-- The ocean is the blue heart of Planet Earth and the most sensitive sentinel of climate change.
On October 17, a forum with "blue" as its thematic hue—the Forum on Marine Climate Change and High-Quality Development of 21st-Century Maritime Cooperation Committee was held at the Fuzhou Strait International Conference and Exhibition Center. The opening ceremony and keynote speeches were presided over by H. E. Liang Dong, Deputy Mayor of Fuzhou Municipal People's Government and Secretary General of 21st-Century Maritime Cooperation Committee . Distinguished guests in attendance included H. E. Yuan Yi, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Fujian Provincial People's Congress; H.E. Alexander Teabo, Minister of Information, Communication and Transport, Kiribati; H.E. Mohamed Ameen, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Maldives; H.E. David Ateti Teabo, Kiribati Ambassador to China; Mr. Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia (via video message); and H.E. Samnane Sonthany, Secretary Party of Luang Prabang City, Lao PDR.
As a key part of the 2025 World Maritime Equipment Conference, the forum brought together about 120 participants, including members and advisors of the 21st Century Maritime Cooperation Committee, representatives of international organizations, officials from foreign embassies and consulates in China, delegates from Fuzhou's international sister cities and friendly exchange cities, as well as experts, scholars, and business leaders from home and abroad. Centered on marine climate change, they discussed topics such as the ocean's impact on climate change, marine resource conservation and development, marine disaster prevention, mitigation, and efficiency enhancement, marine scientific innovation and international cooperation, the integrated development of digital economy and marine economy, and the role of meteorological services in supporting marine economic development. They shared innovative practices to accelerate the construction of marine ecological civilization, elevate the level of marine scientific innovation, and promote high-quality development of the marine economy.
At the forum, the most urgent calls came from maritime nations profoundly affected by climate change. H.E. Mohamed Ameen, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Maldives, stated in his speech that marine climate change poses a common challenge that necessitates solutions based on cooperative models and characteristics of the 21st century. The endeavors undertaken by the 21st Century Maritime Cooperation Committee, along with the spirit of cooperation embodied in the Belt and Road Initiative, provide us with a crucial platform. We should translate partnerships into tangible actions to ensure a sustainable future.
The ocean is a critical factor influencing global climate and an essential space for human survival and development. Against the backdrop of global warming, both the marine ecological environment and human survival and development face severe challenges. Strengthening the protection of the marine ecosystems, addressing climate change, and promoting sustainable urban development are essential pathways toward accelerating the construction of a strong maritime country and advancing the building of a maritime community with a shared future.
In the face of these severe challenges, the forum also outlined a future vision for marine economic growth driven by technological innovation. During the keynote speeches, representatives from the government and the business sector presented practical insights and proposed potential solutions.
H.E. Alexander Teabo, Minister of Information, Communication and Transport, Kiribati, pointed out that climate change, pollution, and overexploitation are posing severe threats to the marine foundation upon which we depend. Addressing these challenges requires countries to uphold the principles of mutual respect and shared responsibility, uniting global efforts to protect ocean health.
Mr. Luo Bing, Deputy Party Secretary and General Manager of Huafeng Meteorological Media Group Co., Ltd., proposed strengthening global meteorological service capabilities for oceanic routing by establishing a "cloud-based" routing service platform, a "shipboard" routing service system, a "mobile-terminal" routing service application, a "shore-based" operation support system, a "backend" global monitoring and forecasting support system, and "always-on" expert services. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure maritime traffic safety, and thereby promote high-quality development of the marine economy.
Mr. Wang Tong, Product Planning Manager of Goldwind Science & Technology Co., Ltd., suggested that offshore wind power has significant development potential and serves as a key instrument in global climate governance, capable of driving synergistic progress in climate protection and high-quality economic development.
During the dialogue session, the shift in mindset—from "responding to crises" to "shaping the future"—emerged as the central theme. Participants unanimously agreed that the future of cities is inseparable from the future of the ocean. A consensus was reached that the ocean connects us all, binding our fates together, and only by working together in solidarity can we navigate the challenges and achieve stability and long-term progress.
On the enduring journey to safeguarding our "blue homeland," China continues to contribute wisdom and strength. The 21st Century Maritime Cooperation Committee is a standing committee of the United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific, jointly initiated by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Fuzhou Municipal People's Government. Its site and secretariat is permanently located in Fuzhou, Fujian Province. As a vital platform for advancing international maritime cooperation, the committee has expanded to include 77 members from 29 countries across five continents. Aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative, it has established an inclusive, shared, and sustainable platform for exchange and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, continuously making new achievements in practical cooperation among local governments along the Maritime Silk Road.
During the event, attendees will also participate in related activities of the 2025 World Maritime Equipment Conference and conduct on-site visits to further deepen exchanges and cooperation.
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