Shanghai Climate Week 2025 Grandly Opens, Unveiling a New Blueprint for Global Climate Governance

On the afternoon of April 21, 2025, the opening ceremony of Shanghai Climate Week 2025 was grandly held at the Greenhouse Garden of Expo Cultural Park. This unique venue symbolically embodies the organic integration of biodiversity, urban form, and the cultural legacy of the Expo. It offers a harmonious blend of nature and city, where historical context and contemporary vision converge—providing a fitting backdrop for a global event centered on climate issues.With the theme “Climate Park · Spring”, the ceremony brought together over 100 representatives from government agencies, academia, the private sector, and international organizations to collectively address climate change and sustainable development strategies.

The event was hosted by the Executive Committee of Shanghai Climate Week, with co-organizers including the Shanghai Federation of Modern Service Industries, the Shanghai Environment and Energy Exchange, the Spatial Planning Research Center of Fudan University, the Shanghai Bureau of Xinhua News Agency, New York University Shanghai, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Urban Design and Urban Science (LOUD).

01 Opening Session

Youth Usher in the Prelude to the Future

The opening ceremony was hosted by  Peng Feng, Member of the Shanghai Climate Week Executive Committee and Deputy General Manager of the Shanghai Environment and Energy Exchange.

In the opening session, the youth orchestra from Nord Anglia Chinese International School performed “The World” as the prelude to the ceremony, expressing the younger generation’s deep concern for the planet’s future and their hopeful aspirations. The performance highlighted the active role of youth in climate action and infused the event with a vibrant spirit of intergenerational continuity.

Nord Anglia Chinese International School

02 Welcome Remarks

A New Chapter in International Cooperation and Exchange

1

Sun Jianping, President of the Shanghai Federation of Modern Service Industries, and Xiao Lin, Director of the Pudong New Area Development and Reform Commission, delivered welcome speeches. Both emphasized the critical role of Shanghai Climate Week in advancing green and low-carbon development, and called on all stakeholders to join forces in addressing the global climate challenge.

 Sun Jianping, President of the Shanghai Federation of Modern Service Industries

Xiao Lin, Director of the Shanghai Pudong New Area Development and Reform Commission

2

Mikael Hemniti Winther, Consul General of the Kingdom of Denmark in Shanghai, expressed Denmark’s strong commitment to addressing climate change and looked forward to deeper cooperation with Shanghai, sharing experience and technologies in green development.

Philippe Roesle, CEO and Consul of the Swiss Federal Government’s Science and Culture Center, introduced Switzerland’s innovative initiatives in sustainable development and emphasized the important role of science and culture in advancing climate action.

Jennifer Zou, Vice President of Global Initiatives at the Bay Area Council and Head of China Operations, explored the urgency and necessity of international collaboration in global climate governance.

Mikael Hemniti Winther, Consul General of the Kingdom of Denmark in Shanghai

3

Michael Adalla, Deputy Director of the Division for Prosperity at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), shared the UN’s strategic planning and progress in promoting global sustainable development and addressing climate change.

He Kebin, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Director of the Institute for Carbon Neutrality at Tsinghua University, delivered congratulatory remarks on the opening of Shanghai Climate Week 2025. He highlighted three key value anchors of the event: leveraging academic think tanks to enhance the scientific and systematic nature of climate action; fostering multi-level social participation and promoting collaboration between technology and industry to support a comprehensive green economic transition; and advancing climate and environmental governance with a global perspective to help developing countries improve pollution control. He expressed confidence that by establishing the “Climate Park” initiative, Shanghai Climate Week would promote the implementation of sustainable development goals, offer practical solutions, and inject green momentum into the global economy.

Duncan Logan, Co-Founder of San Francisco Climate Week, expressed his vision for mutual exchange and joint progress with Shanghai Climate Week, looking forward to working together in global climate action.

Dato' Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, President of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association and former Malaysian Ambassador to China, sent a congratulatory letter celebrating the launch of Shanghai Climate Week and shared optimistic expectations for future climate cooperation between Malaysia and China.

Michael Adalla, Deputy Director of the Division for Prosperity at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)

03 Keynote Speech

Green Finance Empowering a Low-Carbon Economy

In the keynote session, Tu Guangshao, Founding Chairman of the Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance, introduced the core concept of “green finance empowering a low-carbon economy” from a financial perspective. He offered in-depth insights into the pivotal role of green finance in facilitating the low-carbon transition and proposed innovative approaches to climate investment and financing mechanisms. Tu elaborated on how financial innovation can direct capital toward low-carbon projects, accelerate industrial green transformation, and provide strong support for sustainable economic development.

Tu Guangshao, Founding Chairman of the Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance

04 Initiative Launch: Building a Diverse Collaborative Network

During the initiative launch segment, three major actions were officially introduced:

First, the China SME Green and Low-Carbon Working Committee was announced and is now in preparation. The committee aims to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) integrate into the global low-carbon industrial chain. Ji Feng, Director at the China Centre for the Promotion of SME Development and the China Association of Small and Medium Enterprises for International Cooperation, emphasized the committee’s goal to serve and lead more SMEs in adopting green technologies, advancing toward sustainable development and a greener future. The announcement was jointly witnessed by Ji Feng; Lai Xiaoming, Chairman of the Shanghai Environment and Energy Exchange; Wu Wei, Director of the Shanghai Branch of the China Quality Certification Center; Jin Jianhai, Chairman of Shanghai Green Carbon Institute; Shi An, President of Rockwell Automation (China) Co., Ltd.; and Guan Jie, Executive Secretary-General of the Shanghai Climate Week Executive Committee.

