On 28 August 2022, the 2022 Erhai Forum on Global Ecological Civilization Construction (the “Erhai Forum”) was held in Dali, Yunnan Province, China. The Forum was co-organised by the China International Communications Group (CICG), the Government of Yunnan Province and the China Public Relations Association (CPRA), with the theme of “Working Together to Build a Shared Future for All Life on Earth”.
Around 300 guests attended the forum online or offline including Mr. Ding Zhongli, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People’s Congress, Mr. Du Zhanyuan, President of CICG, Mr. Guo Weimin, President of CPRA, Ms. Zeng Yan, Member of the Standing Committee and Head of Publicity Department of CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee, Mr. Wang Xian’gang, Vice Governor of Yunnan, Mr. Ekkaphab Phanthavong, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN, Mr. Sohail Khan, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Mr. Arthayudh Srisamoot, Ambassador of Thailand to China, and other diplomatic envoys from nearly 30 countries, representatives of international organisations, well-known Chinese and foreign experts and scholars, business executives, representative of relevant institutions and media journalists. Mr. Fang Qiang, Deputy Director of the Information and Public Relations Division of ASEAN China Centre (ACC), attended the main forum and relevant parallel sessions.
Mr. Du Zhanyuan pointed out in his speech that it is important to carry forward common values, focus on practical actions and deepen exchanges and cooperation, in an effort to contribute wisdom and strength to promoting sustainable development, improving the global environmental governance system, and jointly building a beautiful home and shared future for all life on Earth.
Mr. Ekkaphap Phanthavong said in a video speech that China has always been a strong partner of ASEAN in promoting the sustainable development cooperation. He looks forward to more dialogues and opportunities for cooperation between the ASEAN Member States and China on the important issues of eco-environment such as climate-resilient cities and low carbon development, and to working together to build a shared future for all life on earth.
Mr. Arthayudh Srisamoot said in his remarks that Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the concept of building a Community of All Life on Earth last year. Thailand shares the same vision with China, and expects to see more practical cooperation between countries, including sharing experiences and best practices and providing technology transfer, to promote sustainable development through concerted efforts.
The forum also featured five parallel sessions, during which participants had in-depth exchange of views on such topics as “Share China’s Progress on Ecological Civilization Construction with the International Community”, “Green Food for Ecological Improvement”, “Ecological Conservation and Sustainable Development from a Global Perspective”, “Practicing the Concept of Green Development with High-Quality Industrial Transfer” and “Harmony and Coexistence: Cultural Exchange and Mutual Appreciation on the Southern Silk Road”.
The forum also launched the “Green Life City Alliance” initiative and the “Dali International Communication Matrix”, and shared the “Study Materials on Eco-civilization in the New Era”. On the sidelines of the forum, guests visited the gallery of the global collection of visual stories themed “You Make the Work a Beautiful Place”.