On November 4, the international academic conference titled "Biodiversity-Friendly Actions: International Experiences and Zhejiang Practices" was held at China Jiliang University. The event was guided by the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment, hosted by China Jiliang University, and organized by the School of Law. Erik Solheim, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, attended the conference and delivered a keynote speech on "Global Youth Leadership and Sustainable Development". Wang Binrui, Vice President of China Jiliang University, and Ma Shengcong, Deputy Director of the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment, also attended and gave speeches. The opening ceremony was chaired by Professor Zhu Yifei, Dean of the School of Law.
Wang Binrui emphasized that China Jiliang University attaches great importance to cooperation with international organizations and universities both domestically and abroad, striving to provide students with more opportunities for international exchange and learning. The purpose of this conference is to explore international experiences and Zhejiang's practices in biodiversity conservation, promote academic exchanges and cooperation, and further demonstrate China Jiliang University's active integration into the national and Zhejiang's ecological civilization construction efforts.
Ma Shengcong introduced the achievements of Zhejiang Province in biodiversity protection and biodiversity-friendly actions, highlighting the importance of top-level planning, exploring construction platforms, focusing on standards development, and enhancing publicity and education. He pointed out that "friendliness" is both the approach and goal of biodiversity conservation work, as well as a concise interpretation of the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. He expressed that Zhejiang will continue to base its actions on practical realities while keeping a global and national perspective. He also added that more biodiversity-friendly actions will be implemented, creating more Zhejiang models and examples to contribute Zhejiang's experience and wisdom to global biodiversity protection.
In his keynote speech, Solheim pointed out that the past decade has recorded China’s devotion to high-quality and green economic growth, seen its efforts to promote the development of renewable energy and eco-friendly cities, and witnessed its increasingly important role in worldwide technological progress and sustainable development. He emphasized five areas: China's green development and renewable energy, the development of China's new energy vehicles and ecological protection, the exploration of ecological protection and the circular economy, green development and international cooperation, and global youth participation in environmental protection. He stressed that all countries should respect each other, strengthen cooperation, and work together to solve the challenges faced. He encouraged more young people to proactively participate in environmental protection and development for advancement in global sustainable development.
The academic dialogue session was hosted by Associate Professor Wang Yong from the School of Law. Representatives from the Zhejiang Provincial Ecological Environment Science and Design Institute, the Carbon Neutrality and Green Development Research Center of China Jiliang University, and the Longguan Township Government of Haishu District in Ningbo shared Zhejiang's practices in biodiversity-friendly actions. Meanwhile, the School of Law of China Jiliang University, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, and other institutions shared biodiversity conservation case studies from the United Kingdom and Pakistan.
During the conference, Wang Binrui conferred Erik Solheim the certificate of CJLU honorary professorship. Solheim expressed his intention to offer related courses and lectures for the faculty and students, aiming to help connect students with international resources. He also mentioned that Zhejiang's practices in green development could be shared and promoted to youth in more countries through international exchange activities.
Solheim also participated in a joint interview with major media outlets, including People's Daily, CGTN, Zhejiang Daily, Zhejiang TV, and Ningbo Daily. During the interview, he particularly praised the "Natural Partners Program" initiated by China Jiliang University. He expressed that he was deeply inspired by the program and affirmed the ideas and potential value it advocates. He noted that the "Natural Partners Program" not only has far-reaching social significance but can also be cleverly integrated into China's rich cultural heritage. Solheim believes that through forms of expression such as art and painting, combined with broad public participation from various industries, the program is expected to inject new vitality into China's environmental protection efforts. He added that this would allow the country to remain beautiful and livable while continuing its economic development.