Second, the preparatory plan for the Youth Climate Change Conference was unveiled, encouraging active youth participation in climate governance. Hu Haoran, a student from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, solemnly read the Youth Climate Action Declaration, voicing reflections on climate change and hopeful aspirations for a sustainable future from a high schooler’s perspective. The launch was joined by Guan Jie, Executive Secretary-General of Shanghai Climate Week; Li Li, Secretary-General of the Jiuduansha Eco-Climate Protection Foundation; Wang Yueyue, Licensing Director at Pantastar Brand Management (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.; Fu Yumei, Head of Sustainability at Merck Investment (China) Co., Ltd.; Fu Xiaoxiao, Vice Chair of the Education Committee of the British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai and Director of the University of Manchester China Centre; Ni Huan, Chair of Green Lightyear; and student representative Hu Haoran from Class 7, Grade 10 (International Division).

Third, the Sustainable Fuel Alliance Initiative was launched. Initiated by WWF (Switzerland), the alliance seeks to connect upstream and downstream sectors of the industry chain and promote the research, production, certification, and application of sustainable fuels. The announcement was made jointly by Ren Wenwei, Shanghai Regional Director of WWF (Switzerland) Beijing Office, and Zou Rong, Co-Director of the Shanghai Climate Week Executive Committee.

Preparatory Launch of the China SME Green and Low-Carbon Working Committee

From left to right: Guan Jie, Jin Jianhai, Lai Xiaoming, Ji Feng, Wu Wei, Shi An

Preparatory Plan for the Youth Climate Change Conference Announced

From left to right: Hu Haoran, Ni Huan, Fu Yumei, Guan Jie, Li Li, Wang Yueyue, Fu Xiaoxiao

WWF Sustainable Fuel Alliance Initiative Launched

05 Cross-Sector Dialogue

Advancing Climate Action Through Multidisciplinary Collaboration

The cross-sector dialogue session brought together experts from diverse fields—policy, technology, education, arts, and public welfare—to explore comprehensive solutions to climate change.

Lai Xiaoming, Chairman of the Shanghai Environment and Energy Exchange, gave an in-depth analysis of the current landscape and future trends in the environmental energy trading market. He used real-world data and case studies to demonstrate how market mechanisms effectively promote energy conservation and emissions reduction.

ChengHe Guan, Co-Director of the LOUD, shared research findings and practical experience in climate-adaptive urban design, providing scientific and technical support for sustainable urban development.

Liu Fei, Vice President of Alibaba Group, discussed how companies can leverage technological innovation and business model transformation to participate in global climate governance, achieving both economic and social benefits.

Internationally renowned artist Chen Yiming presented the unique power of art in raising public environmental awareness and promoting green social transformation. Through his vivid artworks, he conveyed environmental messages that inspire public engagement with climate issues.

Li Jiacheng, Executive Dean of the Institute for Lifelong Education at East China Normal University, explored the critical role of education in fostering public awareness of green development and sustainability. He emphasized the value of lifelong education in tackling the global challenge of climate change and called for environmental education to be integrated into every stage of life.

Chua Wei Teck, Chairman of TPC Group Singapore and Founder of Octave Institute, shared practical experience in promoting green architecture and sustainable lifestyles, offering valuable insights for the development of green industries.

Zhou Fei, Deputy Director (Programs) at WWF (Switzerland) Beijing Office, introduced the organization’s biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation initiatives in China, highlighting the close interconnection and synergy between protecting natural ecosystems and addressing climate change.

Lai Xiaoming, Chairman of the Shanghai Environment and Energy Exchange

06 Youth Power for Sustainability

Building a Greener Future Together

1. Jiuduansha Foundation’s Public Good Initiative — Turning Climate Action into Reality

When children speak for nature, and blue joins hands with green, the power of public welfare quietly blossoms. At the opening ceremony, the Jiuduansha Eco-Climate Protection Foundation of Shanghai partnered with the official China licensee of the Smurfs IP from Belgium to launch the public campaign “Blue Link: Painting the Future Together.”

The initiative focuses on two key public projects: the Jiuduansha Online Exhibition Hall and the LeYi Habitat Garden. For the first time, the campaign introduced 5- to 10-year-old “Junior Docent” volunteers, who used their innocent voices to tell stories of the natural world—passing on the power of public good to more people and turning climate action from imagination into real, tangible hope.

"Junior Docents" of the Jiuduansha Eco-Climate Protection Foundation of Shanghai

2. InspoArt Youth Art Exhibition

Reflections on Nature Through the Brush

At the opening ceremony, the InspoArt Youth Art Exhibition was held simultaneously. Centered around the theme of biodiversity, these student-created works conveyed the younger generation’s vision of ecological stewardship and called on all sectors to work together toward a future where humanity and nature coexist in harmony.

