尊敬的国开行高显春 副总经理，[Mr. Gao Xianchun, Deputy Managing Director, Research and Planning Department, China Development Bank (CDB)]

尊敬的发改委国际合作中心常皓副 主任，[Mr. Chang Hao, Deputy Director General of International Cooperation Center, NDRC]

尊敬的陈江和基金会伍伟秘书长，[Mr. Wu Wei, Secretary General of Tanoto Foundation Beijing]

尊敬的泉州市蔡战胜市长，[Mr. Cai Zhansheng, Mayor of Quanzhou]

各位来宾，女士们，先生们大 家 早上好! 欢迎 各位 参加  “绿色 低碳 发展 和 可持续 金融  培训 班” 开幕式！

(Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the launch of the capacity-building workshop on the low carbon transition and green and sustainable finance!) 

I am delighted to be here today in Quanzhou, a historic hub for international trade and cultural exchange, and a city leading the way in green development through concerted efforts in policy innovation and implementation.

With just 7 years left to follow through on the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals tos protect people and planet by 2030, actions to advance a green and low-carbon future are more critical now than ever before. Currently, carbon emissions are at their highest levels in history, with the world on pace to exceed the 1.5-degree warming target set by the Paris Agreement by more than double.[1]

The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) underscores the devastating impacts of unchecked global warming, and emphasizes that we must raise our ambitions, and act now and with urgency, to secure a livable and sustainable future for all.

As the world’s second largest economy, China has the opportunity to make important contributions to tackling the climate crisis and advancing the SDGs. In particular, the Government’s dual carbon goals to peak emissions before 2030 and reach carbon neutrality before 2060, represent a critical commitment that has the potential to significantly impact the climate agenda both in China and globally.

Realizing this low-carbon transition, and ensuring that it is just and inclusive, will require the reshaping of economic systems, policies, and financial instruments, as well as the adoption of innovative technologies and practices. 

This is where capacity building becomes indispensable. By equipping policymakers and stakeholders with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to drive this transformation, we can accelerate a green and just transition, and ensure that it is sustainable.

It is precisely for this reason that we have all gathered here today. 

This workshop brings international experts from five different continents and policy hubs together with a diverse group of Chinese policymakers from both national and local levels, with the aim to share experiences and best practices. Through in-depth discussions and two-way exchanges over the next three days, we will delve into critical topics covering the energy transition, low-carbon development, and sustainable finance, and explore innovative policy and implementation measures.

At UNDP, as ever, we remain committed to the pursuit of sustainable development in China and around the world. To that end, we look forward to working with all stakeholders to help inform policies and decision-making that can turn the shared vision of a low-carbon future into reality. 

In closing, I would like to extend my thanks to NDRC, CDB and ICC for driving this initiative, as well as to the Tanoto Foundation, WRI, and the Quanzhou Development and Reform Commission for their support. Let me also express my appreciation to all the senior officials for taking time out of their busy schedules to participate in this programme. 

I hope that each of you will benefit from the knowledge and insights shared in the days ahead, and come away with a deeper understanding of new concepts around the low-carbon transition and green and sustainable finance and ways to implement them.  

Despite the many challenges our world currently faces, in rebuilding from the pandemic, we also have a critical window of opportunity – one which we cannot afford to squander. 

Let’s come together to chart a future direction for both people and planet that is more sustainable, inclusive and green. 

I wish the workshop a great success! 

Thank you! 

谢谢大家！