Officials from China and Africa gathered in Shanghai last week to launch a new initiative aimed at accelerating green development and combating climate change.

The Shanghai Action Initiative on Sustainable Energy Transition and Green Investment and Financing was unveiled during a roundtable forum held ahead of this week's 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

The roundtable forum, hosted by the China-Africa Environmental Cooperation Center, Tongji University and the World Resources Institute, brought together government officials, experts and representatives from China and Africa to discuss collaborative strategies in areas such as energy structure optimization, low-carbon technologies, green finance and green skills.

Participants emphasized the importance of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources as a crucial step in addressing climate change. They highlighted the need for increased investment in green technologies and infrastructure, as well as the development of sustainable energy policies and frameworks.

The Shanghai action initiative outlines specific steps that China and Africa can take to achieve their green development goals. They include enhancing policy dialogues, conducting collaborative research, and fostering climate-friendly financial products and services.

Chinese and African officials expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on climate action and sustainable development.

Cui Dandan, representing the Ministry of Ecology and Environment's Department of International Cooperation, praised the progress made in Sino-African cooperation on climate action in recent years.

"China, as the world's largest developing country, and Africa, as the continent with the largest concentration of developing countries, share common principles, positions, goals and actions in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development," Cui said.

Serge Molly Allo'o, Cabinet adviser to the minister of environment, climate and human-wildlife conflict in Gabon, emphasized the critical role of green energy in combating climate change. He highlighted the importance of transitioning from fossil fuels to green energy for both climate action and human survival and praised the collaboration between Gabon and China on clean energy initiatives.

Qu Jining, from the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment, highlighted Shanghai's efforts to build a modern international metropolis where humans and nature coexist harmoniously. She expressed Shanghai's eagerness to collaborate with Africa in areas such as energy, education and trade.