From 9 to 10 November local time, Mr. Huang Runqiu, Minister of Ecology and Environment, attended and addressed the series of side events at the China Pavilion during the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Belém, Brazil.

At the side event themed “Ecological Civilization and the Practice of Building a Beautiful China”, Minister Huang noted that since the 18th CPC National Congress, under the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, China has placed building ecological civilization in a prominent position in governance. By coordinating efforts in cutting carbon, reducing pollution, pursuing green development, and boosting economic growth, China has promoted green transition across the board, achieving remarkable accomplishments in ecological and green development that have captured global attention, and taking significant strides in building a beautiful China.

Minister Huang highlighted that China actively participates in global environmental and climate governance, having facilitated the adoption, signing, entry into force, and implementation of the Paris Agreement. As the CBD COP15 Presidency, China contributed to the successful adoption of the historic Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Great efforts have also been made to advance the Green Belt and Road Initiative. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, and global climate governance has entered a critical phase. China stands ready to work with all sides to implement the Global Governance Initiative, build a fair, equitable, and win-win global climate governance system, and jointly create a clean, beautiful, and sustainable world.

At the High-Level Forum on South-South Cooperation on Climate Change, Minister Huang noted that climate change is a common challenge for all humanity, requiring the joint efforts of the international community. Global South countries face multiple pressures in development, poverty reduction, and addressing climate change. Strengthening South-South cooperation is of great significance for pursuing global green and just transition and advancing climate governance. China has implemented a national strategy to actively address climate change, made the solemn commitments of achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality, and submitted the new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), injecting strong impetus into global climate governance. China will continue to uphold the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, safeguard true multilateralism, deepen South-South cooperation on climate change, and facilitate global green, low-carbon, and climate-resilient development. Following the opening remarks, Minister Huang and Ms. Kitty van der Heijden, Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), jointly signed a MoU on addressing climate change and children.

On the margins of the COP, Minister Huang also met with COP30 President Mr. André Corrêa do Lago, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Mr. Simon Stiell, and Brazilian Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Ms. Marina Silva.

During the meeting with Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago, Minister Huang stated that Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang’s presence at COP30 as the Special Representative of President Xi Jinping fully reflects the high regard China places on Brazil’s hosting of the conference. China supports the conference in focusing on implementation, advancing the delivery of NDC targets already put forward, and addressing issues such as insufficient funding and technical support. Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago expressed that Brazil highly appreciates the positive outcomes China has achieved in its green and low-carbon transition. Brazil is willing to strengthen cooperation with China on biodiversity and climate synergy, promote coordination among the BASIC countries on their positions, and ensure the success of the conference.

During the meeting with Mr. Simon Stiell, Minister Huang stressed that prior to the conference, China submitted its 2035 NDC to the UNFCCC Secretariat, for the first time putting forward economy-wide absolute emission reduction targets covering all greenhouse gases. China is willing to maintain close cooperation with the Secretariat to promote comprehensive and balanced outcomes at COP30. Mr. Simon Stiell highly commended China’s demonstrated leadership in the multilateral process of global climate governance, noting that China’s submission of the NDCs prior to the conference sends a positive and important signal. He expressed his intention to continue strengthening communication and collaboration with China to facilitate substantive outcomes at the conference. Before the meeting, they jointly signed a Letter of Intent regarding cooperation to enhance the institutional and technical capacities of developing countries in implementing the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement.

During the meeting with Ms. Marina Silva, Minister Huang introduced China’s environmental protection policies and actions in recent years, as well as the progress in carbon market development and climate change adaptation efforts. He stated that China will fully support Brazil in successfully hosting COP30 and looks forward to deepening cooperation with Brazil in the fields of environment and climate to contribute to the development of China-Brazil relations in the new era. Ms. Marina Silva expressed gratitude for China’s strong support for Brazil in hosting COP30, looking forward to working with China to make greater contributions to advancing global environmental and climate governance.

Minister Huang also met with Ms. Laura Clarke, CEO of ClientEarth, and Mr. Gilberto Tomazoni, CEO of JBS, exchanging views on China’s climate change policies and achievements, as well as deepening practical cooperation in environmental and climate fields.

Mr. Li Gao, Vice Minister of Ecology and Environment, attended the above events and meetings.