Former deputy prime minister Phinij Jarusombat has called for stronger international cooperation to promote sustainable and green development, saying environmental stewardship is essential to long-term economic and social progress.
Mr Phinij, who also serves as president of the Thai-Chinese Cultural Relationship Council, made the remarks at the opening session of the Global Ecological Civilisation Forum, also known as the Erhai Lake Forum, in Dali, Yunnan province, on May 30.
The forum brought together more than 200 participants from over 30 countries, including Germany, France, Japan, Qatar, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Myanmar, South Korea and the Maldives, as well as representatives from Unesco and international organisations, to discuss sustainable development and environmental protection.
Mr Phinij said the forum’s benefits extend beyond China, as climate change and environmental degradation affect all nations and pose a threat to humanity.
He described Dali as a living example of green development whose experience offers valuable lessons for countries around the world, including Thailand.
He noted that the city has become increasingly familiar to Thai audiences in recent years through the Facebook page “This is Dali”, which showcases its natural scenery, local lifestyle, culture, history, cuisine and tourism attractions.
The platform has helped raise awareness of Dali among Thais and has become an important window through which many people gain a deeper understanding of China, portraying a country that is dynamic, modern and committed to sustainable development, he said.
Reflecting on changes he had witnessed over the past five decades, Mr Phinij praised Dali’s environmental conservation efforts, citing the protection of the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake as examples of how ecological preservation can support long-term prosperity and improve people’s quality of life.
Discussions at the forum focused on environmentally friendly agricultural technologies, ecological governance, international cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and the development of sustainable cities for future generations.
The event was jointly organised by the State Council Information Office of China, the People’s Government of Yunnan Province and the China Public Relations Association.
