Panel One Speakers

Prospect of Sustainable Growth: China and the World Hand-in-hand

It seems that China is on the track of winning the war on pollution. China has undertaken concrete efforts against environmental pressures that stem from rapid industrial expansions and resource-intensive industries in the economy, exemplified by the inclusion of circular economy objectives in Five-Year Plans, introduction of the Polluter-Pays principle and stringent pollution-related taxations. In the meantime, R&D on green growth is being led by pioneering technology giants while NGOs like WWF China work closely with local governments to reduce emissions. Beyond the borders, China has been fervently promoting the vision of a “Green Belt and Road” and seeking potential overseas partners.

What might be the outlook of an improved coordination among the government, the private sector and NGOs to meet the requirements of the Paris Agreement and UN sustainability goals? How has the tension in US-China relations affected Chinese firms’ commitment to sustainability? Is it possible for China and the European Union to eventually reach agreements on green investment deals and achieve climate-neutrality goals? Through what forms will other partner countries participate in the Green BRI? This panel aims to propose answers to these big questions and envision the ways in which China could fuel global sustainable growth in the future.