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Honourable Ministers, Distinguished Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great pleasure to gather with all of you in St. Petersburg for the 11th Nevsky International Ecological Congress. This meeting provides a valuable opportunity to deeply exchange views on the ecological and environmental challenges and opportunities under the new global context. It is of vital significance for exploring pathways toward harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, and for jointly safeguarding our beautiful planet.
On behalf of China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, I would like to extend warm congratulations on the successful convening of the Congress, and express our sincere appreciation to the Russian side for the thoughtful organization and arrangements.
Today, environmental issues have become global challenges that threaten human survival and development. The trend of global warming continues, and extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, and floods are occurring more frequently due to climate change, with far-reaching impacts on both human society and natural ecosystems. Pollution remains a pressing issue—air pollution, water crises, soil degradation, and plastic pollution continue to affect production, daily life, and public health. Biodiversity loss has yet to be effectively curbed, and ecological systems in certain regions are under severe pressure, posing risks to sustainable development.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In the face of global environmental challenges, unity and cooperation are the only way forward. President Xi Jinping of China has pointed out that humanity is a community with a shared future—where all nations rise and fall together, and no country can tackle these challenges alone. The international community must respond with unprecedented ambition and action, take responsibility, and work hand in hand to meet the pressing needs of global environmental governance.
As the world’s largest developing country, China has taken strong measures to advance ecological and environmental protection and actively respond to climate change, contributing significant momentum to global environmental solutions. Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, we have made marked progress in pollution prevention and control, intensifying our efforts to win the battles for blue skies, clean water, and healthy soil. We have strengthened management of solid waste and emerging pollutants, resulting in substantial improvements in environmental quality—China is now the fastest-improving country in terms of air quality globally.
We are also accelerating ecological conservation and restoration, implementing a national system of ecological conservation red lines, and advancing major projects for the protection and restoration of key ecosystems and biodiversity. Over 90% of terrestrial ecosystem types and 74% of key national wildlife species are now under effective protection.
At the same time, we are vigorously implementing our national strategy for climate action, steadily advancing efforts to peak carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality. Over the past decade, China's carbon intensity has dropped by more than 35%. We have also established a national carbon emissions trading system and a voluntary greenhouse gas emissions reduction market.
While making robust efforts domestically, China is also deeply engaged in global environmental and climate governance, consistently offering Chinese wisdom and solutions. We have constructively participated in international climate negotiations, worked with all parties to promote the conclusion, signing, entry into force, and implementation of the Paris Agreement, and have continually contributed to the success of UN Climate Change Conferences.
China has been a strong driver of global biodiversity protection, playing a key role in securing the landmark Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. We also launched an initiative to implement the Framework and established the Kunming Biodiversity Fund.
We are promoting a green Belt and Road Initiative, having signed cooperation and assistance agreements on climate change with over 40 countries. Since 2016, China has provided and mobilized over RMB 177 billion to support developing countries in addressing climate change.
China and Russia are close neighbours that cannot be moved, true friends who stand by each other in difficult times, and partners who achieve mutual success. Not long ago, President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Russia and attended the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War. This important diplomatic event not only highlighted the high level and unique nature of the China-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination for a New Era but also injected powerful stabilizing force into a world facing growing uncertainty.
Russia, as a major force in global environmental governance, has actively participated in and promoted the green transition, making important contributions to sustainable development. Its well-developed environmental legislation and strict management systems have laid a solid foundation for ecological protection. Through major national initiatives such as "Ecology for Well-being," Russia has effectively addressed pollution and made notable progress in biodiversity conservation and climate action, offering valuable insights for the international community.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Recently, President Xi Jinping delivered an important message to the Climate and Just Transition Leaders' Summit, stressing that regardless of how the international landscape evolves, China's actions to tackle climate change will not slow down, its commitment to international cooperation will not weaken, and its efforts to build a shared future for mankind will not stop.
China will continue to make full use of key platforms for dialogue and cooperation, including the Nevsky International Ecological Congress, to foster an open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial multilateral network for joint action. In this regard, I would like to offer three proposals:
First, uphold multilateralism and jointly address the challenges of climate change. Fully implement the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement, reinforce consensus on collective climate action, adhere to the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities, equity, and respective capabilities, and honor climate commitments through multilateral mechanisms.
Second, promote fairness and justice to build a global environmental governance system. Guided by the principles of consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, we should deepen cooperation in pollution control, biodiversity protection, and other areas, and work together toward a fair, equitable, and win-win global environmental governance system.
Third, enhance practical cooperation and share the opportunities of green and low-carbon development. We must seize the opportunities presented by the new round of scientific and technological innovation and industrial transformation, tap into the potential of environmental technology cooperation, strengthen the sharing and application of green technologies, and jointly explore innovative solutions to environmental problems. These efforts will support green and low-carbon transitions in infrastructure, energy, transport, industry, and other key sectors.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
A sound ecological environment is the shared aspiration of all peoples. China stands ready to deepen ecological and environmental cooperation with all partners, promote a closer global green development partnership, and work together to meet global environmental challenges and build a clean, beautiful, and sustainable world.
Thank you.