The 3-day workshop has been participated by over 50 representatives, experts and scholars from 28 local governments and institution in 14 counties, such as New Zealand, Indonesia, Nepal, Kenya, Sri Lanka and so on. The workshop includes six lectures and one panel discussion session, which show the latest research results and share effective management practices in perspectives such as climate change and marine environment, ecology, and economy, etc. 

Mr. Ashok Kumar Byanju Shrestha, President of UCLG ASPAC, addresses the opening ceremony 

“Climate change has no borders. It is high time we address this issue without delay to safeguard our beautiful homeland. It is now time to ignite the action against climate change, unite again, and go beyond borders for a clean and healthier mother earth”, said Mr. Ashok Kumar Byanju Shrestha, President of UCLG ASPAC and Mayor of Dhulikhel Municipality, in his opening speech. 

Prof. Shahbaz Khan, Director and Representative of UNESCO Beijing Cluster Office, 

addresses the opening ceremony 

Prof. Shahbaz Khan, Director and Representative of UNESCO Beijing Cluster Office, said, “This is a timely event, and  is very well aligned with UNESCO’s work in China and globally... I take this opportunity to encourage the all stakeholders to join partnerships that support ocean research and sustainable management, and to raise our level of ambition for the recovery of ocean health.” 

Mr. Qi Wei, Deputy Director of China Center for Contemporary World Studies, International Department, Central Committee of CPC, addresses the opening ceremony 

“We must jointly protect the marine environment, develop and utilize marine resources in an orderly manner, and work together to address global challenges such as climate warming and sea level rise, so as to leave a blue and beautiful planet to the future generations.” noted Mr. Qi Wei, Deputy Director of China Center for Contemporary World Studies. 

Mr. Chen Guoping, Director of Foreign Affairs Office of Putian Municipal People’s Government, 

addresses the opening ceremony 

Mr. Chen Guoping, Director of Foreign Affairs Office of Putian Municipal People’s Government, said, “It is hoped that this workshop can promote global researches on ocean and climate change and facilitate mutual learning for jointly building a marine community with a shared future” 

Prof. Fang Qinhua, Deputy Director of Coastal and Ocean Management Institute, Xiamen University, 

addresses the opening ceremony 

Prof. Fang Qinhua, Deputy Director of Coastal and Ocean Management Institute, Xiamen University, said, “Climate change is not only a potential risk but also an emerging challenge the whole world is facing ... more and more decision-makers, managers and practitioners from local governments have paid attention to this issue ... I hope that through the platform of 21st-Century Maritime Cooperation Committee, all the parties can communicate deeply and work together to contribute to the development of science and technology for the response to the future climate change.  

Prof. Guo Xiumei, Deputy Director of Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, 

addresses the opening ceremony 

Prof. Guo Xiumei, Deputy Director of Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, said, “The ocean is closely linked to climate change... Since the industrial revolution, human activities have threatened the climate and oceans to some extent... I hope we can, with joint efforts, make more contribution to the oceans and the response to climate change.” 

Mr. Wu Xiaojie (left), Executive Deputy Secretary General of 21st-Century Maritime Cooperation Committee and Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Fuzhou Municipal People's Government, addresses the opening ceremony 

Mr. Wu Xiaojie, Executive Deputy Secretary General of 21st-Century Maritime Cooperation Committee and Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Fuzhou Municipal People's Government, said, “It is our hope that through this workshop, we can build more consensus, facilitate the formation of policies in line with green development at the local level, adhere to green and low-carbon development, and safeguard our shared marine community. 

Source: 21CMCC