Initiative offers path to green growth

We held activities such as the International High-Level Dialogue for BRI Environmental Protection and conducted exchanges and cooperation with Pakistan, the UK and the Czech Republic on nuclear safety monitoring.

We launched the Green Silk Road Envoys program and started the South-South Cooperation Training for Tackling Climate Change, which saw more than 300 representatives from participating countries visit China. We set up environmental protection organizations in Laos and Cambodia for exchanges and built garbage disposal and wastewater treatment facilities in Laos.

We set up the BRI Environmental Technology Exchange and Transfer Center in Shenzhen and China-ASEAN Demonstration Centers for Environmental Protection Technology and Industrial Cooperation and Exchanges in Yixing, Jiangsu province, and Wuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. We also work with the UN Industrial Development Organization's Green Silk Road Project Guidelines for Green Industrial Parks.

The BRI calls for proactive efforts from all parties concerned. In this regard, we put forward the following proposals:

First, a green BRI needs collaboration, through which we can achieve shared benefits. The BRI and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development share common goals, so we will build consensus and provide more green goods to participating countries and regions.

Second, a green BRI calls for greater synergy. Governments should shoulder their responsibility of leading and guiding; companies should fulfill their corporate environmental responsibilities; social organizations and the public should play an active role and help with monitoring; trade associations should play the role of coordination; and financial institutions should become responsible fire walls. Through such joint efforts, we will see to it that BRI environmental cooperation really delivers.

Third, a green BRI calls for precise and targeted efforts. We need enhanced coordination between a green BRI, the UN's sustainable development goals and the plans of participating countries, including coordination of environmental policy, laws and regulations. We should discuss formulation of financial guidelines and technology standards for green BRI projects.

The BRI has played and will keep playing a positive role in promoting green development in the participating countries and regions. It is our hope these countries will make concerted efforts and move toward a community with a shared future for mankind and a clean and beautiful world.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.