From December 12 to 13, 2023, the Annual Conference on Sustainable Development of Environmental Protection Social Organizations of China will be held in Shanghai. This year's conference, themed "Building a Beautiful China and Promoting Green Sustainable Development," aims to thoroughly implement the spirit of the National Ecological and Environmental Protection Conference. It will summarize the achievements and experiences of environmental protection social organizations over the past year, and explore how these organizations can better serve as a bridge between the government, enterprises, and the public in the new journey ahead. The conference will also discuss ways to enhance the capacity of environmental protection social organizations to participate in the national environmental governance system, effectively leverage social forces for environmental protection, widely mobilize public participation in ecological civilization construction, and promote green sustainable development.

Attending the annual meeting were Sun Xiaohua, President of ACEF; Jia Shumei, former Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of the Shanghai Municipal Committee; Lin Yu, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee at the Ministry of Ecology and Environment; Bo Guoqiang, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Bureau of Ecology and Environment; Hong Yongqing, Director of the Shanghai Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Promotion of South-South Cooperation and former Deputy Director of the Shanghai Intellectual Property Office; Xie Yuhong, Vice President and Secretary General of ACEF;   Li Chen, Director of the Domestic Coordination Department of the Secretariat of the China Association for the Promotion of International Exchanges of Non-governmental Organizations;   along with other relevant leaders and guests.  This meeting was also attended by over 300 individuals from government departments associated with environmental social organizations, representatives from those organizations, environmental advocates from various sectors, volunteers dedicated to environmental protection, and media representatives who support these efforts. Mr. Qu was also invited to the annual meeting. As an expert member of the ESG Professional Committee's think tank at the All-China Environmental Federation, he participated in the sub-forum titled "The Latest Progress of ESG Standards and Industry Applications." On the first day of the annual meeting, he delivered a keynote speech that highlighted the value and opportunities for social organizations through the lens of ESG and dual carbon standards. His discussion focused on strategies for advancing the development of local and industry-specific ESG standards.

Xie Yuhong, Vice President and Secretary General of ACEF, presided over the opening ceremony

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President Sun Xiaohua emphasized that environmental protection social organizations play a crucial role in the country’s modern governance system. He urged these organizations to remain true to their founding principles and mission, continually strengthen their internal development, and uphold the leadership of the Party. They must resolutely implement major national policies and adhere to laws and regulations.  He highlighted the importance of prioritizing the people, fostering confidence and self-reliance, and maintaining honesty and innovation. He encouraged a problem-oriented and systematic approach while keeping a global perspective. He called for these organizations to become a vital force in the collective effort for ecological and environmental protection, fulfilling their political and social responsibilities. Ultimately, he urged them to steadfastly work towards the comprehensive rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-style modernization.

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Lin Yu, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Propaganda and Education Center at the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, noted that environmental protection social organizations are a vital force in the construction of China’s ecological civilization and green development. He emphasized the need for these organizations to leverage their strengths effectively, engaging in thoughtful and comprehensive planning to implement “small and beautiful” environmental protection initiatives. Such efforts aim to encourage greater public participation in ecological and environmental protection activities.

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In the keynote presentations, Professor Liu Xiaoqing, Deputy Director of the Science and Technology Philosophy Teaching and Research Office at the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (National School of Administration), and Director Jin Jinping of the Nonprofit Law Research Center at Peking University, delivered speeches on two key topics. Professor Liu focused on the ecological perspective embedded in Chinese-style modernization, while Director Jin discussed the concepts of "talent" and "skill" in the governance of nonprofit organizations.

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During the dialogue session, the following individuals participated: Lei Guoxing, Secretary of the General Party Branch of the Anqiu Residential Area on Jiaxing Road; Jiang Yongkun, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Consulting Industry Association, former director of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government Development Research Center, and head of the International Cooperation Office; Fang Yingjun, founder and director of the Green Jiangnan Public Environmental Concern Center; and Ding Jie, Executive Director of the Wuhu Qingye Community Development Promotion Center. From different perspectives, they shared and exchanged views on how environmental social organizations can play a better role.

Subsequently, a series of commemorative activities marking 20 years were held in the presence of all attendees. The annual meeting featured a special segment titled "Paying Tribute to 20 Years of Personnel Engaged in Environmental Protection Social Organizations," acknowledging their contributions to ecological and environmental protection in China. Li Li, director of the Beijing Huanyou Science and Technology Research Center, along with 23 other comrades, received this honor. Additionally, Zhu Zaibao, a 95-year-old hero of the Korean War and a member of the Yueyang Environmental Volunteers Association, shared nearly 30 years of experience in environmental social organizations.

During this meeting, the Shanghai Declaration of the 2023 Annual Conference of Chinese Environmental Social Organizations for Sustainable Development was also released. The declaration calls on environmental social organizations to leverage their grassroots connections and utilize various forms and channels to enhance awareness of the importance of ecological civilization and environmental protection. It emphasizes the need to actively promote and personally adopt green production and lifestyle practices, while also making suggestions and contributions toward building a green, low-carbon, and circular economy.

This year's annual meeting centered on China's non-governmental responses to climate change and its international influence. Key topics included energy transformation to support rural revitalization, scientific communication and ecological security, and the sustainable development of zero-carbon communities. Discussions also covered the latest advancements and industry applications of ESG standards, as well as the Whole Community approach to sustainable development, carbon neutrality, and the training of personnel in green and low-carbon innovations. Participants shared their experiences and practices, exploring new opportunities for collaboration. The discussions were lively, with suggestions offered for enhancing public participation in environmental protection and highlighting the role of environmental social organizations as a bridge between government entities and the public.