The featured pieces came from student artists at Nord Anglia Chinese International School Shanghai, Yang Lingzi School in Hangzhou, and Shanghai American School. InspoArt was a student-initiated project, with several of the artworks previously exhibited at the COP29 United Nations Climate Conference last year, where they received widespread attention and acclaim.

InspoArt Youth Art Exhibition

07 Closing Remarks

Honoring Global Partners of Shanghai Climate Week

Zou Rong, Co-Director of the Shanghai Climate Week Executive Committee, delivered a speech titled “Tribute to the Global Partners of Shanghai Climate Week.” He expressed heartfelt gratitude and deep respect to all domestic and international partners who supported and participated in the event. Zou emphasized the vital role global partnerships have played in the growth and impact of Shanghai Climate Week and looked forward to deepening cooperation with all stakeholders in the future to jointly advance the global climate agenda.

 

Zou Rong, Co-Director of the Shanghai Climate Week Executive Committee

08 Looking Ahead

Turning Action into Answers

The successful opening of Shanghai Climate Week 2025 has not only infused new momentum into global climate governance but also demonstrated China’s firm commitment to promoting green development. The ceremony laid a solid foundation for the week’s full agenda and underscored Shanghai’s leadership and responsibility on the global climate stage. It united diverse stakeholders around a shared vision and injected fresh energy into the drive for global green and low-carbon development.

Over the coming week, more than 60 events—including high-level forums, technology exhibitions, and public engagement activities—will unfold, continuing to push global climate action toward a new phase of practical collaboration.

Distinguished leaders and experts attending this forum included:
Zhou Yiping, former Director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation;
Tobias F. Svenningsen, Consul General of Norway in Shanghai;
Mika Klemettinen, Consul for Trade and Innovation at the Consulate General of Finland in Shanghai;
Ying Li, Co-Founder of the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Urban Design and Urban Science (LOUD);
Wu Hesheng, Chairman of the Shanghai Modern Service Industry Development Research Foundation;
Ye Sheng, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Federation of Modern Service Industries;
Zhao Xiaolei, Director of the UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office, Shanghai;
Deng Situ, Executive President of the China-Britain Business Council Shanghai;
Xing Guoliang, Co-Director of the French Enterprise Center;
Yang Jun, Chair of the Health and Sustainability Committee of the Tsinghua Entrepreneurs Association;
Gao Yang, Deputy Secretary-General of the Economic Cooperation Association of Shanghai Offices of Provincial and Ministerial Departments;
Zhang Lili, President of the Shanghai Association for Overseas Economic and Technological Cooperation;
Li Dong, Director of the Institute of Smart Manufacturing at Rockwell Automation (China);
Lv Xuedu, Senior Advisor on Carbon Neutrality at Tencent;
Feng Nan, Chairman of DeepStone Group and Co-Founder of Biosphere 3;
Xu Bingyu, Eco-Development Manager at Siemens (China);
Ren Wenwei, Shanghai Regional Director of WWF (Switzerland) Beijing Office;
Tan Xiyuan, President of Shuaiyichi New Materials Group;
Xu Yuncheng, Director of the Shanghai Modern Service Industry Big Data Center;
Qian Yingchu, General Manager of Shanghai Fengdiao Energy Saving Technology Co., Ltd.;
Zhao Geping, General Manager of BRE China;
He Yiran, Head of Industrial Decarbonization, Greater China, World Economic Forum;
Qian Feng, Chairman of Shanghai Qianyu Feng Low-Carbon Technology Co., Ltd.;
Li Fei, Co-Director of Global Disclosure at CDP;
Xiao Jie, General Manager of New Energy Nexus China;
Yan Danhong, Executive Dean of the Shanghai Jinsinan Financial Research Institute;
Zhao Lina, General Manager of AUO DigiTech Services (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.;
Wang Qian, Regional Program Director at WWF (Switzerland) Beijing Office;
Chen Guangyu, Co-Founder of China ESG Alliance, among others.

Also attending were Zou Ruiping, Member of the Executive Committee of Shanghai Climate Week; and representatives from the Secretariat of the Executive Committee, UNITAR Prosperity Alliance (Shanghai), and affiliated centers, including Wang Wei, Rao Wei, Zhu Pengyang, Zheng Lang, Wang Jingying, Li Shenhao, Zheng Shengyin, Sun Yuanxin, Zhang Qiang, Liu Dan, Tian Shuai, Wang Zhe, Lai Zhihui, and Fu Chong.

Sincere thanks go to all supporting organizations of the Shanghai Climate Week 2025 Opening Ceremony, including Shanghai Expo Cultural Park Construction and Management Co., Ltd., Shanghai Real Estate Group, Shanggang Xincun Subdistrict of Pudong New Area, Daocheng Advertising, Xiangliang Climate, the Low Carbon Economy Committee of the Shanghai Federation of Modern Service Industries, Xinggu Agriculture, OCTAVE Institute, DAAI Charity Warehouse, Guxiu Culture, and Jinpan Technology (in no particular order).