Icelandic official hails Iceland-China partnership as model for global cooperation

The Iceland-China partnership is a powerful example of how nations can collaborate to address global challenges, said María Mj?ll Jónsdóttir during her address at the 30th anniversary celebration of the Embassy of Iceland in Beijing on March 6.

Jónsdóttir, director general of the Political Directorate of the Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs, stressed the robust collaboration between Iceland and China, particularly in gender equality and renewable energy.

Themed "Women and renewable energy", the event was co-hosted by the Embassy of Iceland in China and the Center for China and Globalization, a Beijing-based think tank.

She underscored the shared commitment of both nations to sustainable development, noting their remarkable progress toward carbon neutrality by prioritizing renewable resources and accelerating the green transition.

As a global leader in geothermal energy, Iceland is eager to share its expertise with China. Jónsdóttir noted that since 1980, Iceland has trained nearly 100 Chinese professionals in geothermal energy technologies, with one-third of the graduates being women. This reflects the program's dedication to advancing women in the energy sector and the sector's increasing openness to women's leadership and innovation, traditionally a male-dominated field.

She also highlighted the tangible outcomes of this collaboration, such as the widespread use of geothermal energy for district heating in Chinese homes, which has significantly reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality in urban areas. The success of the training program, she said, demonstrates the critical role of gender inclusivity in the renewable energy transition and underscores the importance of women in shaping the future of sustainable energy.

Jónsdóttir also pointed to the significant growth in private sector partnerships between Iceland and China, particularly in renewable energy. She acknowledged China's substantial investments in renewable energy, which have positioned the country as the world's largest producer of solar panels and wind turbines. China's dedication to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning towards a low-carbon economy has established it as a global leader in combating climate change.

Through their collaboration on innovative green technologies, Jónsdóttir concluded that Iceland and China are making significant progress toward building a greener and more equitable world — one where gender equality and renewable energy are central to a prosperous and sustainable future.