At the halfway point towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and with the world facing multiple and overlapping crises, decisive action is needed to scale up ambition and accelerate action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The adoption of the landmark Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) in December 2022 marked a crucial step in strengthening joint action to stem further degradation of critical ecosystems, including through increased financing to developing countries.

Against this backdrop, the 31st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED) will provide an opportunity to further elaborate strategies and concrete actions to accelerate implementation of the GBF and related global targets by focusing on the theme, ‘Green Transition for High-Quality Development: Modernization in Harmony with Nature.’

Following ministerial and high-level opening presentations on the first day, which will also introduce the CCICED progress report and workplan for the coming year, the second day will comprise two open forum discussions on topics related to the AMG’s theme and this year’s eight CCICED ‘Special Policy Studies.’ On the final day, a research-policy dialogue will deliberate further on the latest ‘Special Policy Studies’ and the outcome of the Open Forum. Delegates will also review draft policy recommendations, based on this year’s research findings, to be forwarded to the Chinese government.  

Specific topics to be addressed during the discussions include:

• implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework;
• boosting the global low-carbon transition;
• achieving synergies between climate change and green prosperity initiatives;
• integrating land and Ocean governance; and
• building green consensus and empowering financial innovation.

Chaired by China’s Executive Vice-Premier, the CCICED is a unique policy think tank and advisory body that provides a platform for international exchange to “enable the international community to understand China, and support China’s engagement in the world.” CCICED pursues this aim by carrying out cross-sectoral, and multidisciplinary research that integrates environmental, economic, and social concerns and draws on advanced international concepts, policies, technologies, and best practices, with the aim of advancing ecological civilization and sustainable development.

The 2023 AGM, convening from 28-30 August in Beijing, China, will be the first in three years to meet in a fully in-person format following the COVID-19 pandemic. The Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) will publish daily web coverage, including photos and daily updates. A summary report of the proceedings will be published here on Saturday, 2 September.

The Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) writers for this meeting are Wangu Mwangi, Tomilola Akanle Eni-ibukun, Ph.D., and Jose F. Pinto-Bazurco, Ph.D. The Digital Editor is Franz Dejon. The Editor is Leila Mead.