Tribute to 2025 | Director of the Division for Prosperity of UNITAR Engages with Over 100 Distinguished Guests at the Prosperity Alliance (Shanghai) Annual Conference, Marking the 10th Anniversary of the Paris Agreement and the Launch of Shanghai Climate

The conference was hosted by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Prosperity Alliance (Shanghai) of UNITAR, and co-hosted by the Executive Committee of Shanghai Climate Week, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Urban Design and Urban Science, the Prosperity Alliance Climate Week Research Institute (Pudong, Shanghai), and the Global Climate Academy. The event was organized by Shanghai Water, Air and Stone Business Management Co., Ltd. Strong support was provided by numerous institutions, including Xinhua News Agency Shanghai Branch, Shanghai Environment and Energy Exchange, Center for Spatial Planning Research of Fudan University, Low-Carbon Economy Service Committee of the Shanghai Federation of Modern Service Industries, Shanghai Modern Service Industry Development Research Foundation, Shanghai Jiuduansha Eco-Climate Conservation Foundation, Shanghai Children’s Foundation, Green Finance 60 Forum, and Climate China Action Urban Network, jointly creating a multi-stakeholder platform for dialogue and collaboration in climate governance.

The Chief Master of Ceremonies for the event was Mr. Rao Wei, Executive Secretary-General of the Prosperity Alliance (Shanghai) of UNITAR and Deputy Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of Shanghai Climate Week. Session moderators included Ms. Wang Zhe, Deputy Secretary-General of the Prosperity Alliance (Shanghai) of UNITAR, and Ms. Shi Yiran, Deputy Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of Shanghai Climate Week and Secretary-General of its Youth Committee. The Climate Park Afternoon Tea (Roundtable Dialogue) session was specially moderated by Ms. Tong Xinshi, Managing Director of Bloomberg Green Finance, Greater China.

At the opening of the event, Ms. Mihoko Kumamoto, Director of the Division for Prosperity of UNITAR, who traveled specially to Shanghai for the conference, delivered opening remarks, together with Mr. Shi An, Member of the Executive Committee of Shanghai Climate Week and International Advisory Committee Member of the Prosperity Alliance (Shanghai) of UNITAR, and Mr. Yang Yiqi, Deputy Secretary-General of the Prosperity Alliance (Shanghai) of UNITAR and General Manager of Shanghai Water, Air and Stone Business Management Co., Ltd., representing the host, co-hosting institutions, and the organizer, respectively. Their remarks reviewed progress and challenges in global climate governance over the past decade since the Paris Agreement entered into force, underscored the importance of international cooperation and pragmatic action, and provided a concise overview of the 2025 work of the Prosperity Alliance (Shanghai) and Shanghai Climate Week.

During the core agenda, the Prosperity Alliance Climate Week Research Institute (Pudong, Shanghai) was officially inaugurated, witnessed by relevant representatives of civil affairs authorities, as well as all members of the Institute’s Board of Directors and Board of Supervisors.
Professor Guan Chenghe, Chairman of the Board, introduced the founding vision and development plan of the Institute, followed by a signing ceremony for the first batch of research projects. At the same time, the Global Climate Academy announced a series of initiatives. Ms. Wu Changhua, President of the Academy, shared its vision and mission, and officially launched three flagship programs: “U20+ Global Challenges for Sustainable Development,” “Professional Talent Development for Sustainable Development,” and related priority initiatives.

The Shanghai Climate Week 2026 Release Session attracted significant attention. Mr. Leo Horn-Phathanothai, Convener of Bangkok Climate Action Week, and Mr. Muhammad Zeeshan Ashfag, Vice President of the World Wind Energy Association, shared international experiences and outlined directions for collaboration with Shanghai Climate Week 2026. Ms. Wang Hui, Global Vice President of the World Association of Exhibition Pavilion Directors, introduced the preparatory plan for the World Climate Week Joint Pavilion. Finally, Mr. Zou Rong, Co-Chair of the Executive Committee of Shanghai Climate Week and Director of the Prosperity Alliance (Shanghai) of UNITAR, formally released the core framework of Shanghai Climate Week 2026.

In addition, the Climate Park Afternoon Tea Dialogue themed “Business and Industrial Transformation under Climate Ambition” was moderated by Ms. Tong Xinshi. Participants included Mr. Chen Xiaobin, Vice Chairman of the APEC Business Advisory Council (APEA); Ms. Hou Yahong, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Modern Service Industry Development Research Foundation; Mr. Kong Ye, Board Member of the Prosperity Alliance Climate Week Research Institute; Ms. Lin Chunyan, Head of Sustainability, OATLY Greater China; Mr. Peng Zhong, General Manager of the Upper Yangtze Regional Management Center of China Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Group; and Mr. Zhang Yalong, Co-founder of the Climate China Action Urban Network and President of the Shenzhen Sustainable Development Research Association. The discussion focused on practical experiences in cross-sector collaboration and green transformation.

As a landmark exchange event marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, this annual conference further consolidated global consensus and collective momentum in climate governance, strengthened bridges for international cooperation, public–private collaboration, and industry–academia–research integration, and injected strong impetus into advancing the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and building a future of shared and lasting prosperity.

Attendees also included Mr. Yang Chiyin, Vice President of the China Association for International Cooperation of Small and Medium Enterprises, representatives of Pudong civil affairs authorities, delegates from supporting organizations, invited guests from various sectors, members of the Secretariat of the Prosperity Alliance (Shanghai) of UNITAR and its Research Institute, members of the Secretariat of the Executive Committee of Shanghai Climate Week, heads of relevant professional committees, liaison representatives, international cooperation advisors, and directors of specialized centers.