On December 8, 2023, the Chinese delegation successfully convened the 11th High-level Forum on South-South Cooperation on Climate Change at the China Pavilion during the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The forum was attended by the President of COP28, the Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC Secretariat, the Director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), as well as ministerial or ministerial-level representatives from countries including Botswana, Chad, Kiribati, Laos, Malawi, Nigeria, Cambodia, and Ghana.

China emphasized that climate change is a common challenge facing humanity, requiring strengthened cooperation among nations. As a responsible major developing country, China has been helping other developing countries enhance their capacity to address climate change through practical South-South cooperation, jointly promoting energy transition, improving climate resilience, and achieving green and low-carbon development. To date, China has signed 48 South-South cooperation documents on climate change with 40 developing countries, jointly established four low-carbon demonstration zones, implemented 75 climate mitigation and adaptation projects, and organized 57 training sessions on South-South climate cooperation, training over 2,400 officials and technical personnel from more than 120 developing countries in the field of climate change.

China stated that COP28 marks the first global stocktake year under the multilateral climate change process. China is willing to work with other developing countries to voice common positions and safeguard their shared interests. China will continue to enhance South-South cooperation efforts to support developing countries in improving early warning capabilities and developing new energy. Key initiatives include: First, implementing the cooperation agreement signed between China and WMO to support the "Early Warnings for All" initiative. This will be achieved through material assistance and training on climate disaster risk forecasting to strengthen developing countries’ capacity in responding to extreme climate disasters and early warning systems; Second, fulfilling the Declaration on China-Africa Cooperation on Combating Climate Change by carrying out the "Africa Solar Belt" program. This program aims to create a demonstration belt for solar PV resource utilization cooperation between China and Africa. By providing solar PV materials, facilitating dialogue, conducting joint research, and enhancing capacity building, the program will tap into Africa’s solar energy potential, and promote sustainable development alongside energy transition in the region; Third, continuing capacity-building training programs. In 2024, China will organize 10 capacity-building training sessions on South-South climate cooperation, covering themes such as new energy, global climate governance, climate investment and finance, carbon markets, and early warning systems. These programs are designed to enhance the technical and managerial expertise of professionals from developing countries in the field of climate change.

UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell stressed that South-South cooperation is crucial in addressing climate change and serves as an important pathway to support developing countries in achieving their Nationally Determined Contributions. He emphasized the need to further focus on the needs of developing countries in climate action and enhance support for them.

UNOSSC Director Dima Al-Khatib emphasized the importance of South-South cooperation on climate change for green and low-carbon transition in developing countries. She noted that China’s Belt and Road Initiative provides a strong platform and opportunity for developing countries to strengthen climate cooperation, setting a positive example and demonstrating leadership.

Ministers from participating countries spoke highly of China’s efforts in South-South climate cooperation, and appreciated the assistance provided by China. They expressed their expectation to continue strengthening collaboration with China in areas including new energy, climate mitigation and adaptation, and climate finance.

During the forum, China and Chad signed the first document for the "Africa Solar Belt" program under South-South climate cooperation. Additionally, delivery certificates for South-South climate cooperation projects were signed between China and Laos, China and Kiribati, and China and Botswana.

Furthermore, following the ministerial segment, two thematic sessions were held: "Pathways and Prospects for Implementing the Africa Solar Belt Program" and "Actions and Prospects for Implementing the Early Warnings for All Initiative".