2024 UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development Side Event was successfully held, focusing on sustainable and resilient development in Bay Area cities (part 1)

Introduction

On July 17, 2024, Beijing time, the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development side event, themed "Prioritizing Actions to Advance City Climate Resilience in Bay Area", was successfully held online.

On July 17, 2024, the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development side event was held online, jointly organized by the CAST UN Consultative Committee on Sustainable City, Community and Heritage (hereinafter referred to as the "CCSC Committee"), the International Society of City and Regional Planners, and the Urban Planning Society of China. The event focused on "Prioritizing Action to Advance City Climate Resilience in Bay Area". The side event invited renowned experts and scholars from various countries and regions to discuss how Bay Area cities in different continents can improve their ability to respond to climate change.

This side event marked the first successful application since the China Association for Science and Technology obtained special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council in 2004. It aimed to bring together global stakeholders to discuss the themes of the High-level Political Forum and the Sustainable Development Goals under review, enhancing awareness of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and promoting its implementation.

Luo Hui, Director of the Department of International Cooperation of the China Association for Science and Technology, Pietro Elisei, President of the International Society of City and Regional Planners, and Zhang Guangyang, Vice President of Region C of the Architects Regional Council Asia, attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches. The side event was chaired by Wu Jiang, rotating chairman of the CCSC Committee, Executive Director of the Architectural Society of China, and Vice President of the Urban Planning Society of China.

Host: Wu Jiang

Rotating chairman of the CCSC Committee, Executive Director of the Architectural Society of China, Vice President of the Urban Planning Society of China

Wu Jiang welcomed the participants. He stated that this event focuses on the implementation and localization of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with an emphasis on discussing how to promote the resilience and sustainable development of Bay Area cities through innovative means in the context of frequent climate change and extreme weather events.

Opening Address

Luo Hui

Director of the Department of International Cooperation of the China Association for Science and Technology

Luo Hui pointed out that China places great importance on the impact of climate change on cities and has proposed at the national level to accelerate the construction of resilient cities, improve urban safety prevention systems, strengthen the basic urban operation guarantee systems, and enhance disaster prevention, mitigation, and relief capabilities. As a scientific organization with special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, the China Association for Science and Technology has been committed to international cooperation in the field of climate change and human habitats. It hopes to explore innovative pathways for promoting climate resilience in bay area cities with partners from around the world and jointly achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Pietro Elisei

President of the International Society of City and Regional Planners

Pietro Elisei pointed out that, we are currently experiencing the impacts of climate change firsthand. Many countries and regions have formulated policies to address climate change and prevent disasters. We should consider how to bring sustainable climate safety and resilience to cities through good planning. This is not only crucial for Bay Area cities but also for other cities.

Zhang Guangyang

Vice President of Region C of the Architects Regional Council Asia

Zhang Guangyang pointed out that in Asian countries, the climate issues in bay area cities are representative, and enhancing the climate adaptability of these cities is of great significance. The Architects Regional Council Asia is taking action actively, conducting training activities in countries such as Pakistan and Indonesia to address the impacts of climate change. He hopes this side event will yield fruitful results and looks forward to future collaborations to make more contributions to bay areas.

Source: <https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/6K6dQpF4uDfahJ3xU8XYIA> 

Translated by He Huiling