The webinar, Prospects for SCO Environmental Cooperation in the Post-Epidemic Era, took place on 13-14 August 2020. It was organised by the China Centre for SCO Environmental Cooperation.
Taking part in the webinar were representatives from the relevant ministries and departments of a number of SCO member states, business and scientific communities of China that specialise in environmental issues and the media.
Speaking at the opening, Deputy Secretary-General Yerik Ashimov voiced an address by SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov, in which he stressed the importance of coordinating the actions of the SCO member states in cooperating in environmental protection, environmental policy and stimulating the exchange of information, as well as promoting the environmentally sustainable development of the region. In this context, the Concept for Cooperation in Environmental Protection and the relevant Plan of Action, adopted following the SCO summits in Qingdao and Bishkek in 2018 and 2019, respectively, serve as an effective stimulus to the further promotion and deepening of partnership between the relevant state bodies, as well as the scientific and business communities in the SCO member states in environmental matters.
"Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the SCO member states continue to develop cooperation in environmental protection, environmental safety and the prevention of negative consequences of climate change. The "green" economy, advanced environmental technologies and renewable and clean energy sources are becoming priority areas for cooperation. It is also important to stimulate industries that contribute to agricultural development and the processing of ecologically clean agricultural products," the greeting said.
The importance of creating effective channels for information exchange, and improving the technical level of monitoring and personnel training is highlighted in the address. The attention of experts is drawn to the need to develop practical steps to adapt to climate change and create favourable conditions for the transfer of technologies in the field of waste management.
"The prospects for SCO cooperation in the post-pandemic period not only retain their relevance but should also reach a new level. I would like to note that of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals until 2030 (SDG), 10 points relate to the environment. And in the current difficult conditions of the coronavirus pandemic, the tasks of implementing the SDGs remain relevant for the SCO member states. I believe the initiative of the China Centre for SCO Environmental Cooperation on establishing the SCO Environment Information Sharing Platform deserves the support of the SCO member states," Vladimir Norov concluded.
During the webinar, discussions were held as part of three sessions on the coordination of efforts to prevent and control the coronavirus epidemic, as well as environmental protection.
A ceremony of signing a Memorandum of Understanding between the China Centre for SCO Environmental Cooperation and the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia was also held.