership for Sustainable Development. Additionally, three accompanying forums facilitated discussions on key themes, including the SCO Year of Ecology 2024, Technological Innovation for Green and High-Quality Development, and Climate Action towards a Green Low-Carbon Transformation.