2023 East Asian Marine Cooperation Platform Qingdao Forum Kicks Off in Qingdao West Coast New Area

On June 28, the 2023 East Asian Marine Cooperation Platform Qingdao Forum officially began in Qingdao's West Coast New Area. With the theme of "Harmonious Coexistence in the Ocean Decade", the forum brought together over 400 guests, including marine experts, economists, and entrepreneurs, from more than 30 countries and regions. They gathered both in person and online to discuss the future of marine development.

The opening ceremony of the 2023 East Asian Marine Cooperation Platform Qingdao Forum (photo courtesy of the Publicity Department of the Working Committee of Qingdao West Coast New Area)

This year's forum focused on "a healthy and resilient ocean", one of the seven visions outlined by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). The forum aimed to showcase China's achievements in high-quality marine development and highlight some successful international collaborations. The forum served as a platform for sharing international experiences and technologies that help preserve the health of the earth's oceans, as well as contributing to the goal of sustainable development. Also highlighted were some of China's solutions to and notable examples of marine environmental protection and sustainable development. Additionally, the forum facilitated the establishment of pilot zones in Shandong Province that prioritize environmentally friendly, low-carbon, and high-quality development. The key concepts were the realization of visions outlined by the UN's "Ocean Decade", as well as China's commitment to fostering a maritime community with a shared future.

The Qingdao Forum, a significant event organized by the East Asian Marine Cooperation Platform, has now been successfully held six times. It has published 26 influential reports, established the East Asia Seaport Alliance and eight other international cooperation and coordination organizations, and garnered the participation of nearly 1,400 companies and institutions from over 70 countries. (By Tao Wenwen)