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UNDP China and partners launched the Green and Digital Innovation Project (GDIP) in Baoting, Hainan.
Baoting, Hainan, March 26, 2025 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Chinese partners launched the Green and Digital Innovation Project (GDIP) on March 26, 2025 in Baoting County, Hainan province, to accelerate the green transition and strengthen climate resilience in China, as well as advance domestic and international cooperation on climate change.
As a partnership between UNDP China, the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges (CICETE), Shenzhen Honghai Clean Technology Research Institute, and the Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County Development and Reform Commission, the project is part of broader efforts to support Hainan’s goal of becoming a zero-carbon island and free trade port, and to advance sustainable development in the China-EU (Baoting) Green and Digital Innovation Zone, a hub that aims to foster collaboration on climate action between China and the EU.
“Today marks an important step forward in our shared commitment to addressing climate change and advancing sustainable development for all,” said Beate Trankmann, UNDP Resident Representative in China. “But it is only the beginning. In the future, I look forward to witnessing the transformative impact of the Green and Digital Innovation Cooperation Project here in Baoting and beyond.”
Li Shuyin, Deputy Director of CICETE, stated that Baoting County, as one of the pilot areas for Hainan's zero-carbon island initiative, carries an important demonstration mission. This project will promote the deep integration of digital technology and green innovation, advancing sustainable regional economic development while improving people's well-being, thereby providing critical support for Hainan's vision of becoming a "global digital zero-carbon island."
“This cooperation is a direct response to the national strategic call, ” said Mu Kerei, Party Secretary of Baoting County. “By taking Baoting County as the pilot base, we are focusing on three core areas—green and digital innovation, city resilience and climate-resilient and sustainable development models, driving the deep integration of the Hainan Free Trade Port and zero carbon island development.”
“Under the guidance of H.E. Xie Zhenhua and others, we will collaborate closely with our project partners to provide comprehensive support in policy, organization, coordination, and technical expertise for this project,” said Ma Shuo, Deputy Director-General of Shenzhen Honghai Clean Technology Research Institute.
Baoting County has set goals to peak carbon emissions by 2028 and reach carbon neutrality by 2040, including in sectors such as buildings, transportation, energy, and the circular economy, positioning itself as a pilot for green innovation and climate adaptation.
The launch follows a statement of intent signed in December 2024 during the Climate and Health International Conference in Baoting, where partners agreed to explore development models for island regions and innovation financing frameworks to support low-carbon transitions.
The GDIP will focus on promoting green technologies, digital innovation, city resilience, and sustainable finance. It also aims to develop frameworks for public policies, standards, evaluation systems, guidelines, toolkits, and legal frameworks, while encouraging knowledge exchange between developing countries and island regions. The project will contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda and global climate goals, including those set under the Paris Agreement, as well as China’s national dual carbon goals and international climate commitments.
