Beijing Aims to Become a Global Hub for Energy Cooperation with Excellence Standards

Beijing is building a new high ground for global energy cooperation as it prepares to host the 29th World Gas Conference, which will open with great fanfare. The event is organized by the International Gas Union (IGU) and supported by the Beijing Municipal Government, the National Energy Administration, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development. I would like to extend heartfelt thanks on behalf of the organizing committee to the national ministries, international organizations, various sectors of society, and media friends who have long supported the preparations for this conference!

The International Gas Union is the largest international organization in the global gas industry, playing a crucial role in advocating for gas development worldwide. As one of the countries with the most members in the IGU, China has long valued and supported the work of this organization. Beijing sincerely welcomes the World Gas Conference and is committed to providing excellent service and support for the event.

The World Gas Conference is regarded as the "Olympics" of the energy sector. Its debut in China, specifically in Beijing, reflects the international community's high recognition of China's energy transition efforts and highlights Beijing's global influence as a center for international exchange and technological innovation.

This year's conference, themed "Empowering a Sustainable Future," aims to establish an important cooperation platform for "technology sharing, industrial integration, and collaborative development." It will serve as a significant stage for implementing the "Global Development Initiative" and deepening cooperation in global energy governance, showcasing the practices of modernization in the capital and promoting a high level of openness.

In recent years, China has deeply implemented a new energy security strategy, continuously promoting revolutions in energy consumption, supply, technology, and systems, while enhancing international energy cooperation. As the largest natural gas-consuming city in China and the second-largest in the world, natural gas is indispensable to Beijing's development. Currently, the city is establishing a new high ground for global energy cooperation with "first-class standards."

This conference will comprehensively display China's energy transition blueprint and the results of Beijing's practices, expand the network of global energy cooperation, and lead the construction of an open and mutually beneficial international cooperation and governance framework for energy transition. It will create a platform for domestic and international industry exchanges, promote partnerships among participating organizations and enterprises, elevate international cooperation levels, and highlight innovations in digital technology and green development. It aims to enhance the capacity of clean, low-carbon energy services, driving public support and participation in the energy transition.

Under the guidance and support of national ministries, Beijing has established a conference organization mechanism that coordinates leadership and promotes specialized working groups. The preparation focuses on four key areas:

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    <li><b>Deepening global energy governance cooperation through strategic collaboration.</b> The agenda will be carefully designed to align with the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, showcasing China's commitment to clean energy transition and advocating for a fair and inclusive international energy governance system. The IGU and other organizations will release the "Beijing Declaration on Low-Carbon Development of the Global Gas Industry," contributing Chinese solutions to global energy green transition.</li>
    <li><b>Stimulating industrial transformation through technological innovation.</b> Leveraging Beijing's resources as an international innovation center, the conference will showcase the latest technological achievements from both domestic and international fronts, attracting leading enterprises and teams worldwide. Over 50,000 square meters of exhibition space and nearly 80 forum activities will present cutting-edge global energy technologies, fostering international technological cooperation and accelerating breakthroughs in key technologies.</li>
    <li><b>Facilitating interconnectedness through an open platform.</b> An innovative model will be introduced to connect industry through the conference and exhibition, targeting international organizations, multinational enterprises, and top talents to promote multi-faceted international energy cooperation, bringing more innovative resources to Beijing and providing a "Beijing model" for deep integration into the global energy industry chain.</li>
    <li><b>Highlighting cultural integration to showcase the capital's characteristics.</b> Activities such as "city tours" and "technical visits" will narrate Beijing's transformation story from a "Double Olympic City" to a "Double Carbon Pioneer." The conference will balance frugality and effectiveness, ensuring participants feel the warmth and efficiency of "Beijing service" in every detail, from venue facilities and transportation to guest reception and volunteer services.</li>
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We believe that through collective efforts, this gas conference will become a "golden card" for China's deepening international energy cooperation in the new era. It will showcase how Beijing serves national strategies with first-class standards and witness China's commitment to high-quality development in building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Finally, we invite global partners to join us in Beijing in May 2025.

In response to a reporter's question about the strategic considerations behind Beijing being selected as the host city for the World Gas Conference, Deputy Director Lai Xianyu of the Beijing Development and Reform Commission stated that as the capital and an international exchange center, Beijing possesses the facilities and capabilities to host various international events. It also has advantages in energy consumption scale, structure, technology, and enterprises, serving as a solid foundation for hosting the conference.

Beijing will seize this opportunity to not only successfully host this conference but also:

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    <li><b>Showcase important achievements of the national energy strategy.</b> The energy security strategy of "four revolutions, one cooperation," proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping, has been deeply implemented in Beijing. The conference will serve as an important window to promote China's energy transition achievements and contribute wisdom to global climate governance. As a leading city in natural gas consumption, Beijing's experiences in clean energy utilization and smart pipeline construction will provide a model for energy transition in cities worldwide.</li>
    <li><b>Create a hub for international resource connectivity.</b> As one of the countries with the most members in the IGU, China and Beijing have long attached great importance to supporting the work of the IGU. Beijing hosts 90% of the headquarters of central energy enterprises and branches of the world's top 50 energy companies, forming a robust innovation ecosystem in the gas industry. The conference will facilitate the cross-border flow of technology, capital, and data, establishing a network for energy cooperation that connects domestic and international cycles.</li>
    <li><b>Establish a dialogue platform for global energy governance.</b> As the world's first "Double Olympic City," Beijing has extensive experience hosting significant international events such as the APEC Summit and the Belt and Road Forum. Utilizing the intelligent facilities of the new National Conference Center’s second phase, we aim to create a new landmark for global energy governance that integrates cutting-edge technology display, high-level think tank discussions, and major achievement releases, contributing to climate change mitigation and energy security.</li>
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Currently, preparations for the conference are progressing smoothly, with various tasks moving forward steadily. Beijing will organize rich cultural and consumer experience activities, providing a platform to showcase China's profound cultural heritage and business environment. It is expected that over 200 renowned global companies will participate, unleashing innovative momentum; more than 400 industry leaders will speak to discuss development paths; and nearly 80 thematic forums will spark intellectual exchanges. We firmly believe that this grand event will become an important milestone in driving changes in the global energy governance system, injecting new momentum into the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.